Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine savory ground chicken with tangy pickles and a creamy ranch sauce for a flavorful twist on classic tacos. Crisp cheese laces add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite exciting and delicious.

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

1. Step 1: Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled.
3. Step 3: In a separate pan, sprinkle shredded cheese in small circles and cook until crispy to make cheese lace.
4. Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Step 5: Mix the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to create the ranch sauce.
6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by layering chicken, cheese lace, chopped pickles, shredded cabbage, and ranch sauce.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the tacos with pickle brine before serving to add a bright, tangy finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use Jack cheese for a slightly creamier cheese lace, or try sharp cheddar for more bite.
• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if preferred.
• Add fresh chopped cilantro or jalapeños for extra freshness and heat.
• Serve with lime wedges for added zesty flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cheese lace is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept crisp in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos. Avoid refrigerating assembled tacos to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cheese lace and freshness of the ingredients.

What can I use if I don’t have pickle brine?

If you don’t have pickle brine, a splash of lemon juice or a light vinegar-based dressing can add a similar tangy flavor to the tacos.

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos are a flavorful twist on classic tacos featuring seasoned ground chicken, crispy cheese lace, tangy dill pickles, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy homemade ranch cottage cheese sauce, all drizzled with zesty pickle brine for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Seasoning

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings & Fillings

• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons pickle brine

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook until fully browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Make the cheese lace: In a separate pan, sprinkle small circles of shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese. Cook over medium heat until the cheese melts and becomes crispy, forming delicate cheese lace rounds. Remove carefully and set aside to cool and firm up.
4. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave for about 15-20 seconds until soft and pliable.
5. Prepare the ranch sauce: Blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth and creamy, adjusting for the desired consistency.
6. Assemble the tacos: Layer the cooked seasoned chicken inside the warmed tortillas. Top with cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a generous dollop of the ranch cottage cheese sauce.
7. Finish with pickle brine: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of pickle brine over the assembled tacos just before serving for an extra tangy punch.

Notes

• Use either mozzarella or Jack cheese based on preference; both melt well and create crispy cheese lace.
• For a spicier taco, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
• Warming tortillas ensures they’re flexible and won’t tear when folding.
• Cottage cheese blending makes a creamy but lower-fat alternative to traditional ranch dressing.
• Cheese lace can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a day.
• Drizzle pickle brine just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

Keywords: ground chicken tacos, dill pickle tacos, ranch chicken tacos, cheese lace, cottage cheese ranch sauce, quick dinner, easy tacos, skillet chicken