Chicken Ranch Tacos with Shrimp
Chicken Ranch Tacos with Shrimp combine juicy grilled chicken, tender shrimp, and a tangy ranch dressing to create a fast, flavorful taco perfect for weeknights or gatherings. This surf-and-turf recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and fresh flavors, easily customizable and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Sauces & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Tortillas & Vegetables
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- Prepare the Proteins: Season the chicken breast pieces lightly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a hot skillet and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the peeled shrimp. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a flame until soft and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm and prevent drying out.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of ranch dressing on each tortilla. Layer with chicken, shrimp, and fresh veggies such as chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinate proteins briefly in lime juice and spices for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken and shrimp to ensure even browning and texture.
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness; bottled juice lacks freshness.
- Warm tortillas properly to keep them soft and easy to roll.
- Make ranch dressing from scratch to control herbs and seasoning balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, ranch tacos, surf and turf tacos, quick taco recipe, gluten free tacos, taco night