Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos offer a fun twist on classic tacos with a tangy, creamy ranch sauce and crunchy pickle flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, they combine juicy seasoned ground chicken, crispy cheese lace, and refreshing cabbage in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons pickle brine
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and crumbled.
- Step 3: In a separate pan, sprinkle small circles of shredded cheese and cook until crispy and golden to form cheese lace; carefully remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Step 5: In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to create the ranch sauce.
- Step 6: Assemble the tacos by layering cooked chicken, cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of ranch sauce on each tortilla.
- Step 7: Drizzle each taco with pickle brine just before serving for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick in your cheese lace.
- Swap shredded cabbage with coleslaw mix for added crunch and color.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan cheese.
- If you want more tang, add extra pickle brine to the ranch sauce mixture.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked chicken, ranch sauce, and cheese lace separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped to prevent drying. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. For best texture, add crispy cheese lace just before serving again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can finely chop or shred cooked chicken breast, but for the best texture and ease, ground chicken is preferred.
Is there a substitute for pickle brine?
If you don’t have pickle brine, a splash of lemon juice or a mild vinegar can provide a similar tangy note.
PrintDill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine flavorful seasoned ground chicken with a tangy dill pickle twist and creamy ranch sauce, all served in warm tortillas with crispy cheese lace and fresh cabbage for a crunchy finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal bursting with bold, zesty flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings and Sauce
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons pickle brine
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the meat is evenly seasoned for balanced flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned ground chicken. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it is fully browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes.
- Make cheese lace: In a separate dry pan, drop small circles of shredded cheese and cook over medium heat until the cheese melts and turns crispy, forming cheese lace. Remove and let cool.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the small tortillas either in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Prepare ranch sauce: Blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth to create a tangy creamy ranch sauce.
- Assemble the tacos: On each warm tortilla, layer the cooked ground chicken, a piece of cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of the ranch sauce.
- Finish with pickle brine: Drizzle a small amount of pickle brine over the assembled tacos for an extra burst of dill pickle flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use mozzarella or Jack cheese based on preference; both melt well and create crispy cheese lace.
- Warm tortillas improve flexibility and prevent cracking when folded.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Cheese lace can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Pickle brine drizzle is optional but adds a unique tangy flavor.
Keywords: chicken tacos, dill pickle tacos, ranch chicken tacos, cheesy tacos, quick dinner, ground chicken recipe
