Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos (Printable)
Tender ranch-seasoned shredded chicken slow-cooked and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for an effortless weeknight meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
→ Seasonings & Sauces
02 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
04 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ For Serving
05 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ½ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
11 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the top of the chicken.
03 - Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken rather than directly on top to keep the seasonings in place.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
05 - Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir thoroughly so the meat absorbs all the seasoned juices.
06 - Warm the tortillas according to package directions until pliable.
07 - Fill each tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Five minutes of prep and the slow cooker handles the rest, which is a lifesaver on chaotic days.
- The ranch and taco seasoning combo creates this tangy, savory flavor that people genuinely cannot pin down but always ask about.
02 -
- Pouring the broth directly over the seasoned chicken will wash most of the flavor down into the liquid instead of keeping it on the meat where it belongs.
- Resist the urge to open the lid and check on it during cooking because every peek adds about 15 minutes to the total cook time.
03 -
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm because cold chicken fights back and turns into a stringy mess.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the juices for at least 10 minutes before serving so it absorbs every last bit of flavor.