Are you ready to take your taco night to the next level? This chicken bacon ranch tacos recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love. Keep reading to discover how to create this irresistible dish at home.
Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for using up leftover chicken.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover chicken works great)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup homemade ranch dressing
- 8 flour tortillas, warmed
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Additional shredded cheese for garnish
- Extra homemade ranch dressing for drizzling
Preparation Process
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious chicken bacon ranch tacos:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, simply shred it. Otherwise, cook the chicken breasts and then shred them.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Place them on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble the bacon.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the warmed flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of shredded lettuce on each tortilla. Add the shredded chicken evenly over the lettuce.
- Add the Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded jack cheese and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Add the finely chopped red onions and crumbled bacon on top.
- Finish with Ranch Dressing: Drizzle homemade ranch dressing over each taco. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Fold the tortillas and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Heat Up the Tacos: For a warm, melty finish, place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese to make this dish healthier.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (1 taco):
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
This chicken bacon ranch tacos recipe is a fantastic option for a family-friendly meal that’s both quick and delicious. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch dressing makes these tacos a hit every time. Try serving them with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.