Homemade Chicken Chalupas
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than these Homemade Chicken Chalupas. With tender pieces of chicken seasoned to perfection and piled high with your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Plus, you can customize them to your heart’s content, making them a versatile dish for any night of the week. Get ready to impress your family with this twist on traditional Mexican cuisine!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Homemade Chicken Chalupas recipe is not only easy to follow but also gives you the flexibility to adapt it to your tastes. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, which means you can whip this dish up even on a busy weeknight. The chicken is flavorful and juicy, thanks to a perfectly blended seasoning mix, and the crispy chalupa tortillas provide a satisfying crunch. Best of all, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and have everything ready to go when it’s time to cook. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
What Goes Into Homemade Chicken Chalupas
To make these delectable Homemade Chicken Chalupas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more, for frying)
- 8 flour chalupa tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large skillet – for cooking the chicken and frying the tortillas.
- Cutting board – for slicing the chicken and prepping your toppings.
- Sharp knife – to make quick work of the chicken and veggies.
- Serving plates – to present your beautiful chalupas.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate seasoning.
Homemade Chicken Chalupas in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows for quicker cooking and better seasoning coverage.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the seasoning mix until evenly coated. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Fry the Chalupa Tortillas
In the same skillet, add more olive oil for frying. Heat over medium-high heat. Carefully place each flour chalupa tortilla in the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Chalupas
Once your tortillas are fried and crispy, it’s time to assemble your chalupas! Start by placing a generous amount of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Homemade Chicken Chalupas immediately while the tortillas are still warm and crispy. Watch as your family and friends dig in and enjoy every last bite!
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, consider these adaptations:
- Use lettuce wraps instead of flour chalupa tortillas for a fresh and crunchy base.
- Replace the shredded cheese with a full-fat cheese option to stay within keto guidelines.
- Omit the sour cream or use a low-carb sour cream alternative.
- Skip the salsa or choose a low-sugar salsa to keep carbs in check.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
Here are a few tips to ensure your Homemade Chicken Chalupas turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to slice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the tortillas; this will ensure they get crispy.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
- Feel free to personalize your toppings; black olives, jalapeños, or avocado make great additions!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare several components of this recipe ahead of time:
- Season and cook the chicken up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Fry the chalupa tortillas a few hours before serving and store them in a warm oven to keep them crispy.
- Chop your toppings and store them in separate containers in the fridge for easy assembly.
- Leftover assembled chalupas can be stored in the fridge, but for optimal crispiness, it’s best to keep the components separate until ready to eat.
Popular Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will provide a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? Can I make my own?
Yes! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust to your taste preferences!
Can I bake the chalupa tortillas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the tortillas if you prefer a healthier option. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
What toppings do you recommend for these chalupas?
Feel free to get creative! Some popular toppings include guacamole, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, corn, and cilantro. The sky’s the limit!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have the recipe for Homemade Chicken Chalupas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to be a hit. Roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy every delicious bite of these homemade delights!
Homemade Chicken Chalupas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows for quicker cooking and better seasoning coverage.
- In a bowl, combine the taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil for frying. Heat over medium-high heat. Carefully place each flour chalupa tortilla in the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Once your tortillas are fried and crispy, it's time to assemble your chalupas! Start by placing a generous amount of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa.
- Serve your Homemade Chicken Chalupas immediately while the tortillas are still warm and crispy.
Notes
- Slice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the tortillas for optimal crispiness.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
