Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love. They bring together two favorite flavors: savory chicken and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a crunchy taco shell. Topped with fresh veggies and creamy ranch dressing, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick and simple, so you can whip it up in no time. Second, it is packed with flavor from the spices and toppings. Finally, it allows for customization. Everyone can add what they like, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon in their tacos?
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 strips of crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 6 crunchy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp milk (to thin slightly, optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Directions:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until they are golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels and chop it into small pieces.
- Heat the taco shells in the oven according to the package instructions to give them extra crunch.
- In each taco shell, layer the shredded lettuce, warm chicken, chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the top (you can thin it slightly with milk if desired) and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos warm. You can provide extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or more ranch dressing on the side. This makes it fun for everyone to make their tacos just the way they like them!
How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
To store any leftovers, keep the chicken and toppings separate from the taco shells. Place the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, veggies, and cheese in airtight containers in the fridge. The taco shells should be stored in their original packaging or a sealed bag. When you’re ready to eat again, reheat the chicken and bacon and assemble your tacos fresh!
Tips to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
- Feel free to swap out the toppings based on your preferences—guacamole or crushed tortilla chips can be delicious additions.
- Adjust the spices based on your taste; add more paprika for extra smokiness or more garlic powder for added flavor.
Variation
You can easily make these tacos with ground beef or turkey instead of chicken. Just cook the meat in a skillet with the spices and proceed as usual. For a vegetarian option, try using grilled veggies or black beans in place of the chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works great. Just warm it up before assembling your tacos.
2. How can I make these tacos spicier?
You can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling to give your tacos a spicy kick.
3. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy the tacos fresh, you can prepare the chicken and toppings in advance. Just assemble and heat the taco shells right before serving to keep everything crunchy and fresh.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste black pepper
Filling Ingredients
- 4 strips crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 6 pieces crunchy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin slightly, optional)
- to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels and chop it into small pieces.
- Heat the taco shells in the oven according to the package instructions to give them extra crunch.
Assembly
- In each taco shell, layer the shredded lettuce, warm chicken, chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the top (you can thin it slightly with milk if desired) and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
