Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Print Version)
Juicy ranch-seasoned shredded chicken tucked into warm tortillas with fresh, zesty toppings for a stress-free family dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Seasonings & Sauces
02 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
04 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ For Serving
05 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ½ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
11 - Lime wedges
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the top of the chicken.
03 - Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken rather than directly on top to keep the seasonings in place.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
05 - Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to coat the shredded meat evenly in the accumulated juices and seasonings.
06 - Warm the tortillas according to package instructions until pliable.
07 - Fill each warmed tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken, then top with lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Five minutes of morning effort turns into a meal that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.
- The ranch and taco seasoning combo is a sneaky flavor marriage that makes people ask what your secret is.
02 -
- Pouring broth directly over the seasoned chicken will rinse off all your flavor, so always pour it around the sides.
- Do not rush the cook time on high heat because the chicken will shred fine but turn out noticeably drier and stringier.
03 -
- Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts if you accidentally leave the slow cooker running a bit too long.
- Double the recipe and freeze half the shredded chicken in its cooking juices for a meal that reheats like new.