Smashed chicken thighs seasoned with ranch spices, topped with tangy pickles, zesty sauce, and crispy cheese lace in warm tortillas.
# Components:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp dried dill
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Ranch Sauce
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
12 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
13 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
14 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
15 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Crispy Cheese Lace
18 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings & Assembly
20 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas
21 - 1 cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
22 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
23 - 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
# Directions:
01 - Combine chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
02 - Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, chives, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place portions of chicken (about 2 oz each) in the skillet and use a spatula to smash into thin patties. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining chicken.
04 - Wipe the skillet. For each taco, sprinkle a thin, even layer of mixed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in a 4–5 inch circle. Place a tortilla on top. Cook for 1–2 minutes until cheese is golden and crisp. Carefully flip and warm the tortilla for 30 seconds. Remove cheese side up. Repeat for all tortillas.
05 - Spread ranch sauce on the cheese side of each tortilla. Top with smashed chicken, sliced dill pickles, red onion, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle with additional ranch if desired. Serve immediately.
