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Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos

Crispy smashed chicken tacos featuring a golden cheddar cheese skirt, topped with crunchy pickles and a homemade creamy dill pickle ranch sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

The Tacos
  • 1 lb ground chicken 93% lean
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade blend
  • 8 count small flour tortillas fajita size
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for pan
Dill Pickle Ranch
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
Toppings
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 0.5 cup dill pickles sliced or chopped

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
  • Large spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, pickle juice, chopped dill, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until serving.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken and taco seasoning. Mix gently until combined. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll loosely into balls.
  3. Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with olive oil.
  4. Place chicken balls onto the hot skillet. Immediately place a tortilla on top of each ball.
  5. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash the tortilla down flat, spreading the chicken underneath to the edges of the tortilla.
  6. Cook for 3-4 minutes undisturbed until the chicken forms a deep brown crust.
  7. Flip the tacos. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese around the edges of the tortilla on the hot pan to create a crispy skirt, and some inside the taco.
  8. Cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is crispy and bubbling and tortilla is toasted.
  9. Remove from heat. Top with shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of the prepared dill pickle ranch.

Notes

Use parchment paper between your press and the tortilla if it sticks during the smashing process.