**Chalupa Shells: A Crispy and Delicious Mexican Treat**
If you're looking for a crispy and delicious Mexican treat, look no further than the chalupa shell. This unique dish is a corn tortilla that is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It's then filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa. Chalupa shells can be served as a main course or as an appetizer, and they're sure to please everyone at your table.
In this article, we'll share two recipes for making chalupa shells at home. The first recipe is for a traditional chalupa shell, while the second recipe is for a healthier baked chalupa shell. We'll also provide some tips for filling your chalupa shells and serving them. So whether you're a fan of traditional Mexican food or you're looking for a healthier option, we've got you covered.
COPYCAT TACO BELL NAKED CHICKEN CHALUPA
Sometimes you want the meat on the outside of your taco, right? The Naked Chicken Chalupa was invented by a genius who had that in mind. Salad on the inside golden fried chicken on the outside. Pretty cool.
Provided by EmKenBken
Categories Mexican
Time 2h15m
Yield 12 Copycat Taco Bell Naked Chicken Chalupas, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 27
Steps:
- In the bowl of a blender or food processor combine ingredients for Creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce. Blend until completely smooth. Transfer to a small container, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In the bowl of a food processor combine ingredients for Naked Chicken Chalupa Shell. Process until completely combined and chicken has formed a paste, about three minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
- Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment, flour liberally.
- Using a 1/3 cup measure lightly sprayed with cooking spray to help, divide chicken mixture into 12 portions, placing each portion on a floured baking sheet. Place both baking sheets in the freezer while you roll out chicken shells.
- Flour a washable cutting board liberally. Transfer one chicken portion to cutting board and flour the top. Using a rolling pin, roll the chicken mixture into a 6-inch circle. If the mixture is too sticky to roll, continue to freeze it for a bit longer. Make sure the rolling pin and the work surface are well floured. Place rolled out chicken rounds back in the freezer, dividing each with parchment.
- In a pie dish or shallow rimmed platter whisk together Wet Ingredients thoroughly.
- In another shallow dish stir together Dry Ingredients.
- In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven, with a deep frying thermometer attached to side, heat oil over medium-high to 340°F.
- Working one at a time, remove a rolled out chicken round from the freezer, dust off excess flour, dip in egg mixture on both sides, then Dry Mixture on both sides.
- Using kitchen twine tie chicken round into "taco" shape. If chicken is too soft after breading, place in freezer again for a few minutes and continue with remaining rounds.
- Before frying make sure to have kitchen scissors and tongs on hand.
- Place Chalupa shells into hot oil one at a time. Fry for 1 1/2 minutes undisturbed. Using tongs, lift Chalupa gently to the surface of the oil. Snip string, and gently remove. Chalupa should now hold it's shape. Continue to fry until golden brown and cooked through another 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Fill with Creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese; serve immediately.
CHALUPAS
This chalupa recipe is such a refreshing change of pace from traditional chili. It's also fun to serve to guests. Nearly everyone who's sampled it has requested the recipe. -Ginny Becker, Torrington, Wyoming
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 8h25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place beans and enough water to cover in a 3-qt. saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; let stand for 1 hour. Drain beans and discard liquid. , In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the 3-1/2 cups water, onion, chilies, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin and oregano. Add roast and beans. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 hours longer or until pork is very tender. , Remove roast and shred with a fork. Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid in a saucepan. Combine beans and meat; set aside. Skim and discard fat from cooking liquid; bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until reduced to 1-1/2 cups. Add meat and bean mixture; heat through. , To serve, spoon meat mixture over corn chips; top with green onions, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and salsa.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Fat 19g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 680mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
TACO BELL CHALUPA COPYCAT
Make and share this Taco Bell Chalupa copycat recipe from Food.com.
Provided by paulamatt
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- To make Indian Fry Bread Mix dry ingredients together.
- Cut in shortening; then add milk.
- Shape dough into a long cylinder; cut into 8 equal parts.
- Flour hands, then work the pieces into 6" tortillas.
- Fry in oil until golden brown.
- To Make filling Mix dried onion with water in a small bowl and let stand for five minutes.
- Combine ground beef, flour, chili powder, paprika, and salt.
- Mix well.
- Add onions and water.
- Mix again.
- In a skillet, cook beef mixture until browned.
- Stir often while cooking so no large chunks form; it should be more like a paste.
- Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Build Chalupas starting with meat, then sour cream, lettuce cheese, and tomatoes in that order.
- Top with hot sauce or salsa if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Chalupa Shells:
- Use fresh masa harina for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the water is warm, but not hot, when mixing the masa harina. Hot water will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten and make the shells strong.
- Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Any thinner and the shells will be too fragile. Any thicker and they will be too dense.
- Cook the shells in a hot skillet over medium heat. This will help to create a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
- Fill the shells with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Chalupa shells are a delicious and versatile Mexican food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With a little practice, you can make your own chalupa shells at home that are just as good as the ones you get from a restaurant. So next time you're in the mood for something different, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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