Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines all my favorite things: savory chicken, crispy bacon, and the zesty kick of ranch, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making each bite an irresistible fiesta for my taste buds!

The combination of flavors is what I adore most about these Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos. It’s not just chicken and bacon; it’s chicken that has been cut into tender strips, seasoned with ranch mix, and sautéed in olive oil.

That is a rich and savory bite, yet it gets better when you consider this: the only thing that could top chicken ranch is crispy bacon. And then there’s the matter of taco construction.

After layering fresh, crunchy lettuce, sweet tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing, there was really only one thing left to do: demolish the tacos with reckless abandon.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts:
Rich in protein yet low in fats.

Bacon:
Imparts a smoky taste and crispy consistency.

Ranch Seasoning:
Provides taste that is herby and tangy.

Cheddar Cheese:
Delivers protein and creamy richness.

Lettuce:
Contributes to a new and crisp flavor profile with a low-calorie count.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
• Optional: sliced jalapeños for spice

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sliced, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and there is no pink remaining.

2. Evenly coat the cooked chicken with the ranch seasoning mix. Stir and set aside.

3. To warm the flour tortillas until soft and pliable, use either a separate skillet or the microwave.

4. Place the tortillas flat and evenly distribute the ranch-seasoned chicken among them.

5. Distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken on each tortilla.

6. Spread the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.

7. Evenly distribute the shredded lettuce over the bacon on each taco.

8. Place a layer of diced tomatoes on top of the lettuce.

9. For added flavor, drizzle ranch dressing over the assembled tacos.

10. Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños can be used as garnishes, if desired. The tacos can then be served without delay, enabling you to indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
3. Microwave or separate skillet for warming tortillas
4. Knife for slicing and dicing
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoon
7. Serving platter or plates

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?You can indeed use chicken thighs instead of their breast counterparts, but you should ensure that they are thoroughly cooked.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?A: To create a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or tofu in place of the chicken and leave out the bacon.
• Q: Can these tacos be made ahead of time?B: The components can be prepared in advance, but the tacos should be assembled just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Q: How do I make my own ranch seasoning?Combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper to create ranch seasoning from scratch.
• Q: Are there any low-carb alternatives to flour tortillas?A: You can use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas as an alternative.
• Q: How do I make the bacon extra crispy?A: Prepare the bacon on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to turn it halfway through the cooking process.

Substitutions and Variations

For a juicier option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of the chicken breasts.
Regular bacon can be replaced by turkey bacon as a lower-calorie alternative.
Instead of olive oil, avocado oil can be used for a different flavor profile.
For an option free of gluten, use corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas.
If you would rather use a different cheese, substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack for the cheddar.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor Before cooking, marinate the chicken strips in the ranch seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes. This will infuse the chicken with more flavor.

2. Crispy Bacon Tips To achieve extra-crispy bacon, cook the slices in the oven on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away, ensuring crispiness.

3. Cheese Melting Trick After adding the cheddar cheese on the tortillas, briefly place them under a broiler or cover the skillet to melt the cheese thoroughly before adding the other toppings.

4. Tortilla Toasting For an added texture, toast the flour tortillas lightly on an open flame or in a skillet until they are slightly charred and crispy before assembling the tacos.

5. Flavorful Variations Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for an extra twist. Additionally, try adding avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor.