Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa Supreme Copycat Recipe

Craving a delicious homemade version of Taco Bell’s Chicken Chalupa? This recipe lets you make crispy, flavorful chalupas right in your kitchen.

You’ll love how easy it is to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

We’ll walk you through step-by-step so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality treat without leaving home.

Imagine the satisfaction of biting into a chalupa shell that’s been fried to golden perfection, filled with tender chicken and topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.

The blend of textures and flavors will make your taste buds dance.

Ready to get started?

Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps.

Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a hearty, tasty Chicken Chalupa that rivals your favorite fast-food joint.

Key Takeaways

  • Make restaurant-quality Chicken Chalupas at home.
  • Easy, step-by-step instructions for perfect results.
  • Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and texture.

Overview of the Recipe

Making a Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa at home is easier than you might think. This copycat recipe involves preparing the chalupa shells, cooking the chicken, and assembling the toppings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chalupa Shells:

For the chalupa shells, I combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

I pour in the milk and oil, mixing until it forms a dough.

The dough is divided into balls, then rolled into flat tortilla shapes.

I heat some oil in a skillet and fry the dough until crispy and golden brown.

Chicken Filling:

The chicken is seasoned with salt, flour, chili powder, and paprika.

I cook it in a skillet until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, then slice it into thin strips.

Toppings:

I prepare the toppings by dicing tomatoes, shredding lettuce, and setting out sour cream and cheese in separate bowls.

These fresh ingredients add the perfect finishing touches to the chalupa.

For more details, check out this Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Chalupa Supreme recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In this section, I’ll guide you through making delicious Chicken Chalupa Supremes, just like Taco Bell. We’ll start with the chalupa dough, then cook the filling, and finally assemble everything into a tasty meal.

Preparing the Chalupa Dough

First, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and oil.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix with a fork until the dough comes together.

Knead the dough briefly to make it smooth.

Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Flatten each ball into a tortilla shape about six inches in diameter.

Heat about half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.

Using tongs, carefully place each dough round into the hot oil.

Fry until they are golden brown and puffy, then flip and fry the other side. This should take about two minutes per side.

Remove the chalupa shells and let them drain on paper towels.

Cooking the Filling

For the chicken filling, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Season the chicken with a mix of salt, chili powder, and cumin to add a bit of spice.

Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.

Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about five to seven minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the other toppings.

Dice fresh tomatoes, shred some lettuce, and grate cheese. You can also have sour cream ready in a bowl.

Assembly and Final Touches

To assemble the chalupas, take one of the fried chalupa shells and start by spreading a bit of sour cream inside.

Add a layer of the cooked, sliced chicken strips.

Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.

For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some paprika or additional chili powder over the top.

Serve the assembled chicken chalupas warm.

Enjoy the crispy shells and tasty filling, just like you would from Taco Bell!

Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying! Perfect for taco night.

Ingredients

  • For the Chalupa Shells:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening or butter

  • 2/3 cup milk

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Diced tomatoes

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Sour cream

  • Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare the Chalupa Shells:
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  • Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add the milk, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a 6-inch circle.
  • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Fry each dough circle for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and puffy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  • Assemble the Chalupas:
  • Take a fried chalupa shell and fill it with a few slices of the seasoned chicken.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Add hot sauce if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sizzling chicken chalupa sits on a vibrant Taco Bell tray, surrounded by colorful sauces and toppings. The iconic logo is prominently displayed in the background

I’m here to answer your top questions about making a Taco Bell-style chicken chalupa at home. Let’s dive into the key details and tips for perfecting this delicious recipe.

How can I make a chalupa just like the one at Taco Bell?

To make a chalupa like Taco Bell, start with a blend of flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add milk and oil to form the dough.

Fry the dough in oil until golden.

Fill with ingredients like seasoned chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

For specific steps, Midwest Foodie Blog has a helpful guide.

What are the healthiest ingredients to put in a homemade chicken chalupa?

Focus on fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes.

Opt for grilled chicken instead of fried to reduce fat.

Use low-fat cheese and plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for fewer calories.

Whole wheat flour can be used for the shell to add fiber.

More healthy ingredient ideas can be found on Kitchen Divas.

What type of chicken is best to use for a copycat Taco Bell chalupa recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your go-to for this recipe.

They cook quickly and remain tender.

Season well with spices like chili powder, paprika, and salt.

Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious chicken.

Ania’s Vibrant Kitchen details the best seasoning methods.

Can you make a Taco Bell-style chicken chalupa in a home kitchen?

Yes, it’s entirely possible!

You just need basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, frying pan, and metal tongs.

The dough for the shell is straightforward to make, and frying them gives you that authentic crunch.

The filling can be made with common pantry items. Check out the step-by-step process at Belly Rules The Mind.

What nutritional information should I be aware of when making a chicken chalupa at home?

A homemade chicken chalupa can have around 300-400 calories, depending on toppings.

Watch for high sodium levels from seasonings.

Balance your meal with fresh vegetables and lean protein.

Be cautious with cheese and sauces, which add calories and fat.

For more nutritional details, refer to recipes like those on Simmer & Sage.

How do you prepare a shell for a chicken chalupa to get that perfect crunch?

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add milk and oil to form the dough. Roll out the dough thinly and fry in hot oil. Use tongs to shape it. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature for a crispy shell.