Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Tacos (Printable)

Smashed chicken tacos with ranch seasoning, tangy pickles, and crispy cheese shells

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp dried dill
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Ranch Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
12 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
13 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
14 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
15 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Crispy Cheese Lace

18 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings & Assembly

20 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas
21 - 1 cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
22 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
23 - 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
02 - Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, chives, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place a portion of chicken (about 2–2.5 oz) in the skillet and smash firmly with a spatula or burger press to form a thin patty. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining chicken.
04 - Wipe out the skillet. For each taco, scatter a thin, even layer of mixed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses directly into the pan in a 4–5 inch circle. Place a tortilla directly on top. Cook 1–2 minutes until the cheese turns golden and crisp. Flip carefully and warm the tortilla for 30 seconds. Remove cheese-side up and repeat for remaining tortillas.
05 - Spread a generous spoonful of ranch sauce over the crispy cheese side of each tortilla. Layer with smashed chicken, sliced dill pickles, red onion, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle with additional ranch sauce if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smashed chicken technique locks in juices while creating incredible crispy edges
  • That cheese lace is basically a built-in cheesy chip that changes everything
02 -
  • The skillet must be properly hot before you start smashing or the chicken will steam instead of sear
  • Cheese lace requires patience, let it get really golden before attempting to flip
03 -
  • Use a scale for even portions so all tacos cook at the same rate
  • Let the pan get properly hot between batches for the best sear
Go Back