How to Make Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos in the Microwave

Craving the delicious, zesty flavors of chipotle ranch chicken tacos but short on time? You don’t need to fire up the grill or stove to enjoy this tasty dish. With the help of your microwave, you can whip up these flavorful tacos quickly and effortlessly. This guide will walk you through each step, using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward methods to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon chipotle seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lime

For the Tacos:

8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
In a small bowl, mix together the chipotle seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe cover.
Microwave the chicken on high for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be white and no longer pink inside.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then cut it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Making the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Add the finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Stir the ingredients until well combined.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a bit more chipotle in adobo sauce.

3. Preparing the Toppings

Step 1: Shred and Dice

Shred the lettuce and cheese.
Dice the tomatoes and chop the cilantro.
Slice the jalapeños if you’re using them.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the tortillas are warm and pliable.

4. Assembling the Tacos

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Place a warm tortilla on a plate.
Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by a few pieces of the seasoned chicken.
Drizzle with the chipotle ranch sauce.
Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.

Step 2: Serve

Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas.
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Extra Crunch: Add some crushed tortilla chips or a handful of corn kernels to the tacos for added texture.
Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness of the chipotle ranch sauce by varying the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce. For a milder version, use less chipotle.
Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave before serving.
Tortilla Alternatives: You can use whole wheat tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.

Conclusion

Making chipotle ranch chicken tacos in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. By following these simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. With its zesty chipotle ranch sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!