Crispy Chicken Ranch Tacos
Indulge in these Crispy Chicken Ranch Tacos, a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, these savory tacos feature tender, bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken, drizzled with a creamy homemade ranch dressing that brings a zesty twist. Topped with crunch lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors. Adjust the ingredients to your liking and surprise your family and friends with these delightful tacos that are guaranteed to become a new favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Taco Shells
6-8 (I prefer stand 'n' stuff variety)
Oil
2 tablespoons
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
5-6 (cut into small bite-size pieces)
Taco Seasoning Mix
0.5 (1 1/4 ounce package) (adjust according to taste)
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 (28 g) package
Shredded Head Lettuce
2 cups
Tomatoes
1-2 (finely chopped)
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
2 cups (or to taste)
Green Onions
2-3 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix with 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of mayonnaise, or follow the package directions for dressing. For an extra kick, consider adding 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic (optional). Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and lightly golden, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season the chicken with the taco seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance flavor without drying it out. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl.
4
Assemble the tacos by placing even amounts of the cooked chicken into each taco shell.
5
Generously drizzle your prepared ranch dressing over the chicken, ensuring you reserve some dressing for topping the finished tacos.
6
Layer each taco with shredded lettuce, finely chopped tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
7
Lastly, garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle a little more ranch dressing on top for added flavor.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious crunch and savory flavors of your homemade tacos!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Chicken Ranch Tacos?
They are a delightful fusion of flavors featuring tender, seasoned chicken drizzled with a creamy homemade ranch dressing and topped with fresh vegetables and cheese.
How many taco shells do I need?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 taco shells.
What kind of taco shells are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using the stand 'n' stuff variety for easier assembly.
What type of chicken should I use?
Use 5 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
How do I make the homemade ranch dressing?
Combine one 28g package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix with 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I add garlic to the ranch dressing?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic for an extra kick.
Should the ranch dressing be prepared in advance?
Yes, it should be mixed thoroughly and refrigerated until you are ready to serve the tacos.
How much oil is needed for frying the chicken?
You will need 2 tablespoons of oil.
What temperature should I cook the chicken at?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering before adding the chicken.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and lightly golden.
When should I add the taco seasoning?
Add the taco seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor without drying the chicken out.
How much taco seasoning is required?
Use about half of a 1.25-ounce package, or adjust according to your taste preferences.
How do I assemble the tacos?
Place even amounts of cooked chicken into each shell, drizzle with ranch, and then add your toppings.
What kind of lettuce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded head lettuce.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 1 to 2 tomatoes that have been finely chopped.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Are green onions used as a garnish?
Yes, garnish each taco with 2 to 3 chopped green onions.
When is the best time to serve these tacos?
They should be served immediately to enjoy the delicious crunch and savory flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for any weeknight dinner and a quick meal.
Can I adjust the ingredient amounts?
Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking to surprise your family and friends.
What makes the chicken 'crispy' in this recipe?
The chicken becomes lightly golden and crispy when sautéed in oil over medium-high heat.
What is the flavor profile of the ranch dressing?
The homemade ranch brings a zesty twist and a creamy texture to the savory seasoned chicken.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 9 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this considered Mexican cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized under Mexican cuisine and taco night themes.
What should I do with the remaining ranch dressing?
Reserve some of the dressing to drizzle on top of the finished tacos for added flavor.
How many servings does this make?
While not explicitly stated, the use of 6 to 8 taco shells typically serves 3 to 4 people.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while Mexican blend is suggested, you can use any cheese to your taste.
What is the texture of the finished tacos?
They provide a satisfying crunch from the shells and lettuce combined with gooey melted cheese.
How do I ensure the chicken is flavorful?
Seasoning with taco mix at the end of the cooking process ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.