If you're looking for the best homemade version of Taco Bell's chicken chalupa supreme, you've come to the right place! This recipe combines crispy fried shells, perfectly seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings to create a dish that's mind-blowingly good. Plus, it's so, so easy to make. In fact, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to put it together.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a nostalgic favorite that takes me back to countless late-night Taco Bell runs with some of my high school friends. My friend Joe, in particular, was a HUGE Taco Bell fan, and chalupas were always a part of our order when we'd go.
Funny enough, I just had dinner with him, his wife, and their son last month, and he made this copycat version for us. And, I've got to say, it was absolutely bananas good. So good in fact, that I had to get the recipe from him.
Since I had it at his house, it's become a big hit at our house for taco Tuesdays - especially with the kids. My daughter Stella, in particular, not only likes to eat these homemade chicken chalupas, but she also likes to help me make them. It's been a super fun way for us to get some daddy-daughter time.
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make these homemade chicken chlupas.
For the shells:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 oz. butter
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the filling:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Cilantro, garnish
How to Make Chicken Chalupa Supreme
Again, just a handful of simple steps are all you have to follow to make this recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter.
Gradually add the milk and stir until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into 8 portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten into 4-inch circles. Then, poke holes in the dough circles with a fork.
Step 2: Fry the Shells
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Fold each dough circle in half and fry, flipping as needed, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Mix the paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin in a small bowl.
Season the chicken on both sides. Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let rest, then slice into thin strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Chalupas
Fill each shell with chicken, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Garnish with cilantro.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these homemade Taco Bell chicken chalupas with your favorite hot sauce or salsa for the ultimate fast-food-inspired meal!
My Expert Tips
- Perfectly Shaped Shells: Use tongs here-and-there to hold the dough in place while frying to create that signature Chalupa fold.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Prep Ahead: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Topping Ideas: Add guacamole, pickled jalapeños, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQ's About This Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa Recipe
Can I bake the Chalupa shells instead of frying them?
Yes, bake the flattened dough at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.
What other proteins can I use?
Try ground beef, shredded pork, or even grilled shrimp for a unique twist.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of making homemade shells?
Definitely! I've used them when I've been in a pinch for time, and the chalupas still turned out great.
My Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken chalupa supreme recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Taco Bell classics.
The crispy shells, the juicy chicken, and the fresh toppings come together to create a dish that’s truly out-of-this-world good.
Give this copycat Taco Bell chicken chalupa recipe a try and you'll experience just how good they are. I hope you like this recipe!
More Copycat Chicken Recipes to Try Next
- Popeyes chicken sandwich
- Chick Fil A grilled chicken
- Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara
- Dave's hot chicken
- Raising Cane's chicken fingers
Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Chalupa Supreme Recipe
If you're looking for the best homemade version of Taco Bell's chicken chalupa supreme, you've come to the right place! This recipe combines crispy fried shells, perfectly seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings to create a dish that's mind-blowingly good. Plus, it's so, so easy to make. In fact, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to put it together.
Ingredients
- For the shells:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 oz. butter
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the filling:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Cilantro, garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter. Use a fork to blend the ingredients together. Gradually add the milk and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough ball forms.
- Once the dough is formed, divide it in half, then further divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and, using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Poke holes all over each dough circle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing while frying.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, fold one dough circle in half and hold it in the oil to maintain the shape. Fry one side for about 30 seconds until light golden, then flip to cook the other side for 30 seconds. Flip again and fry each side for an additional 15 seconds until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried shell to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat for the remaining dough circles.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Season both sides of the chicken with the spice blend. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- To assemble, fill each Chalupa shell with the seasoned chicken, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and a pinch of cheese. Garnish with cilantro and serve with your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 chalupaAmount Per Serving: Calories: 293Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 431mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 21g
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