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Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace offer a delightful twist on classic tacos by blending savory ground chicken with tangy dill pickles and ranch-flavored cottage cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a crispy cheese topping and fresh cabbage for texture and flavor, making it a perfect quick meal with a unique taste profile.

Ingredients

Protein and Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons pickle brine

Dairy and Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
  • 1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned ground chicken. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan or skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Lace: In a clean non-stick skillet, add small mounds of shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese and cook over medium heat until the cheese melts and turns crispy and golden, forming a lace-like pattern. Remove carefully and drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Ranch Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness and flavor.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Place warm tortillas on a plate. Add a layer of cooked ground chicken, then sprinkle with chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage for crunch.
  7. Add Cheese Lace and Dressing: Top each taco with a spoonful of the ranch-seasoned cottage cheese mixture, drizzle with pickle brine, and finish by adding a crispy cheese lace on top for an extra crunch.

Notes

  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • Feel free to use any preferred melting cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) for the cheese lace.
  • Serve with extra dill pickles on the side for added tanginess.
  • For a spicy kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mix.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.

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