Chicken Ranch Tacos with Shrimp
Chicken Ranch Tacos with Shrimp are a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, spicy chicken and succulent shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas and drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and zesty flavors, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or taco nights. The fresh vegetables, melty cheese, and customizable toppings create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal that can easily be tailored to dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free (if corn tortillas used)
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or high-quality bottled)
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped fresh lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup finely sliced onions
Other
- 6 soft flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for skillet)
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of cooking oil. Cook the chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and pink. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Your Veggies: While the proteins cook, chop the fresh lettuce, dice tomatoes, and finely slice onions. These will add freshness and crunch to your tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer each warmed tortilla with chicken strips, cooked shrimp, chopped fresh veggies, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Optionally, add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking proteins; cook in batches for even searing.
- Use fresh ranch dressing for the best flavor impact.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
- Keep tortillas wrapped in foil after warming to stay soft and easy to fold.
- Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices and maintain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, ranch dressing, quick tacos, easy dinner, Tex-Mex, taco night, family-friendly tacos