Naked Chicken Chalupa (Taco Bell’s Copycat)
on May 19, 2022
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If you just can’t get enough of the naked chicken chalupa at Taco Bell, you need to try this copycat recipe! It’s even better than Taco Bell, and is super easy to make.
This delicious naked chicken chalupa recipe takes just 35 minutes to make and is absolutely drool-worthy! Serve it to your family for a weeknight treat.
What is Chalupas ?
Chalupa is a dish that originated in Mexico. It has a crisp texture that’s similar to a hard taco shell and is typically topped with favorites like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and shredded lettuce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- chicken breasts
- paprika
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- cumin
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
- shortening
- milk
- vegetable oil
- tomatoes
- iceberg lettuce
- sour cream
- Mexican cheese blend
- cilantro
How to Make Naked Chicken Chalupa
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin in a small bowl.
- Season both sides of the chicken with the spice blend.
- Add oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. Mix well.
- Add the milk and mix until a dough ball is formed.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it until flat and smooth. Form the dough back into a ball.
- Divide the dough in half and then divide again until you have 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use the rolling pin to roll each piece into a 4” circle.
Step 3: Fry the Chalupa Shell
- Add oil to a separate large skillet and heat it to 350°F.
- Use a fork to generously poke holes all over the chalupa shell to prevent it from becoming too puffy.
- Use tongs and fold the chalupa shell in half, letting one-half fry in the oil. Hold the chalupa in place for about 30 seconds until it begins to turn light gold.
- Flip the chalupa to the other side and fry for 30 seconds. Flip again and fry for an additional 15 seconds on each side. Remove the chalupa from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining chalupas.
Step 4: Assemble Chicken Chalupas
- Top each chalupa shell with chicken, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Add some shredded cheese to the inside of each shell.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with diced avocado and your favorite hot sauce.
Can You Freeze Chalupa Shells?
Chalupa shells don’t freeze well and can become soggy when exposed to moisture. They’re meant to be served hot immediately after they’re made.
Is Naked Chicken Chalupa Real Chicken?
Yes. The recipe is made with chicken breasts and a variety of seasonings.
What’s On A Chicken Chalupa Supreme?
The Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa Supreme is made with a chalupa shell topped with chicken, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sour cream.
Naked Chicken Chalupa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 oz. shortening
- 1 cup milk
- vegetable oil, for frying
For the topping
- diced tomatoes
- shredded iceberg lettuce
- sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- cilantro
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin in a small bowl.
- Season both sides of the chicken with the spice blend.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, and then slice into thin strips. Set aside.
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. Mix well.
- Add the milk and mix until a dough ball is formed.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it until flat and smooth. Form the dough back into a ball.
- Divide the dough in half and then divide again until you have 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use the rolling pin to roll each piece into a 4” circle.
Fry the Chalupa Shell
- Add oil to a separate large skillet and heat it to 350°F.
- Use a fork to generously poke holes all over the chalupa shell to prevent it from becoming too puffy.
- Use tongs and fold the chalupa shell in half, letting one-half fry in the oil. Hold the chalupa in place for about 30 seconds until it begins to turn light gold.
- Flip the chalupa to the other side and fry for 30 seconds. Flip again and fry for an additional 15 seconds on each side. Remove the chalupa from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining chalupas.
Assemble Chicken Chalupas
- Top each chalupa shell with chicken, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Add some shredded cheese to the inside of each shell.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with diced avocado and your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
