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Bbq Ranch Chicken Tacos4
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BBQ Ranch Chicken Tacos

These BBQ Ranch Chicken Tacos offer a delicious combination of smoky barbecue chicken and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal any night of the week.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keyword: BBQ, Chicken, Easy, Quick, Ranch, Tacos
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine works well)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  • Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and stir in the barbecue sauce until well coated.
  • Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until warm and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Start by placing a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top, then garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
  • Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Small Bowl
  • Forks

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Add hot sauce to barbecue sauce or ranch for spice. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option. Homemade ranch can be made with yogurt or mayonnaise and fresh herbs. Rest chicken after cooking for juiciness. Prepare extra chicken for quick meals later. Vegetarian and dairy-free variations are available.