Dinner

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe

ByLily Cross February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos bring a flavorful twist to a classic taco night. Ground chicken seasoned with garlic and paprika pairs perfectly with tangy dill pickles and a creamy ranch sauce for a satisfying, easy meal.

Three tacos are placed side by side on a white plate, each filled with a golden-brown fried chicken strip as the bottom layer. On top of the chicken, there is a layer of thinly shredded light green cabbage, adding texture. A creamy white sauce with green herbs is drizzled generously over the cabbage, creating a contrast with the warm tones of the chicken and cabbage. A small green lime wedge is visible at the edge of the plate. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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 until soft and pliable.
Step 5: Mix the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to create the ranch sauce.
Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering the cooked chicken, cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and ranch sauce on each tortilla.
Step 7: Drizzle each taco with pickle brine before serving for an extra tangy kick.

Tips & Variations

Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist on the cheese lace.
Substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese in the ranch sauce for a smoother texture.
For a crispier taco, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling.
Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat if desired.

Storage

Store leftover taco filling and ranch sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh tacos. Cheese lace is best served fresh but can be stored in a sealed container for a day if needed.

How to Serve

Three tacos are placed side by side on a white plate, each taco filled with a crispy golden-brown fried fish at the bottom layer. Above the fish, there is a layer of thin, light green shredded lettuce. On top of the lettuce, there is a drizzle of a creamy white sauce with green herbs mixed in, spread unevenly across each taco. The tacos are wrapped in slightly charred yellow corn tortillas that have textured spots. A small wedge of lime is partially visible at the edge of the plate. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and will absorb the seasonings nicely.

How do I make cheese lace without it sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet and cook the cheese over medium-low heat to prevent sticking and burning. Let the cheese crisp fully before carefully lifting it from the pan.