Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are an easy and delicious dinner that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch flavor and classic taco seasoning. The slow cooker makes the recipe simple because most of the cooking happens without constant attention.
The chicken slowly cooks with ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and creamy ingredients until it becomes tender and flavorful. After shredding the chicken, you can pile it into warm tortillas and finish the tacos with fresh toppings.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, taco nights, and casual gatherings. You can also prepare the chicken ahead of time and use it for tacos, rice bowls, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients List
Serving Prep Time Cooking Time and Calories
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours on high
Total Time: About 6 hours
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving
The calorie estimate includes the chicken, tortillas, cheese, cream cheese, and basic toppings. Actual calories can vary depending on the brands and quantities used.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are incredibly easy to prepare. You only need a few minutes to add the chicken and seasonings to the slow cooker before letting it cook.
The combination of ranch seasoning and taco seasoning gives the chicken a delicious savory flavor. Cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture, while diced tomatoes with green chilies add freshness and a mild kick.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can use flour tortillas or corn tortillas and choose your favorite toppings. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and lime all work beautifully with the chicken.
The chicken can also be used in other meals. Serve it over rice, add it to a salad, or use it inside a wrap for a simple lunch.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer when possible so they cook evenly.
Season the Chicken
Add the Ranch and Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Add garlic powder, ground cumin, and black pepper for extra flavor.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Add the Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and place them over the chicken and tomato mixture. The cream cheese will soften as the chicken cooks.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and Slow Cook
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
The chicken should be fully cooked and tender before shredding.
Shred the Chicken
Remove and Shred
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Place it in a bowl and shred it using two forks.
Return the Chicken
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it well with the creamy cooking mixture so the chicken absorbs all the flavorful juices.
Warm the Tortillas
Heat the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave.
Warm tortillas are softer and easier to fold without breaking.
Assemble the Tacos
Fill the Tortillas
Add a generous amount of ranch chicken to each warm tortilla.
Add the Toppings
Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream.
Finish With Lime
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving. The bright citrus flavor adds a delicious finishing touch.
Variations To Try
Make Spicy Ranch Chicken Tacos
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, spicy salsa, or a small amount of crushed red pepper. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning.
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They provide a richer flavor and remain tender during slow cooking.
Add Black Beans
Add drained and rinsed black beans when assembling the tacos. They add texture and make the tacos more filling.
Try Different Cheese
Cheddar cheese is delicious, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can also work well.
Make Taco Bowls
Skip the tortillas and serve the ranch chicken over cooked rice. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, corn, and salsa for a flavorful taco bowl.
Add Fresh Avocado
Fresh avocado or homemade guacamole adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned chicken.
Freezing or Restoring
The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the tortillas and fresh toppings separate until you are ready to serve.
For longer storage, allow the cooked chicken to cool before transferring it to a freezer safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
When you are ready to use the frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated throughout.
If the chicken seems dry after reheating, stir in a small amount of chicken broth. Prepare fresh tortillas and toppings when serving for the best texture.
Recipe Notes
- Use thawed chicken for the slow cooker rather than placing frozen chicken directly into it.
- Avoid adding extra salt until you taste the finished chicken because ranch and taco seasoning can already contain salt.
- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces so it softens more easily during cooking.
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm because it is easier to pull apart.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker so it can absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness and helps balance the creamy ranch flavor.
- Serve the tacos immediately after adding fresh toppings for the best texture.
- Adjust the toppings according to your family’s preferences.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and can provide a richer flavor and tender texture.
Can I make ranch chicken tacos without cream cheese?
Yes. You can leave out the cream cheese if you prefer. The chicken will still be flavorful because of the ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and broth.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes. Corn tortillas are an excellent choice and give the tacos a slightly more traditional taco flavor.
How can I make the tacos less spicy?
Use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies and mild taco seasoning. You can also skip spicy salsa and jalapeños.
What toppings are best for ranch chicken tacos?
Lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and lime are all delicious options.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before assembling your tacos.
How long does leftover ranch chicken last?
Properly refrigerated cooked chicken can generally be kept for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are a simple and flavorful dinner that makes taco night easier. Tender shredded chicken combines with ranch seasoning, taco spices, creamy ingredients, and tomatoes to create a filling that is packed with flavor.
Fresh toppings such as lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and lime make the tacos even more enjoyable. You can also change the tortillas, toppings, seasonings, and fillings to suit your family’s preferences.
For a busy weeknight meal that requires minimal preparation, these Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are an easy recipe to keep in your dinner rotation.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
Course: Dinner Recipe6
servings10
minutes6
minutes430
kcalIngredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 10 ounces
4 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
Lime wedges for serving
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and place it over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with the ranch chicken.
- Add lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream.
- Finish with fresh lime juice and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use thawed chicken for the best and safest slow cooking results.
Taste the chicken before adding extra salt because ranch and taco seasoning can already contain salt.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Keep fresh toppings separate when storing leftovers for the best texture.
Add jalapeños or spicy salsa if you prefer extra heat.
