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This mashup of chicken bacon and ranch tucked in a taco shell is everything I want after a long day Big flavors tangy creamy ranch and that bacon snap in every bite It’s cozy satisfying and bright all at once Honestly no one at our house ever says no to these
First made these on a random Friday craving something new Now they're a monthly staple at our table Everyone’s got their own building style No leftovers ever survive
Tasty Ingredients
- Fresh black pepper: layer in bolder flavor with a coarse grind if you’ve got it handy
- Milk: just for thinning ranch if needed whole is best here
- Ranch dressing: cool creamy with herby tang let it chill for the best drizzle
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley: toss these on for a bright herby pop if you want just make sure the leaves are nice and green
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts on contact with the hot chicken Grab a block to shred for best melt
- Medium fresh tomato: juicy and colorful try an heirloom for extra flavor
- Shredded lettuce: brings fresh crunch Romaine holds up great and doesn't wilt fast
- Crunchy taco shells: keep things snappy pick unbroken ones with that fresh crunch
- Crispy cooked bacon: salty crunch galore cook slow and drain well so it’s nice and crisp
- Salt and black pepper: tweak to your liking Fresh cracked and you’re golden
- Garlic powder and onion powder: classic team for max savory flavor check their age for full punch
- Smoked paprika: a smoky boost deep red in color with that strong aroma
- Olive oil: locks in moisture gets the edges crisp Extra virgin if you have it
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean tender and soak up flavor quick Look for firm pink chicken skip anything grayish
Easy Step-by-Step Directions
- Put It All Together
- Grab warmed shells Scoop in lettuce chicken bacon pieces diced tomato and cheddar Finish with a little ranch drizzle and sprinkle of cilantro or parsley if that's your vibe
- Finish the Ranch Drizzle
- Pour ranch into a small cup splash in milk to thin if it seems too thick Stir in cracked pepper until it’s smooth and creamy Set aside
- Warm Up the Shells
- Slide taco shells open side up onto a baking sheet Warm them in the oven Just enough to get hot and crispy
- Get the Bacon Crispy
- Lay bacon strips in a cold pan Turn up the heat and let them slowly get golden and crunchy Flip as needed Transfer to paper towels cool a bit then chop up
- Cook Up the Chicken
- Heat a pan on medium-high and wait till it’s hot Toss in chicken strips Lay them flat Let each side cook golden with no pink in the middle About five or six minutes each side Move them to a plate cover to keep warm
- Prep Your Chicken
- Cut breasts into strips for quicker cooking Throw them in a bowl with oil paprika garlic onion salt and pepper Mix them around so all the pieces get coated
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I keep coming back for that creamy ranch drizzle The first time I mixed it with bacon and chicken my kid said it could be in a diner It’s become our quick trick for those busy evenings It always brings a little happy chaos to the table
Leftover Guidance
Pop leftover meats and veggies into separate storage bags or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days Crunch stays best if the shells are boxed up dry at room temp Put them together just before munching Warm chicken fast in the microwave or hot skillet before serving
Swaps and Options
Sub in turkey bacon for something lighter or smoked tofu if veggie is your thing Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more heat You can even use Greek yogurt for creamy tang instead of ranch
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Fun Ways to Serve
Build a taco bar by arranging toppings in bowls Let folks customize theirs For more variety add a salad with black beans corn on the cob or super fast guac Littles love piling on their favorites It’s a real hit for hangouts
History and Inspiration
American eats love the chicken bacon and ranch combo—it got big in the 90s when ranch took over pizza shops and sandwich counters With salads and stacked sandwiches already in the mix tacos were just waiting to join in Now it’s a mashup of Tex Mex vibes and these much-loved flavors
Recipe FAQs
- → How is the chicken seasoned?
It's combined with smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper for bold flavor.
- → How do you keep bacon crunchy inside shells?
Cook bacon until crispy, let it drain on paper towels, and add to tacos right before serving for the crunchiest bite.
- → Is cheese necessary for this?
Cheddar gives richness, but you can skip or use a substitute like another type of cheese.
- → What’s a simple way to thin ranch?
Add a splash of milk to the dressing for a lighter, more drizzly texture that’s still tangy.
- → Which herbs work for topping?
Cilantro offers a bold, fresh touch, while parsley gives a mild herbal taste. Pick one or mix them up!
- → Can these be made ahead?
Prepare the fillings early, but assemble later so the tacos stay crispy and fresh when eaten.