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Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

A flavorful and crunchy taco recipe featuring seasoned ground chicken, crispy cheese lace, tangy dill pickles, and a creamy ranch cottage cheese sauce with a zesty pickle brine drizzle. Perfectly balanced with spices and textures for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

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

Toppings and Assembly

  • 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 (about 1 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned ground chicken. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and crumbled, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make cheese lace: In a separate non-stick pan, sprinkle small circles of shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese and cook over medium heat until the cheese melts and turns golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove to a paper towel to cool and crisp further.
  4. Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 15 seconds until warm and pliable.
  5. Prepare ranch sauce: In a small blender or bowl, combine cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble tacos: On each warmed tortilla, spread a spoonful of the cooked ground chicken, top with a piece of crispy cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of the creamy ranch sauce.
  7. Final touch: Drizzle each taco with pickle brine for an extra tangy kick before serving immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
  • For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
  • The cheese lace adds a crispy texture, so handle carefully to prevent it from breaking.
  • Use fresh squeeze lemon juice for the best flavor in the ranch sauce.
  • These tacos are great served with a side of guacamole or salsa.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: dill pickle tacos, ranch chicken tacos, cheese lace tacos, ground chicken taco recipe, quick chicken tacos