Description
This Chicken Chalupa recipe features tender, seasoned chicken pieces cooked to perfection and nestled inside crispy, homemade fried chalupa shells. Topped with shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy sour cream, and zesty salsa, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 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)
Chalupas & Toppings
- 8 flour chalupa tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- shredded lettuce, as desired
- diced tomatoes, as desired
- sour cream, as desired
- salsa, as desired
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, rub the taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt evenly over the bite-sized chicken pieces to ensure every piece is well coated with flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Heat oil for frying chalupas: In a separate skillet, pour in approximately 1 cup of oil and heat it over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dipping the edge of a chalupa tortilla into the oil; it should bubble immediately, indicating proper frying temperature.
- Fry the chalupa shells: Using tongs, fold a chalupa tortilla in half to form a taco shell shape and carefully dip the bottom half into the hot oil. Fry until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip and fry the other half until it is equally crispy and browned. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat for all 8 chalupa tortillas.
- Assemble the chalupas: Fill each crispy chalupa shell with cooked chicken, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the chalupas immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best texture and flavors.
Notes
- Use flour chalupa tortillas specifically designed for frying to achieve the proper shape and texture.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Be cautious when frying to avoid overheating the oil; maintain medium heat to prevent burning.
- For a lighter option, consider baking the chalupa shells instead of frying, though the texture will differ.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
