Dinner

Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos with Crispy Cheese Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Introduction

These Dill Pickle Ranch Smash Chicken Tacos bring a fun twist to taco night with a tangy, flavorful filling and a crispy cheese delight. Packed with savory ground chicken and zesty pickles, they’re quick to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.

The image shows four crispy taco shells filled with seasoned grilled chicken pieces at the bottom, topped with shredded light green lettuce. A creamy white sauce with small green herb bits is drizzled all over the top, giving the tacos a fresh and rich look. The tacos are arranged in a row on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface, highlighting the contrast of the golden-yellow shells, green lettuce, and white sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 small tortillas
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
2 tablespoons pickle brine
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup cottage cheese blended with 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning and a squeeze of lemon

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 2: Cook the seasoned chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 3: In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat until soft and pliable.
Step 4: Prepare the crispy cheese by sprinkling shredded cheese in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook until cheese melts and turns golden and crispy like a lace. Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the tacos by dividing the cooked chicken among the tortillas, then topping each with chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage.
Step 6: Spoon the blended cottage cheese mixture over the tacos and finish with a light drizzle of pickle brine for extra tang.

Tips & Variations

Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist in your crispy cheese topping.
Swap in ground turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro for added brightness.
For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but can be briefly reheated in a skillet to regain some crunch. Reheat chicken gently in a pan or microwave before assembling tacos.

How to Serve

A close-up of four crispy tacos arranged in a row on a white plate, each taco filled with a base layer of seasoned, grilled chicken pieces that have a golden-brown color and slight char marks. On top of the chicken is a thick layer of shredded pale green lettuce, followed by a generous drizzle of white creamy sauce with visible green herbs mixed in. The taco shells are golden and crisp with small holes and a firm texture. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the crispy cheese in advance?

Yes, but it is best to prepare the crispy cheese just before serving to maintain its crunchiness. If made ahead, store in an airtight container and reheat in a dry skillet briefly.