Friday, May 13, 2011

Chicken Ranch Tacos




I'm just gonna dive right in & say that I loved these tacos! When I made them I was thinking they'd be ~good enough~. And then I ate them... Yum! I was only planning on eating one but I dished up 2 of them for the sake of the photo - and I ate them both! These will be making a return visit soon! And a bonus? They're super easy.

You'll need:


Cooked chicken, taco seasoning (chicken or beef work), ranch dressing, taco shells & your taco fixings. We're pretty basic here - only lettuce & cheese.

Throw your cooked chicken in a pan over med-high heat. Let it get just a little heat on it then sprinkle it with the taco seasoning. Use what you have, this would be great with chicken or beef taco seasoning. Don't add any water!! Just leave it in there dry. Give it a stir to get everything all coated in the spices.


Let that go for maybe 5-7 minutes, get it all heated through. Then add the Ranch dressing.


Stir it around & warm it through again.

Aaaaaaaand you're DONE!

Look how yummy it looks!


Now turn it into a taco! Meat on the bottom, then I do the cheese next. I like putting it against the warm meat because it helps it melt. I don't love raw (?) cheese but I do like it melted! Above the cheese give it some lettuce and then add some more Ranch! Don't forget the Ranch! I tossed a little more cheese on top so the picture would be pretty!! LOL

By the way - take the couple of extra minutes to warm your taco shells - totally worth it!



These were served up with strawberries & the ever so Mexican steamed peas! LOL Whatever - the kids gobbled it up!

ENJOY!

Chicken Ranch Tacos:

3 cups cooked chicken, cut up
1 pkt. taco seasoning (chicken or beef)
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
------------------
taco shells
lettuce
cheese
Ranch dressing
tomatoes
etc...

Heat a skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken & warm it for a few minutes. Sprinkle on the dry taco seasoning. Do not add any water! Heat for 5-7 minuted until all heated through & powder is stuck to the chicken.

Add Ranch dressing, heat an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Serve in taco shells with all the fixings you love - plus an extra squirt of Ranch!

67 comments:

  1. Do you think I could make this on the slow-cooker? Cook the chicken with the taco seasing and a packet of ranch dressing mix? I am not a great cook, so I am not sure if the result would be the same. Thanks!

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    1. Whoever repinned this on my pinterest said the did a packet of ranch mix, a packet of taco season, and a can of chicken broth on low for 3 hours in the crock pot. :)

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    2. I normally buy the big bulk containers of chicken broth. How many ounces is one can of broth...12 oz?

      Thanks!

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    3. loved did it crock pot way tonight =] yummy i must try it the other way too...

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  2. Replies
    1. No problem. I tried it that way tonight and me and the hubby gobbled it up :) I used a little less than the full can of broth though :)

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  3. For the crockpot how much chicken did you put in?...2 or 3 breasts?

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  4. A can of broth is 14.5oz :) I'm throwing this in the crockpot with 1.5lbs of raw chicken (not frozen)right now. I'll post how it comes out :)

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  5. These came out amazing in the crockpot! So I used 1.5lbs (next time I will use 2)of raw (not frozen) chicken breast, 1 packet of dry ranch dressing, 1 packet chicken taco seasoning & 1 can of chicken broth. Put that all in the crockpot and cooked on low for 3 hours then shredded the chicken and let it cook on low another 30 min. Last 10 min of cooking I heated the taco shells and mixed diced tomatoes, a bag mix of salad, shredded cheddar cheese and a little bottled ranch together. Assemble your tacos and oh my tasty eats!!! Huge thanks for posting this and the Pinster who pinned the slow cooker version!

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  6. Hi there! Found you on Pinterest. This sounds so good. I can't wait to try it!

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  7. Hi! I found you on Pinterest as well. I'm making this tonight for the in-laws. I'm going to try the crockpot version. I'll let you know how it turns out!

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  8. Today is Slow Cooker Sunday and I am excited to try your recipe! Thank you for posting. I also found you on Pinterest.

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  9. Three hours on low cooks the chicken in the crock pot? Usually, it's 3-4 on High and 7-8 on Low.

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    1. I think it was less time, because it was thawed out. She said raw, not frozen. Most recipes are for frozen, so that's why it usually takes so long. :-)

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    2. I made a similar version of this last week - I used 3 whole breasts, and a package of boneless/skinless thighs - my recipe was a jar of salsa instead of broth, but anyway - i work nights, so i put this on at 9am, and let it cook on low until 5pm, then shredded the chicken, and left it on warm until it was dinner time - and I used thawed chicken, never frozen.

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  10. Wow...I took chicken out yesterday to cook that I wasn't able to get to. It was because this recipe was waiting for me! I am making this for dinner on Thursday!I just need to make sure I have enough chicken to feed 9...that includes 2 adults and 4 teenagers...=)

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  11. I made this today! It was a massive success!! Everyone loved it. I did the crockpot version in the skillet. The 8 kids that were here loved it. Not a single complaint!!

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  12. Making this tonite! I too found you on pinterest.. hmmm now to decide the orig. or slow cooker version! :)
    Will be peeking around your blog for sure!!
    Have a GREAT day!

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  13. Going to have to be doing this for my hubby... He loves anything TACO! Thanks for sharing!

    Kali

    www.thedranefamily.blogspot.com

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  14. Going to make this tonight I just bought all the stuff!! Never would have though ranch tacos, but I am excited.

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  15. I pinned this recipe a while back and just made it tonight. My husband who is very "anti Ranch" LOVED it, and both my kids ate it without fussing! Naturally I loved it... and SO easy! Thank you for sharing this, it will be a staple for "quick dinner night!" :D

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    1. I'm so glad you posted this. I was just thinking how my husband probably wouldn't like this since he, too, is anti-ranch. You have given me hope. I will serving him this tonight!

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  16. I put ours in soft flour tortillas, too.. equally yum! ;)

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  17. pinned this last week and made it tonight using homemade taco seasoning - very good! I'll be making it again... thanks for sharing!

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  18. I pinned this and can't wait to make next Sunday! MMmmm.

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  19. @LindaLenn I was totally thinking 3 hours wouldn't be enough too but sure enough when I checked it at the 3 hour mark is was ready to shred. Did cook it for another 30 after shredding and oh did it come out yummers!

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  20. Made this for dinner tonight using the pinterest/crockpot version and was pretty disappointed. Using 1 full can of broth was WAY too much. My 2 lbs of chicken (even at the end after shredding) was practically floating in the broth. Don't get me wrong, it didn't taste BAD, but I think that because there was so much liquid, the seasonings weren't able to cling to the chicken as well, not giving it as much flavor as it should have had. I think I'll try the original version next time.

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  21. When you cook it again for 30 more minutes are you putting it back in the crockpot or doing that in a skillet?

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  22. I haven't made it the crockpot way but chicken releases a lot of liquid. I don't usually add much liquid at all when I do chicken in the crockpot and it turns out fine, FWIW. Fixing it the way the recipe says it turned out wonderful. Everyone loved it and we didn't even have an left for leftovers. :-)

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  23. Replies
    1. This was way too strong, I added water and then it was okay.

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  24. Saw the recipe on pintrest yesterday. Made last night for dinner and they were a hit. So yummy!! Def making again... might try a little tostada salad with this. Thank you for the delicious recipe!! ... This was so easy to make! xo

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  25. I made this last night with my boyfriend and it was awesome! We made our tacos with tortillas instead because my bf doesn't like hard shell tacos, but it was still amazing! Super fast recipe too! I'm adding this to my collection. Thank you!

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  26. I used 3lbs of frozen chicken for this recipe. I did defrost the chicken before I placed it in the crock pot. I used about 3/4 a can of the chicken broth after reading that other people complained that it was too soupy. If I make these again, I will further reduce the amount of chicken broth. Very Yummy!

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  27. Yum, this looks delicious! I can't wait to try it. I would love to invite you to share this, and any other posts, at my Creative Thursday link party (open thru Monday each week) at www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com. Have a great week :)
    Michelle

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  28. Oh man these look so yummy. Just found your blog and love it come check out my food blog if you have a min.

    www.thedailysmash101.blogspot.com

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  29. These look so good. I will be making these! Please come and share these at my linky party!
    http://www.igottatrythat.com/p/blog-hop-linky-colde.html
    Thanks
    Marcie @ www.IGottaTryThat.com

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  30. I'm doing this tonight. VERY EXCITED.. Thank YOU!

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  31. These would be great with crumbled bacon!

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  32. This is by far one of the very best chicken recipes I have ever made!! Even my 21-month-old daughter lapped it up! Thanks so much for posting - I will be making this once a week for the foreseeable future!!

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  33. Awesome! I used Chipotle Ranch dressing and my husband said it was the best chicken he had ever eaten. I put the chicken breasts in the crock pot and shredded it before adding the dressing. Will be making them again, soon!

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  34. New follower - this sounds yummy!

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  35. I, like so many others, found your recipe on Pinterest :) We visit a local Mexican Restaurant and we love to order their grilled chicken nachos. Well, last night I fixed your Chicken Ranch Tacos and my whole crew devoured them! Dearest Hubby said they topped the chicken nachos we got out for. AWESOME! Those nachos we buy when we go out are $8.50 per plate *yikes* Thank you for saving me TONS of money by sharing this recipe. Guess it will be a long time before we go out for Mexican food again ;-)

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  36. These turned out great- I made a big batch for my family and to bring a meal to a friend- they were a hit with everyone!

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  37. I made this twice in a week! In the crockpot of course! I used one package of chicken taco seasoning, a packet of hidden valley ranch powder dressing mix and 1/2c of broth the first time. Very good, chicken was done in 4 hours on low, but was watery.

    So, the 2nd time (tonight) I decreased the broth to 1/4c and added 1/2c or so of homemade salsa. It was SO much better this time! I shred the chicken and cook it in the sauce for an extra 30 min. This will become a staple in our house for sure! Thanks for the recipe!

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  38. So yummy! I also made in the crock pot with about 1/4c of broth. Perfect amount! This recipe is fantastic. I can't wait to make it again and try it in nachos1 Thanks!

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  39. They look and sound super yummy!

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  40. I keep reading about the crockpot method not working as well. Why not just cook the chicken in the crockpot with a little chicken broth. Then when you get home from work just chop it up and throw it in a skillet for a few minutes with the other ingredients. I cook several chicken breasts at once, shred it and freeze it for later. Just an idea...

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  41. I did this in the crock pot multiple times and they have all turned out fantastic!!! Here's what I did.. I have used about 2.5 lbs of chicken (even did it with turkey breast!) I use one package of ranch and one of taco seasoning for each pound of chicken. I mix the seasonings together, throw the chicken in, cover with the seasonings, and put enough stock in to barely cover. I've cooked it on two ways.. first way was a few hours on high, shred and then an hour on low or so. Last night I put it on low and cooked it overnight.. I just looked at the chicken and it shredded itself.. lol. Everyone ate it today and LOVED it! So yummy and sooo good in the crockpot!

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  42. I made this last night and it was fabulous! I hate to cook so I really loved the easy crockpot method. Here's my breakdown and I wouldn't change a thing.

    4 lbs thawed chicken breasts
    2 packets ranch
    2 packets of taco seasoning (one was reg, one was hot)
    1/2 can (about 6 oz) chicken broth

    Cook on low for 3 hours. Shred meat and continue cooking on low for 30 minutes. Served with flour tortillas, salsa, black beans and a touch of spicy ranch dressing. These are the ingredients we had on hand but this could easily change.

    These portions left the chicken juicy but not swimming in juice. My daughter gobbled it down. It was fantastic and I'll keep this recipe on the top of my pile.

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  43. I made this tonight and it was awesome!! I put 5 frozen chicken breasts into my slow cooker and poured a half a jar of salsa onto the chicken and then sprinkled some dry taco and dry ranch dressing onto the salsa. I put it on low from 7:45 am to 4:45 pm. I had to pour out quite a bit of liquid but then I shredded the chicken and then added some more salsa that I had mixed with the other 1/2's of the seasoning packets. I cooked on low for another 1/2 hour and this was an amazing dish!! Super juicy, tender and flavorful chicken! I put some chicken mixture in a soft tortilla shell and added lettuce, onions, cheese and some liquid ranch dressing and it rocked!!!

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  44. Did these tonight in the crock pot with four frozen chicken breasts, taco seasoning and stock from bullion... Added the ranch when I got home around 4, shredded the chicken and left go for another 30-45 minutes... Fantastic! We had nachos tonight, thing for chimichangas tomorrow, and freezing some for chicken taco salad next week! We're a family of only 2 at home so this goes a loooonnggg way!

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  45. I used the crock pot method with 1c broth and put the chicken on tostadas and our favorite taco toppings and ranch, yum o!

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  46. Thanks so much for the delicious (and easy to prep) dinner inspiration! And your commenters have given me even more variations to consider. Shared your deliciousness with my readers here: http://seektobemerry.blogspot.com/2012/10/quick-easy.html

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  47. Thanks for the great idea! Cooking it now. I used 3 lbs of frozen chicken breasts, 2 small cans of enchilada sauce, 1 packet of taco seasoning, about 1/2 cup of Cookies salsa, and a small can of diced green chiles. I will add ranch dressing for the last 30 minutes of cooking (forgot to buy the ranch dressing mix, unfortunately). I will serve with flour tortillas and rice. Let you know how it turns out with the improvisations :-)

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  48. Uhhh yea YUMMY!! We did this tonight, loved it!

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  49. I can't wait to make this, but I'm going to make indian fry bread for the shells, and I know my family is going to LOVE this recipe!

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  50. I thought I was the only one who didn't like "raw" cheese. Whenever I explain it to someone they look at me like I a crazy. :)

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  51. Trying this this coming week for my brother and boyfriend and I can't wait:)!! Can't do the crockpot version due to the chicken broth because my brother has Celiac but I'm excited to find another gluten free recipe in the original post for my brother that I'm sure he'll love! Thanks so much for the recipe!!

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  52. This was delicious! This was such a great, fast weeknight recipe. I think crockpot cooking it would actually take longer to prep! Seriously, I made this in like 15 minutes. The flavor in the chicken with the ranch is SO good, and I love the stand-up taco shells! I hadn't used those before but I found them and loved them! I shared the recipe on my blog, too!

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  53. This sounds divine! I'm always on the look out for new ways to prepare chicken and this sounds great! Thanks for posting this.

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  54. Simple, yet looks so tasty. Thank you for the recipe.

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  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. This cooking tips make this recipe very easy and its delicious. I like to make Mexican Dishes.

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  57. Shared with my readers and pointed them here for directions. Thanks for the recipe! http://collectorofrecipes.com/?p=919

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