Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Print version)
Shredded chicken slow-cooked in bold ranch seasoning, piled into warm tortillas with fresh toppings.
# What you need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Seasonings & Sauces
02 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
04 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ For Serving
05 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ½ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
11 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the top of the chicken.
03 - Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken rather than directly on top to keep the seasonings in place.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
05 - Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir everything together so the shredded chicken absorbs the juices and seasonings.
06 - Warm the tortillas according to package directions until pliable.
07 - Fill each tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Two seasoning packets do all the heavy lifting, so you get layers of flavor with almost zero effort.
- The shredded chicken reheats beautifully, which means lunch the next day tastes even better than dinner.
02 -
- Pouring broth directly over the seasoned chicken will wash off the seasoning layer and leave you with bland meat floating in flavored water.
- Do not cook on high heat to speed things up because the chicken will tighten and become stringy instead of tender and shreddable.
03 -
- Chicken thighs will always stay juicier than breasts in a slow cooker, so use them if you have the choice.
- Toast your tortillas right before serving because that one small step transforms the entire taco from good to unforgettable.