Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some recipes that just feel like a celebration, and these Holiday Bacon Ranch Chicken Tacos are exactly that. They take all the best parts of a classic taco—a warm tortilla, savory chicken, and fresh toppings—and combine them with the irresistible flavors of bacon and ranch. This isn’t just a taco; it’s a creamy, smoky, and utterly delicious flavor explosion that’s perfect for a casual party, a festive gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its genius simplicity and its incredible payoff. It’s a no-cook, no-fuss meal that you can have on the table in about 15 minutes, especially if you have cooked chicken on hand. The combination of the tangy, creamy homemade ranch dressing with the salty bacon and savory chicken is a match made in heaven. The cheese, onion, and parsley add a perfect layer of texture and freshness that brings it all together. This recipe is a fantastic way to turn a simple meal into something special, and it’s a great crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour tortillas
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- Bacon: A thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier flavor and texture. Cook it to your desired crispiness and be sure to chop it finely.
- Ranch Dressing: While the recipe calls for making a simple ranch dressing from scratch, you can use your favorite bottled ranch dressing as a substitute for an even quicker meal.
- Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are my preference here, but you can also use corn tortillas or a larger flour tortilla and make a burrito.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Fillings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, the packet of ranch seasoning mix, the chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Mix Everything: Pour the homemade ranch dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the chicken mixture onto each warm tortilla and fold in half to create a taco.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while they are still warm.
Tips for Success
- Cooked Chicken is Key: This is a no-cook recipe, so having your chicken ready to go is the key to a fast meal.
- Chop Finely: Dicing the red onion and chopping the bacon finely ensures you get a little bit of every flavor in each bite.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make it hard to fold the tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas are a must! They are softer, more pliable, and much easier to fold without tearing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These tacos are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips. For a party spread, you could serve them alongside other delicious meals like this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or a platter of sheet pan quesadillas.
Nutritional Information (per taco, approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best served fresh, but you can store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, store them separately.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- A light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight)
- Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch (Golden, Crunchy, Addictive)
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
These Holiday Bacon Ranch Chicken Tacos are a perfect example of how a little creativity can take a classic dish and turn it into something truly spectacular. It’s a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your go-to recipe for a delicious taco night? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Holiday Bacon Ranch Chicken Tacos: A Creamy, Savory Treat
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 20 minutes. Let it cool, then shred the chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, diced red onion, chopped parsley, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
- Serve the creamy chicken mixture in the warmed tortillas and garnish with additional parsley or onion if desired.
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