Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Print version)

Juicy ranch-seasoned shredded chicken tucked into tacos for an effortless weeknight dinner everyone loves.

# What goes in:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Seasonings and Liquids

02 - 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
03 - 1 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp black pepper
08 - 1 (10 oz) can 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
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

# Cooking steps:

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 instructions.
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.

# Tips from flavorandfeast:

01 -
  • The ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting, so you barely have to think about spice combinations or marinating ahead of time.
  • Shredding the chicken straight in the juices guarantees every bite is saturated with flavor, not dry and forgettable.
  • It practically builds itself in a slow cooker while you handle whatever else life throws at you that afternoon.
02 -
  • Do not skip the 10 minute soak after shredding, because that is the step that turns good chicken into chicken people ask you to make again.
  • If you lift the lid during cooking, you add roughly 15 to 30 minutes to the total time, so resist the urge to peek.
03 -
  • Dairy free ranch seasoning exists and works perfectly here, so check labels if you are cooking for someone with restrictions.
  • A half teaspoon of crushed red pepper in the slow cooker changes the entire personality of the dish without overwhelming anyone at the table.

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