Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Printable)
Tender ranch-seasoned shredded chicken slow-cooked to perfection and loaded into tacos for a quick family-friendly Tex-Mex dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Seasonings and Sauces
02 - 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Additional Flavor
08 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
→ For Serving
09 - 8 small taco shells or tortillas (corn or flour)
10 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper over the chicken breasts.
03 - Pour the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the juices, over the seasoned chicken.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to combine with the cooking juices, and let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
06 - Warm the taco shells or tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven according to package directions.
07 - Divide the ranch chicken evenly among the warmed taco shells or tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting so you barely have to think about spices.
- Shredding the chicken and letting it soak back in those juices makes every bite ridiculously tender.
- It stretches easily for a crowd and reheats beautifully the next day.
02 -
- Do not skip the ten minute soak after shredding because that is when the chicken goes from good to unforgettable.
- Check your ranch seasoning label if gluten is a concern since some packets contain hidden thickeners.
03 -
- Chicken thighs yield an even juicier result if you are willing to trade slightly longer shredding time for richer texture.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos right before eating wakes up every single flavor on the plate.