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Handheld smartphone photo of a Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Taco over a neutral plate featuring a thin seared chicken patty and ranch zigzag.

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Lace

These viral Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos feature a juicy seared ground chicken patty, a massive crispy cheese lace skirt, tangy crinkle-cut pickles, and a thick ranch drizzle for the ultimate crunch-filled taco night.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken 93/7 lean blend preferred
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
The Tortilla & Cheese
  • 8 small Flour Tortillas 6-inch size
  • 2 cups Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese For the crispy lace skirt
  • 1 tbsp Neutral Oil Avocado or vegetable oil
The Finish
  • 24 slices Crinkle-Cut Dill Pickles 3 per taco
  • 1/2 cup Thick White Ranch Dressing Chilled
  • 1 tbsp Dried Dill Weed

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
  • 1 Burger Press or Heavy Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 even balls.
The Smash Technique
  1. Place chicken ball on a hot oiled skillet. Top with a tortilla and smash down firmly until the chicken is thin and covers the tortilla base.
  2. Flip the taco after 2-3 minutes. Lift slightly and sprinkle cheese underneath to create the crispy skirt lace. Cook until golden and rigid.
Assembly
  1. Remove from heat. Top with 3 pickles, a zigzag of ranch, dried dill, and black pepper.

Notes

Ensure the skillet is very hot before smashing to get the best sear.
Use Monterrey Jack for the best 'lace' effect due to its melting properties.