Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic flavors like smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch, then these Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos are going to be your new favorite! This recipe is all about combining the comfort of savory ranch dressing with the satisfying crunch of tacos, creating a meal that’s both simple and delicious. These tacos are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a fresh twist on classic flavors.

Let’s get into everything you need to know to make the ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos, with plenty of tips to customize them to your taste.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos

1. Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are loaded with flavors that appeal to everyone—juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch.
3. Customizable: Perfect for personalizing with your favorite toppings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Set Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Once cooked, place it on a paper towel to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
2. Combine Chicken and Bacon: Add the cooked bacon to the chicken mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Add the Ranch Dressing

1. Mix in Ranch: Add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing to the chicken and bacon mixture, tossing to coat all ingredients evenly in creamy ranch goodness.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings and Tortillas

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour or corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re soft and pliable.
2. Prep the Toppings: Prepare your toppings by shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes, and chopping the cilantro.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill Each Tortilla: Place a generous scoop of the chicken and bacon mixture onto each warmed tortilla.
2. Add Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
3. Drizzle with Ranch: Add a drizzle of extra ranch dressing on top for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Serve with Lime Wedges: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to each taco just before eating for a tangy twist.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro make a huge difference in the overall taste.
2. Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, make sure your bacon is extra crispy before crumbling it into the chicken mixture.
3. Warming the Tortillas: Warm tortillas make it easier to fold and hold together better when filled.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
2. Avocado: Add slices of fresh avocado or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy twist.
3. Ranch Seasoning: For more intense ranch flavor, add a teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning mix to the chicken while it cooks.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette pairs well with these rich tacos.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Add a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole for a complete meal.
• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of Mexican or cilantro-lime rice to make it even heartier.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Storing: Store any leftover chicken bacon mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat the mixture in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat as it can dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
   • You can make the chicken and bacon mixture a day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat before assembling the tacos.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
   • Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great! Just mix it with the seasoning and ranch, and proceed with the recipe.
3. What other toppings can I add?
   • Try adding jalapeños, sliced red onions, or pickles for a unique twist.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
   • Absolutely! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda would taste great.
5. Are these tacos gluten-free?
   • Use corn tortillas and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free, and these tacos will be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos are an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal that brings together the classic flavors of creamy ranch, smoky bacon, and juicy chicken—all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in rotation for family dinners and gatherings alike. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!

Yield: 4

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos Recipe

Print

If you’re a fan of classic flavors like smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch, then these Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos are going to be your new favorite! This recipe is all about combining the comfort of savory ranch dressing with the satisfying crunch of tacos, creating a meal that’s both simple and delicious. These tacos are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a fresh twist on classic flavors.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
   
2. Warm the Tortillas:
   Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until warm and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
   
3. Assemble the Tacos:
   Place a portion of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Add shredded lettuce and diced tomato.
   
4. Add the Ranch Dressing:
   Drizzle a bit of ranch dressing over each taco. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the tacos warm with additional ranch dressing on the side, if desired.

Notes

• To add extra flavor, mix a little of the remaining ranch seasoning into the ranch dressing before drizzling.
• For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on the chicken while cooking.
• These tacos are also delicious with a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for extra freshness.