Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 small tacos 1x

Description

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace combine the juicy flavors of seasoned ground chicken with tangy dill pickles and a creamy ranch sauce made from blended cottage cheese. Topped with melted mozzarella or Jack cheese crispy edges and fresh shredded cabbage, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

For the Ranch Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned ground chicken until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Make the Ranch Sauce: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy to create the ranch sauce.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Lace: On the skillet, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese in small rounds or single layers until crispy and golden, creating crispy cheese lace pieces.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of the ranch sauce onto each tortilla, add a portion of cooked chicken, top with chopped dill pickles and their brine, shredded cabbage, and finish with the crispy cheese lace on top for an added crunch.

Notes

  • You can use either mozzarella or Jack cheese depending on your preference for meltiness and flavor.
  • For extra tanginess, add more pickle brine to the ranch sauce if desired.
  • The cheese lace can be baked in the oven on parchment paper at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes if preferred over skillet crisping.
  • Use corn or flour tortillas based on your dietary needs or taste preference.
  • To keep tacos low carb, skip the tortillas and serve the filling on lettuce wraps.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/dill-pickle-ranch-smash-chicken-tacos-with-crispy-cheese-lace-recipe/