Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Print Version)
Juicy ranch-seasoned shredded chicken tucked into warm tortillas with fresh toppings for an effortless weeknight dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Seasonings and Sauces
02 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
04 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ For Serving
05 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
11 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the top of the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
03 - Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken rather than directly on top to prevent washing off the seasonings.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and shreds apart easily.
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 directions until pliable and lightly toasted.
07 - Fill each warm tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken and top with lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The double seasoning trick, ranch plus taco, creates a flavor that tastes like you spent hours marinating when you barely lifted a finger.
- It feeds a crowd with almost zero hands on time, making it the ultimate back pocket recipe for busy weeknights or casual get togethers.
02 -
- Pouring broth directly over the seasoned chicken will rinse off most of the spice layer, so always pour around the sides instead.
- Do not rush the cook time by switching to high heat because the chicken will not shred as cleanly and the texture becomes stringy rather than succulent.
03 -
- If you are cooking for a gluten free crowd, double check that both seasoning packets are certified gluten free because some brands sneak in fillers.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the juices on the warm setting for ten minutes before serving so every strand drinks up maximum flavor.