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Smash Chicken Tacos with Pickle Ranch

A brilliant twist on classic tacos featuring crispy textures, juicy seasoned chicken, and a tangy, creamy pickle ranch sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tacos
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese For topping the tacos
  • Chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons pickle brine
  • Shredded cabbage For slaw
For the Pickle Ranch Sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 squeeze lemon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and mix thoroughly.
  2. Divide the seasoned chicken into small portions suitable for each tortilla.
Cooking
  1. Place a portion of seasoned chicken directly onto a tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese over it.
  2. Press the mixture thinly to adhere well, achieving the signature smash taco texture.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the tortilla chicken-side down, cooking until the cheese is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip carefully and cook until the chicken is fully done and the tortilla is lightly toasted.
Making the Slaw
  1. Combine shredded cabbage with chopped dill pickles and pickle brine to create a refreshing topping.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Blend cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
  1. Fill the tacos with the pickle slaw and drizzle generously with the pickle ranch sauce.
  2. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For perfect smash tacos, press chicken thin for even cooking, use a hot skillet for crispiness, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.