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Close-up of three Smash Chicken Tacos generously filled with chicken, cheese, and topped with a creamy Pickle Ranch Slaw and fresh dill.

Smash Chicken Tacos with Pickle Ranch Slaw

These smash chicken tacos are crispy, juicy, and loaded with bold flavors from tangy pickle slaw and creamy ranch drizzle. Perfect for quick dinners, they deliver a satisfying crunch and eye-catching texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Pickle Slaw
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pickle brine
For the Ranch Drizzle
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll into balls.
  2. In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped pickles, and pickle brine. Toss and set aside.
  3. Blend cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth to create the drizzle.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
  5. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add one chicken ball on top, then sprinkle cheese over it. Press firmly to flatten the chicken across the tortilla.
  6. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese forms a golden crispy crust.
  7. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove from the skillet and repeat with remaining tacos.
  9. Top each taco with pickle slaw and drizzle with ranch sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook in small batches to keep the tortillas crisp and the cheese evenly browned.