Name: Chicken Chalupa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for frying); 8 flour chalupa tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheese; shredded lettuce, as desired; diced tomatoes, as desired; sour cream, as desired; salsa, as desired

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and a vibrant mix of fresh and melted ingredients, this Chicken Chalupa Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with well-seasoned chicken and nestled inside perfectly crispy chalupa shells, every bite offers a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and creamy notes that will make this dish an instant favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a jar on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. There are six folded golden brown pita breads stacked on the right side, next to a small white bowl of white creamy sauce and a jar of reddish-brown salsa. In the center, a white bowl holds cooked, seasoned pieces of golden brown chicken. Surrounding the chicken bowl are smaller white bowls filled with shredded yellow cheddar cheese, chopped bright red tomatoes, and shredded light green lettuce. A small wooden bowl with chopped fresh green cilantro is also visible. All items are neatly arranged and well-lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a delicious and satisfying Chicken Chalupa Recipe. Each element adds its own unique touch, enhancing the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the final dish.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Brings a perfect blend of spices that makes the chicken pop.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the taco seasoning.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: For aromatic depth and a savory finish.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for frying): Used to cook the chicken and fry the chalupa shells to crispy perfection.
8 flour chalupa tortillas: These thick, sturdy tortillas hold all the fillings and get wonderfully crisp when fried.
1 cup shredded cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey richness.
Shredded lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm chicken and cheese.
Diced tomatoes: Adds juicy brightness and color.
Sour cream: Offers a creamy, tangy element that cools down the spices.
Salsa: Brings vibrant acidity and spice to finish each chalupa.

How to Make Chicken Chalupa Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by rubbing the taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt evenly over the chicken pieces. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with all the bold, zesty flavors that define this dish. Give the chicken a good toss to make sure every bite is packed with spice.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nicely browned and completely cooked through. This quick sear locks in the juices, making the chicken tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Chalupa Shells

In a separate skillet, pour about 1 cup of oil and heat it over medium. To check if the oil is ready, dip the edge of a chalupa tortilla into the oil — it should bubble immediately. This indicates the perfect temperature to get those deliciously crispy shells.

Step 4: Fry the Chalupa Shells

Using tongs, carefully dip one half of each flour chalupa tortilla into the hot oil while folding the other half over it to create that signature taco shell shape. Fry the bottom half until it turns a beautiful golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. This frying step makes your chalupas irresistibly crunchy and sturdy enough to hold all the scrumptious fillings.

Step 5: Assemble the Chalupas

Once the shells are ready, fill each one with the cooked chicken, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, and juicy diced tomatoes. Top them off with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of fresh salsa for that perfect finishing touch. Every bite will be a harmony of textures and bold flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Chalupa Recipe

The image shows a small sandwich with three visible layers on a crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is golden-brown grilled chicken pieces, topped with a layer of light green shredded lettuce. The top layer is bright orange shredded cheddar cheese mixed with small pieces of red diced tomatoes. Around the sandwich, there are white bowls filled with orange shredded cheese, red diced tomatoes, and cooked grilled chicken pieces. On the right, part of a white plate holds a crispy, golden brown fried item. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate your Chicken Chalupa Recipe to the next level. Consider adding chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra punch. These little touches add brightness and layers of flavor that make your chalupa experience truly memorable.

Side Dishes

Serve your chalupas alongside classic Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a colorful corn salad. The creamy beans and flavorful rice balance the crispy, spicy chalupas perfectly and round out the meal with complementary textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or family? Arrange the chalupas on a large platter with all the toppings in separate bowls for a fun, build-your-own chalupa night. Alternatively, serve them with a side of guacamole and fresh chips for a delicious party spread everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover components separately in airtight containers. Keep the chicken refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the fried shells are best eaten fresh. Storing them separately helps preserve their texture and taste.

Freezing

Chicken can be frozen after cooking; just cool it completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to avoid freezing the fried chalupa shells as they will lose their crispness upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For the chalupa shells, a quick toast in a hot skillet or oven helps bring back some crunch before assembling your chalupas again.

FAQs

Can I use other tortillas besides flour chalupas?

While flour chalupa tortillas are recommended for their thickness and crispiness, you can experiment with smaller flour or corn tortillas. Just keep in mind they might not hold the fillings as well or fry up as crunchy.

Is this Chicken Chalupa Recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium level of spice due to the taco seasoning, but you can always adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or chopped jalapeños if you like a spicier kick.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your chalupas quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

What else can I add to the chalupa filling?

Feel free to get creative by adding avocado slices, black beans, corn kernels, or pickled onions. These additions bring even more texture and flavor to the dish.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Chicken Chalupa Recipe gluten-free, swap out the flour chalupa tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure any seasoning blends or additional ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Chalupa Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its crispy shells and perfectly seasoned chicken filling, it captures the joy of a homemade Mexican-inspired feast right in your kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal planning—happy cooking!