Are you ready to spice up your meal prep routine with a tasty twist? Introducing our Ranch Chicken Tacos Freezer Meal – a flavor-packed delight that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Just imagine juicy shredded chicken, seasoned to perfection with zesty ranch seasoning, tucked into warm tortillas and topped with all your favorite toppings.
But here’s the best part: these tacos are all about convenience! As busy parents, we know that finding time to cook can be a challenge. That’s why having a stash of freezer-friendly meals like these tacos is an absolute game-changer. With minimal effort, you can have a batch of these tasty tacos ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes. Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknights or looking to share the love with a friend, this make-ahead recipe has got you covered.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Join me in the kitchen as we whip up a batch of these irresistible Ranch Chicken Tacos. Let’s make mealtime easier and more delicious, one taco at a time!
Why you’ll love this Hearty Tortellini Freezer Meal
- Customizable to individual liking.
- Freezer Meal
- Easy preparation
- Crowd Pleaser
- Kid-friendly
- Comfort food
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Adjust for heat level
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- 3/4 tsp Dried dill
- 12 Medium tortillas
- 2 cups Lettuce
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 2 Tomatoes
- your favorite taco toppings
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken, and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
- Serve in preferred tortillas or over rice with favorite taco toppings!
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
- Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Shred chicken, and stir back into sauce in instant pot.
- Serve in preferred tortillas or over rice with favorite taco toppings!
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Nutrition
Equipment needed to make This Budget Friendly Chicken Dinner
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients for your Ranch Chicken Tacos
- 2 lbs Chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes, Adjust for heat level
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- 3/4 tsp Dried dill
- Day of Cooking
- 12 Medium tortillas
- 2 cups Lettuce
- 1 bunch Fresh cilantro
- 2 Tomatoes
- your favorite taco toppings
How to make a Ranch Chicken Taco
Prep/freezer directions
- Prepare gallon freezer bag, Labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all main ingredients to labeled freezer bag (fresh ingredients are not needed until day of cooking).
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking directions:
- If desired, Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
- Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into slow cooker.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken, remove bones if any, and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
- Serve in preferred tortillas or over cauliflower rice with favorite taco toppings!
What to pair with your Make-Ahead Tacos
Sides:
- Mexican Street Corn
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
Desserts:
- Churros
- Tres Leches Cake
- Fried Ice Cream
Mocktails:
- Virgin Pina Colada
- Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
- Cucumber Mint Cooler
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Instead of bone-in chicken thighs, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s leaner and lower in saturated fat.
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: Choose whole wheat tortillas over regular ones for added fiber and nutrients.
Additions:
- Avocado Slices: Add some creamy slices of avocado for healthy fats and a delicious creamy texture.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: Sautéed or grilled bell peppers and onions can add extra flavor, fiber, and vitamins to your tacos.
- Black Beans: Incorporate black beans for added protein and fiber. Rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to reduce sodium content.
By making these substitutions and additions, you can enhance the nutritional profile of your Ranch Chicken Tacos, making them a healthier and balanced meal option.
How to Reheat and Store Ranch Chicken Tacos after cooking!
Best way to store Make Ahead Tacos Leftover?
The best way to store your leftover Ranch Chicken Tacos is to allow the leftovers to cool completely. Allow the Ranch Chicken Tacos to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup in the storage container. Divide the tacos into individual servings or wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Also, you can store them in an airtight container.
How long will Ranch Chicken Tacos last in the fridge?
If you plan to consume the tacos within a few days, the fridge is a great place to store your leftovers. When sealed and cooled correctly, your leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. Label the containers with the date for reference.
Can I freeze Budget-Friendly Dinner Tacos after cooking?
Absolutely. When you are wanting to freeze your leftovers, make sure that you allow the leftovers to still cool completely. If you want to portion control your leftovers, freeze your leftovers in single serving portions, so you are able to freeze and reheat single portions instead of a batch of leftovers. Continue to use airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Label and date your leftovers and place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they are placed in the freezer evenly.
If you are freezing your meal as a raw freezer meal, add all ingredients into a freezer bag(except the day of ingredients), and remove as much air as possible from bag, then seal and place in the freezer.
How to Reheat Easy Freezer Tacos?
There are many ways that you can reheat your tacos. You can heat them up in the oven, preheat your oven to around 350 degrees. Place your tacos on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through.
Or, another way to reheat is in the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Wrap the tacos in a damp paper towel to help retain the moisture and prevent them from becoming too chewy. Heat in 20-30 second intervals until they are hot.
Delicious Make Ahead Ranch Tacos FAQs
Other Chicken Recipes you’ll love!
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Ranch Chicken Tacos turned out!
Erin says:
The Ranch Chicken Tacos…just want to clarify, no liquid while cooking?
Hannah Stewart says:
Correct! for the instant pot directions, you add 1/2 cup water.
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donna says:
Is this dairy free?
Hannah Stewart says:
Yes, just make sure you watch the extra toppings and tortilla.
Fix Fake Rolex Watch says:
thanks now to learn something new!
Rhonda says:
Thanks for giving me a meal for tonight! I ran out of time to meal plan this week. My boys will love this one!
Hannah Stewart says:
I’m so glad! This recipe is great! My kids…and husband all LOVE IT! Enjoy!