Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight Recipe
Introduction
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos bring a fun twist to weeknight dinners with their juicy, seasoned chicken and a crispy cheese delight. Combined with tangy dill pickles and a creamy ranch cottage cheese topping, they offer a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to impress.
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
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken mixture until it is fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, warm the tortillas in a separate pan until soft and pliable.
- Step 4: To make the crispy cheese lace, melt the shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, then carefully transfer to a paper towel to cool and crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked chicken on the warmed tortillas. Top with chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage.
- Step 7: Add a dollop of the ranch-seasoned cottage cheese mixture on top and drizzle with pickle brine.
- Step 8: Finish by adding pieces of the crispy cheese lace for a delightful crunch before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist on the crispy cheese lace.
- Swap out the ground chicken for turkey or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Try serving with fresh avocado slices to add creaminess.
Storage
Store leftover chicken mixture and cottage cheese topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped to maintain softness. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. For best texture, prepare the crispy cheese lace fresh before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and cottage cheese mixture ahead, but for the best flavor and texture, assemble the tacos and add the crispy cheese just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have pickle brine?
If you don’t have pickle brine, a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt can provide a similar tangy flavor.
PrintDill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight Recipe
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight bring together ground chicken seasoned with garlic and paprika, crunchy dill pickles, fresh shredded cabbage, and a tangy ranch-spiked cottage cheese topping. The tacos feature crispy melted cheese lace for added texture and flavor, making for a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for taco night or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the seasoned ground chicken, and cook until the meat is fully cooked through with no pink remaining, breaking it apart as it cooks for a crumbly texture.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan or skillet, warm the small tortillas over medium heat until pliable and slightly toasted, about 30 seconds per side. Keep them warm until assembly.
- Prepare Cheese Lace: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese evenly to form thin circles. Cook until the cheese melts completely and becomes crispy and golden brown, forming crispy cheese lace. Carefully remove and let cool to maintain shape.
- Blend Cottage Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Blend or stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the warm tortillas and divide the cooked ground chicken evenly among them. Top each with chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage for crunch.
- Add Toppings and Finish: Spoon the blended cottage cheese ranch mixture over the tacos and drizzle with pickle brine to add tangy moisture. Finally, place a piece of crispy cheese lace on top of each taco for an extra cheesy crunch.
Notes
- Use either mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for the crispy cheese lace; both melt and crisp nicely.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more paprika or garlic powder if desired.
- The pickle brine adds a bright tang; use fresh brine for the best flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute low-fat cottage cheese and cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy cheese while it’s fresh.
- These tacos can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas.
Keywords: tacos, ground chicken tacos, dill pickle tacos, ranch chicken tacos, crispy cheese tacos, quick chicken tacos, easy dinner recipe
