Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos bring a fresh and flavorful twist to taco night. With juicy seasoned ground chicken, crunchy pickles, and a creamy ranch-cottage cheese sauce, they’re a delightful mix of textures and tangy flavors sure to satisfy your cravings.

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

1. Step 1: Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the spices evenly.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate pan, sprinkle small circles of shredded cheese and cook until crispy to make cheese lace. Remove and let cool on paper towels.
4. Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to create the creamy ranch sauce.
6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by layering the cooked chicken, cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a generous dollop of the ranch sauce onto each tortilla.
7. Step 7: Drizzle each taco with pickle brine for an extra tangy kick before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, substitute mozzarella with pepper jack cheese or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the chicken.
• Swap the shredded cabbage for lettuce or coleslaw to suit your texture preference.
• If you prefer a spicier taco, mix some hot sauce into the ranch-cottage cheese blend.
• Cheese lace can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container to save time.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and taco components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh tacos. Cheese lace is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept sealed for a day or two to retain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe, offering a similar texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use pickle brine?

While pickle brine adds a unique tangy flavor that elevates the tacos, you can omit it if preferred or substitute with a squeeze of lime for acidity.

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 136 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine flavorful, seasoned ground chicken with crispy cheese lace and tangy dill pickle accents. A creamy ranch sauce made from cottage cheese adds a refreshing twist, while shredded cabbage provides a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight meal with a unique pickle-inspired flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Ranch Sauce

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
• 1 squeeze of lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly seasoned.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned ground chicken until it is fully browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Prepare cheese lace: In a separate non-stick pan, sprinkle small circles of shredded cheese and cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and crispy, forming cheese lace. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Warm tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds until warm and pliable.
5. Make ranch sauce: Blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble tacos: Place warm tortillas on plates and layer each with cooked chicken, cheese lace, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and a generous dollop of ranch sauce.
7. Finish with pickle brine: Drizzle each assembled taco with pickle brine to add tangy flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use mozzarella or Jack cheese based on your preference for a milder or sharper flavor.
• Cheese lace is optional but adds a delightful crispy texture.
• Pickle brine drizzle is key for an extra tangy kick—don’t skip it!
• You can substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
• For a dairy-free version, omit cheese and substitute cottage cheese sauce with a vegan ranch dressing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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