Next, I take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. While it’s resting, I prepare the crispy cheese lace. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, I sprinkle small circles of shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 tablespoons each), making sure to leave space between each one. I pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re bubbly and golden. I always keep a close eye on them because they can quickly go from perfectly crisp to overdone!
Returning to my chicken, I use two forks to shred it up into smaller pieces and toss it in a bowl with the dill pickle ranch dressing. The ranch dressing coats every piece of chicken beautifully, giving it that creamy, tangy flavor. Now, it’s time to assemble the tacos! I warm the tortillas in the same skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them pliable and enhances their flavor, which is a tip I swear by.
I lay a generous scoop of the dressed chicken on each tortilla, top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a few pickle slices for extra crunch, and I’m ready to finish off with that beautiful crispy cheese lace on top. Trust me, it is the extra touch that takes these tacos to the next level!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways and found that using fresh dill pickle slices instead of relish adds an amazing texture and an extra burst of flavor. If you like things a bit spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking—it gives it a lively kick that balance out the creamy ranch dressing perfectly.
Another thing I learned through experimentation is that letting the shredded chicken rest in the dressing for at least 15 minutes before assembling the tacos allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll end up with a much more flavorful chicken filling if you let it soak in all those delicious seasonings.
Lastly, I found the key to making perfectly crispy cheese lace is using a good quality cheese. It melts and crisps up differently depending on the brand, so I always opt for an aged cheddar with good flavor and melting properties to ensure success every time I make them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time I made these tacos was overcrowding the skillet while cooking the chicken. This kept the chicken from browning nicely, resulting in a somewhat bland flavor. I’ve learned to cook in small batches to ensure that each piece gets that lovely sear. (See the next page below to continue…)