Description
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos combine tender ground chicken seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic powder, topped with tangy dill pickles, crisp shredded cabbage, and a zesty cottage cheese ranch drizzle. Crispy cheese laces add a delightful crunch, making this taco recipe a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 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 juice
Cheese Lace
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
Other
- 8 small tortillas
Instructions
- Mix the chicken seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas: In a separate pan, warm the 8 small tortillas over low heat until soft and pliable, about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep them warm wrapped in a clean towel.
- Prepare the cheese lace: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese evenly in small circles to form cheese laces. Cook until the cheese melts and turns crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove and let cool slightly.
- Make the cottage cheese ranch topping: In a small bowl, blend 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the tacos: Place warm tortillas on plates. Spoon cooked chicken evenly onto each tortilla. Top with chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage. Add a dollop of the cottage cheese ranch mixture on top, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons pickle brine for extra tang.
- Add crispy cheese lace: Garnish each taco with a crispy cheese lace for delightful texture and flavor contrast. Serve immediately with additional dill pickles on the side if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to use your preferred cheese type to make the cheese lace, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Serve with extra dill pickles for added tangy crunch.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
- Use corn or flour tortillas based on your dietary preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 tacos)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
