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Chicken Ranch Tacos with Shrimp

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, ranch dressing, quick tacos, easy dinner, Tex-Mex, taco night, family-friendly tacos