I love the Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe for its bright, tangy bite and quick weeknight charm. I share this taco often, and I also pair ideas from recipes like crunchy dill pickle chicken salad when I want extra crunch at the table.
Your Ingredients List
- 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
My Go-To Equipment
I use a large skillet, a small nonstick pan for crisping cheese, a mixing bowl, and a spatula. For more ideas on skillet work and quick builds, I sometimes look back at my notes from the bang bang chicken sliders post.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled.
- In a small pan, sprinkle shredded cheese in small circles and cook until crispy to make cheese lace.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Mix cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and lemon juice to make the ranch sauce.
- Assemble tacos with chicken, cheese lace, pickles, cabbage, and ranch sauce.
- Drizzle with pickle brine before serving.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I swap in lean ground turkey or extra cabbage for more crunch and fewer calories. You can use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning if you want a lighter sauce.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I serve these tacos with a side of black beans or a simple green salad. For a warm bowl option on a cool night, try flavors inspired by my best white chicken chili to carry the same tangy, comforting notes.
Getting It Just Right
Taste the cooked chicken and add more salt or brine if it needs a lift. Make the cheese lace thin so it crisps well. Keep the pickles chopped small to spread flavor evenly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet and crisp the cheese on low heat before reassembling.
Enjoy Every Moment
I like to plate the tacos family-style and watch everyone pile on pickles and sauce. Eat while hot for the best crunch and flavor.
A Few Common Questions
Can I make the Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken ahead and reheat it. Keep the sauce and pickles separate until you build the tacos for the best texture.
Can I use other meats in the Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Yes, this recipe works with other ground meats or plant-based crumbles. Adjust salt and spices to fit the protein you use.
How can I adjust the ranch sauce for the Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos Recipe?
You can make the ranch sauce milder by using less ranch seasoning or swap cottage cheese for plain Greek yogurt for a smoother texture.
Print
Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Bright and tangy chicken tacos with a delightful crunch, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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
- Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled.
- In a small pan, sprinkle shredded cheese in small circles and cook until crispy to make cheese lace.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Mix cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and lemon juice to make the ranch sauce.
- Assemble tacos with chicken, cheese lace, pickles, cabbage, and ranch sauce.
- Drizzle with pickle brine before serving.
Notes
For healthier options, swap in lean ground turkey or extra cabbage. Store leftovers in separate airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, chicken tacos, dill pickle recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meals