Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Printable Version)
Juicy ranch-seasoned shredded chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for loading into taco shells.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Seasonings & Sauces
02 - 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
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
→ Additional Flavor
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 (optional)
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper 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 cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, 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 or in the oven according to package directions.
07 - Divide the ranch chicken evenly among the warmed taco shells. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting, so you barely have to think while it cooks.
- Shredding the chicken and letting it soak back into those juices makes every bite ridiculously tender.
02 -
- Do not skip the ten minute soak after shredding because that is when the chicken truly drinks in all the flavor.
- If you lift the lid during cooking, add about thirty minutes to your time because slow cookers lose heat fast.
03 -
- For spicier tacos, stir in half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper before cooking or splash in your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Dairy free ranch seasoning exists and works perfectly, so everyone at the table can enjoy these without worry.