Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos
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I absolutely love making chicken tacos in the slow cooker because it’s such an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. This recipe for Cool Ranch chicken tacos is a simple yet incredibly flavorful variation that takes your traditional chicken tacos to the next level.

The addition of ranch seasoning infuses the chicken with a tangy, savory flavor that perfectly complements the tender, slow-cooked meat. Whether you’re serving these tacos for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients to Make Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- CHICKEN BROTH
- TACO SEASONING
- RANCH DRESSING MIX
How to Make Cool Ranch Chicken
Making Cool Ranch chicken tacos couldn’t be easier. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to go. Start by placing 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. These should be evenly spaced in the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure they cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
Next, pour in a little chicken broth. The broth helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks and also adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. This adds that classic taco flavor, which forms the base of the dish. Then, add a packet of ranch dressing mix over the chicken as well. The ranch mix brings a tangy, herby flavor that perfectly complements the taco seasoning, creating the “Cool Ranch” twist.
Once the chicken is seasoned, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The slow, steady heat will allow the chicken to cook thoroughly while absorbing all the flavors from the seasonings.
Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken has fully cooked, use tongs to carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with two forks.
Once shredded, you have the option to return the chicken to the slow cooker with the remaining juices. This step helps the chicken stay moist and enhances its flavor. Before adding it back in, I like to remove any leftover residue or “slimy stuff” from the slow cooker to keep the texture of the chicken just right.
Serve the Tacos:
Now that your Cool Ranch chicken is ready, it’s time to serve it up! I prefer to use soft corn tortillas, but flour tortillas work great too. Load up each tortilla with a generous portion of the shredded chicken.
Top the tacos with your favorite toppings. I typically go for a combination of shredded cheese, fresh salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. If you have guacamole on hand, it’s a fantastic addition as well, though it wasn’t available when I made this batch for the picture.
These tacos are versatile—you can also use the Cool Ranch chicken as a topping for nachos, a filling for quesadillas, or as a protein for a taco salad. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy your delicious Cool Ranch chicken tacos, and feel free to experiment with different toppings and serving styles to make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. The cooking time should remain the same.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to brown the chicken slightly if desired, then add the chicken broth, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. Shred the chicken and mix it back with the juices.
How long can I keep the cooked chicken in the refrigerator?
The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The shredded Cool Ranch chicken can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning and ranch mix?
Yes, homemade seasoning mixes can be used in place of store-bought packets. Simply use the equivalent amount as you would with the packets, and adjust the flavors to your taste.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 pkg (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 pkg (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
Instructions
- Place the chicken inside the slow cooker along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Stain juices in crock pot so only clear juices remain. Add the chicken back in and serve as you would for tacos. Serves 8.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Plain Chicken.