Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Dive into a flavorful twist on tacos with these Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos. Ground chicken seasoned with smoky spices pairs perfectly with tangy dill pickles and a creamy ranch sauce for a unique and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare.
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 blended with 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled.
- Step 3: In a separate pan, sprinkle shredded cheese in small circles and cook until crispy to make cheese lace.
- Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Step 5: Mix cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and lemon juice to make the ranch sauce.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos with chicken, cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and ranch sauce.
- Step 7: Drizzle the tacos with pickle brine before serving for extra tang.
Tips & Variations
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or cheddar for a sharper flavor in the cheese lace.
- For a crispier texture, toast the tortillas lightly before assembling.
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Add some fresh herbs like cilantro or dill to enhance the fresh flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet, and warm the tortillas before serving again. Cheese lace is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped in parchment paper for a day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild, but you can easily add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken or ranch sauce for extra heat.
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Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
Description
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine savory ground chicken seasoned with garlic and paprika, crispy cheese lace, tangy dill pickles, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy ranch-flavored cottage cheese sauce with a splash of pickle brine for a unique and flavorful taco experience. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with a crunchy and tangy twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings and Fillings
- 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
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (a squeeze)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned ground chicken until fully browned and crumbled, ensuring it is completely cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Make the Cheese Lace: In a separate pan, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese in small circles to form cheese crisps. Cook until the cheese is melted and crispy, then carefully remove and set aside.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet over low heat or microwave until warm and pliable, ready for assembling the tacos.
- Prepare the Ranch Sauce: Blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth and creamy to create a tangy ranch-flavored sauce.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with a scoop of the cooked ground chicken, topped with a crispy cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a generous drizzle of the cottage cheese ranch sauce.
- Finish with Pickle Brine: Drizzle each assembled taco with 2 tablespoons of pickle brine for an extra burst of tangy flavor just before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Use any shredded cheese that melts well to make cheese lace, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Cheese lace can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a day.
- Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dill pickle tacos, ranch chicken tacos, ground chicken recipe, cheese lace tacos, quick taco recipe, savory chicken tacos
