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Gotta tell you about my go-to quick dinner! These Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Tacos work like magic - throw in chicken plus just 3 basic items and a few hours later you've got mouth-watering filling ready to go. My kids constantly ask for this stuff whether we're fixing tacos, whipping up salads or rolling burritos. Plus when it gets hot outside, I'm so happy I don't need to warm up the house!
Flavor That Wows
Trust me, there's something incredible that happens when you mix up ranch powder with homemade taco seasonings. The chicken turns out incredibly juicy and packed with taste, and my family actually cheers when they catch a whiff while it's cooking! And if you're crazy about ranch like I am, adding a little extra dressing on top makes these absolutely incredible.
Your Shopping List
- Chicken: Grab boneless skinless thighs or breasts depending what's in your fridge
- Ranch Mix: A single packet delivers that awesome zingy flavor
- Taco Seasoning: My DIY mix costs pennies and beats anything from the store
- Chicken Broth: I'm partial to Better Than Bouillon but whatever broth you have works fine
Simple Cooking Steps
- Begin With Chicken
- Just place your raw chicken in the slow cooker base
- Add Your Flavors
- Dump the ranch packet and taco spices on top then pour broth over everything
- Patience Pays Off
- Put the lid on and cook on low about 5-6 hours until you can easily pull it apart
- Break It Up
- Grab two forks and shred that tender chicken right there in the pot
- Dinner's Ready
- Fill your shells or top your greens then grab a fork and start munching!
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Stress-Free Meals
I absolutely love throwing everything in the slow cooker before work and coming home to dinner basically done! Just need to pull apart the chicken and lay out some toppings. It's fantastic for those crazy days when you don't want to think about cooking at all.
Customize Your Way
Need more spice? Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Counting calories? Swap tortillas for lettuce cups. This chicken works for everything from tacos to my personal favorite, loaded taco bowls!
Homemade Taco Mix
Honestly, after making your own taco seasoning you'll never grab those store packets again! Just combine chili powder garlic powder onion powder cumin paprika oregano salt and a bit of pepper. Way cheaper than buying premade and you know exactly what's in it.
Broth Makes Better
Here's a tip I swear by Better Than Bouillon gives amazing rich flavor. Just a tiny spoonful in hot water creates the tastiest broth around. Regular chicken stock works too but this really makes everything taste fantastic!
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Delicious Everyday
From casual Tuesday dinners to weekend hangouts or just busy school nights, this dish always hits the spot. The chicken comes out so juicy and packed with flavor that everyone can fix their tacos exactly to their taste.
Set It Forget It
The coolest thing? This meal basically makes itself! Five minutes of morning prep and your crockpot handles everything else. No standing by the stove or fancy techniques needed just tasty dinner waiting whenever you're ready.
Family Pleaser
My youngsters jump for joy when this is cooking! They go crazy for making their own tacos and that ranch flavor wins them over every time. Even my fussiest eater cleans their plate when we have this.
Simple Entertaining
Looking to host taco night? This is your answer! The meat stays perfectly warm in the cooker while folks help themselves. Just put out shells toppings and a few sides for an awesome serve-yourself taco station.
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Beyond Just Shells
This chicken creates fantastic salads too! I'm addicted to having it over crunchy greens with avocado chunks tomatoes and a splash of ranch. It's my favorite lunch prep and keeps my hunger away all afternoon.
Party Perfect
Got company coming? This works great! Just double up the ingredients for bigger groups and create a build-your-own taco bar. Everyone loves making tacos their way and you can actually enjoy your guests instead of cooking all night.
Money Saver
You'll be shocked how cheap this meal is! Chicken goes on sale regularly and making seasonings yourself cuts costs way down. Plus you'll have plenty leftover saving even more cash later in the week.
Save Some Later
I often make extra just to freeze! Let spare chicken cool then store in ziplock bags. It heats up wonderfully for quick dinners down the road perfect for those insanely busy weeks ahead.
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Next-Day Magic
There's so much you can do with extras! We turn them into quesadillas loaded nachos or toss into soup. The taste actually improves overnight and it's so handy having ready-to-use chicken waiting in the fridge.
Round Out Your Meal
Don't skip the sides! We pair this with Spanish rice freshly mashed guacamole and warm beans. Throw in some sweet corn salad for brightness and you've got a complete dinner everyone will rave about.
Basic Yet Brilliant
I'm still amazed how just a handful of ingredients creates something so tasty! The mix of ranch with taco flavors plus that juicy tender chicken turns out absolutely perfect every single time.
Tasty Satisfaction
These Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Tacos have become our favorite meal for good reason. They're super simple totally delicious and always satisfy everyone! Try them once and I bet they'll become your regular go-to dinner too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen chicken okay to use?
Frozen chicken works fine. Just cook it an hour longer, and make sure it hits 165°F before shredding.
- → What if I’m out of ranch seasoning?
Mix up your own! Use dried dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Add powdered buttermilk if you have it on hand.
- → How can I make this spicy?
Toss in jalapeños or use cayenne. You could swap regular taco seasoning for a spicy version, too.
- → How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store the chicken in a sealed container for up to three days. Reheat it and build your tacos when ready to eat.
- → What toppings go well with these tacos?
Add things like avocado, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or shredded lettuce. Black beans or corn are great filling add-ons too.
Conclusion
Combine ranch and taco flavors in these slow-cooked chicken tacos for an effortless weeknight meal. Throw it all in the crockpot and enjoy later!