why make this recipe

This taco recipe is quick. It mixes tasty dill pickles and ranch with ground chicken. The crispy cheese adds a nice crunch. It works for weeknights and small dinners.

introduction

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight are fun and fast. They give you a fresh, sour bite from pickles and creamy ranch from blended cottage cheese. If you like chicken ideas, try a baked chicken recipe like balsamic baked chicken breast with mozzarella for another easy meal.

how to make Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight

Mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked and no pink remains.
Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or on a dry griddle.
Make cheese lace by placing shredded cheese in a non-stick skillet and heating until the cheese melts and turns crispy edges. Remove and cool.
Chop the dill pickles and mix a little pickle brine to drizzle later.
Blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon until smooth.
Assemble each taco: place some cooked chicken on a warm tortilla, add chopped pickles and shredded cabbage, top with the cottage cheese mixture, drizzle pickle brine, and add a piece of crispy cheese lace.

Ingredients :

1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper
8 small tortillas
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
2 tablespoons pickle brine
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup cottage cheese blended with 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon

Directions :

In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
In a separate pan, heat tortillas until warm.
Prepare cheese lace by melting cheese in a non-stick skillet until crispy.
Assemble tacos with chicken, dill pickles, and shredded cabbage.
Top with cottage cheese mixture and drizzle with pickle brine.

how to serve Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight

Serve the tacos right away while the cheese lace is crisp. Place extra pickle brine and lime wedges on the side. Offer a simple salad or chips as a side. These tacos are best hot.

how to store Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the cottage cheese mix separate in a small container. Do not store assembled tacos; the tortillas get soggy. Reheat chicken in a skillet before using.

tips to make Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Delight

Cook chicken in one even layer so it browns well.
Make the cheese lace one at a time on medium heat; watch so it does not burn.
Use cold cottage cheese in the blender for a smoother sauce.
Drain pickles well so they do not make the tacos soggy.
Warm tortillas briefly to stop them from breaking.

variation (if any)

Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken.
Swap cottage cheese mixture for plain ranch dressing if you prefer.
Add sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for more flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy cheese lace.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Warm the chicken and season it with the garlic powder and paprika before assembling.

Q: How can I make the cheese lace ahead of time?
A: Make cheese laces, let them cool, and store in a single layer in an airtight container for up to one day. They stay crisp longer if kept dry.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use dairy-free shredded cheese for the lace and swap the cottage cheese blend for a dairy-free ranch-style sauce.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Cool the chicken, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.