Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Printable)
Tender ranch-seasoned shredded chicken slow-cooked and served in taco shells with fresh toppings for an effortless family dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken & Seasonings
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Liquids & Canned Goods
07 - 1 cup chicken broth
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 - ½ cup sour cream
13 - ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper evenly 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 tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it 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 for about 30 seconds per side, or follow the package directions.
07 - Divide the shredded 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 Suggestions:
01 -
- The ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting so you barely have to think.
- Shredding the chicken and letting it swim back in those juices is honestly the most satisfying part of the whole process.
02 -
- Do not skip the 10 minute soak after shredding because that is when the chicken transforms from merely seasoned to genuinely irresistible.
- Check your ranch seasoning label if gluten is a concern since some brands sneak in wheat-based fillers.
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking so the thinner ends do not dry out while the thick parts finish.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos right before eating brightens every single flavor on the plate.