Description
These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace combine juicy seasoned ground chicken with tangy dill pickles and creamy ranch-spiced cottage cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a crunchy cheese lace for an irresistible texture contrast. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with a fun twist on traditional tacos.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Fillings
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tbsp pickle brine
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Other
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese (for crispy cheese lace)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook the Patties: Shape the seasoned chicken into patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Smash the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken patties from the skillet and place them on a plate. Using a spatula, gently smash the patties into thinner, broader pieces for easy taco filling.
- Make the Crispy Cheese Lace: In the same skillet, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese evenly to form a thin layer. Cook over medium heat until the cheese melts and becomes golden and crispy like a lace. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly.
- Warm the Tortillas: Briefly warm the tortillas in the skillet until soft and pliable, about 15-30 seconds per side.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the cottage cheese with ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer the warmed tortilla with smashed chicken, chopped dill pickles, shredded cabbage, and the cottage cheese ranch mixture.
- Finish with Cheese Lace: Top each taco with a piece of crispy cheese lace to add a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use fresh pickles and good-quality cottage cheese for the best flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use corn tortillas.
- Adjust the ranch seasoning in the cottage cheese mixture to suit your taste preference.
- Cook the cheese lace on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure crispiness.
