Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Recipe

Introduction

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight offer a fresh twist on classic tacos. The combination of seasoned ground chicken, tangy dill pickles, and a creamy cottage cheese ranch topping creates a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

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
• Squeeze of lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Step 2: Cook the seasoned chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat until soft and pliable.
4. Step 4: Prepare the crispy cheese by melting the shredded cheese in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, allowing it to cook until golden brown and crisp. Remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: Blend cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by layering cooked chicken, chopped dill pickles, and shredded cabbage on each tortilla.
7. Step 7: Top with the cottage cheese ranch mixture and drizzle with pickle brine for added tang and moisture.
8. Step 8: Finish by adding the crispy cheese on top for a delightful crunch and flavor boost.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if preferred.
• Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Try mixing different cheese types such as sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor in the crispy cheese layer.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas sealed in a plastic bag to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. The crispy cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated quickly for a few seconds to regain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Just season and warm it in the skillet before assembling the tacos.

What can I substitute for pickle brine?

If you don’t have pickle brine, a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can add tanginess, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine tender seasoned ground chicken with tangy dill pickles, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy cottage cheese ranch topping. Melted crispy cheese lace adds an irresistible crunch, making these tacos a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors for a quick and satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

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

For the Tacos

• 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 lemon (juice)

---

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned ground chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan or skillet, gently heat the tortillas over medium heat until warm and pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
4. Make the Crispy Cheese Lace: Using a non-stick skillet, melt the shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese over medium heat in small rounds or a single layer, allowing it to cook until it becomes golden and crispy, forming a cheese lace. Remove carefully and set aside.
5. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Ranch Topping: Blend the cottage cheese with the ranch seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Lay the warmed tortillas flat, then add a generous portion of cooked chicken, followed by chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage. Top each taco with a spoonful of the cottage cheese ranch mixture.
7. Finish with Pickle Brine and Cheese Lace: Drizzle each taco with pickle brine for an extra tangy kick and place a piece of crispy cheese lace on top or to the side for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use turkey or lean ground beef as an alternative to chicken if desired.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
• The cheese lace can be shaped into small rounds for easy taco topping or crispy chips on the side.
• If ranch seasoning is unavailable, use a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley instead.
• Warm the tortillas just before assembly to keep them soft and easy to fold.

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

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