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Homemade Chicken Chalupas

Crispy fried chalupa shells filled with juicy taco-seasoned chicken breast, melted cheese, and all your favorite fresh toppings. Ready in 20 minutes and better than the drive-thru.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 chalupas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 327

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
  • 1 cup canola or vegetable oil for frying the shells
  • 8 flour chalupa tortillas Mission Brand recommended
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Mexican blend preferred
  • shredded lettuce optional topping
  • diced tomatoes optional topping
  • sour cream optional topping
  • salsa optional topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Deep skillet for frying
  • Heat-resistant tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry. Rub the taco seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt evenly over all the pieces.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large deep skillet, heat 1 cup of oil over medium heat. Test by dipping the edge of a chalupa tortilla into the oil. If it bubbles immediately, the oil is ready.
  4. Using heat-resistant tongs, dip one half of a chalupa tortilla into the hot oil while folding the other half over it to form a taco shell shape. Hold for about 30 seconds until golden and puffed, then flip and fry the other side. Repeat with all 8 tortillas.
  5. Fill each crispy chalupa shell with cooked chicken and shredded cheese. Add toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately.

Notes

Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat. Rotisserie chicken seasoned with taco seasoning also works great. Store shells and filling separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat shells in a 350F oven for 6 to 7 minutes.