These Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are a quick and easy weeknight meal that is bursting with flavor. The chicken is tender, juicy, and seasoned with ranch and taco seasonings, making it a perfect filling for your favorite tortillas. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want a simple yet satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the hassle out of taco night! The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to soak in and the meat to become incredibly tender. With just a few simple ingredients, including ranch and taco seasoning, this dish is packed with flavor without much effort. Plus, you can customize your tacos with all your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken stock
¼ cup chopped cilantro
12 flour or corn tortillas
1 bottle ranch dressing
Shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Pour in the chicken stock.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and mix well to combine with the juices.
Warm the tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken.
Top with ranch dressing, shredded cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions as desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add some heat: For a spicier taco, add a chopped jalapeno or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken.
Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Make it creamy: For extra creaminess, mix in a little sour cream into the shredded chicken mixture before serving.
Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or onions during the slow cooking process for added flavor and texture.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a pan on the stove with a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook them on low for about 8 hours to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

2. Can I cook this on the stove instead of in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on the stove. Simmer the chicken with the seasonings and chicken stock in a covered pot on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

3. Can I add more seasoning to the chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bolder flavor, you can increase the amount of taco seasoning or ranch seasoning according to your taste.

4. Can I make this a freezer meal?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a freezer-safe bag, then freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and then cook as directed in the slow cooker.

5. Can I use a different dressing?

While ranch dressing is traditional, you can use any creamy dressing of your choice, such as blue cheese or a creamy cilantro dressing.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, for some heat, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a spicy seasoning blend to the chicken mixture.

8. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas will work perfectly and add an authentic touch to your tacos.

9. How can I make these tacos more filling?

To make them heartier, you can add rice, beans, or even guacamole as a base before adding the shredded chicken.

10. Can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the extra chicken. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are an effortless and delicious meal that everyone will love. With tender, flavorful chicken and endless topping options, these tacos are perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as easy as it is tasty!