Smash Chicken Tacos with Dill Pickle Ranch & Crispy Cheese (Print Version)
Smash chicken tacos burst with tangy dill pickle ranch, crispy cheese, and juicy chicken. A quick, flavor-packed weeknight meal with a fun twist.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ Crispy Chicken & Tortilla Base
01 -
1 lb ground chicken (93/7 lean)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 tsp garlic powder
04 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
05 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
06 -
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
07 -
8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
→ Zesty Pickle Ranch Drizzle
08 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 -
1/4 cup sour cream
10 -
2 tbsp dill pickle juice
11 -
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (plus extra for garnish)
12 -
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
13 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 -
1/4 tsp onion powder
15 -
Pinch of salt and pepper
→ Fresh & Tangy Toppings
16 -
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp dill pickle juice, 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to create your Zesty Pickle Ranch Drizzle.
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide the seasoned ground chicken into 8 equal portions. Place 2-3 portions in the hot skillet, then immediately use a sturdy spatula to smash each portion very thin and flat, preparing the base for your Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos | Crispy Cheese.
04 -
Cook the smashed chicken for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy on one side. Flip each chicken patty. Immediately sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the cooked chicken. Place 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas directly on top of the melting cheese, setting the stage for your delicious Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos | Crispy Cheese.
05 -
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt, crisp up, and adhere to the tortillas. The tortillas should be lightly browned. Carefully remove the Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos | Crispy Cheese from the skillet, folding each in half. Repeat with remaining chicken, cheese, and tortillas.
06 -
Open each crispy taco and generously fill with the Zesty Pickle Ranch Drizzle. Top with 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and extra chopped dill pickles for garnish. Serve these incredible Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos | Crispy Cheese immediately for the best flavor and texture.
# Notes:
01 -
For the crispiest chicken and cheese, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the smash tacos in batches if necessary.
02 -
Feel free to customize your Zesty Pickle Ranch Drizzle! A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
03 -
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos | Crispy Cheese are best enjoyed fresh to savor the crispy texture. The cheese will soften over time.
04 -
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and assemble with fresh tortillas and sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large non-stick skillet
02 -
Sturdy metal spatula
03 -
Mixing bowls
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Knife
06 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 702 kcal
Total Fat: 50 g
Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
Protein: 45 g