{"id":84780,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-09T00:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/baked-chicken-chalupas\/"},"modified":"2025-01-09T09:07:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T15:07:26","slug":"baked-chicken-chalupas","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/baked-chicken-chalupas\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicken Chalupa"},"content":{"rendered":"

The chalupa entered the American consciousness at large around 1999, when Taco Bell introduced its crispy, chewy flatbread filled with seasoned beef, sauce, cheese, lettuce and tomato. It was an immediate hit, and people today still love the chalupa and its many iterations, including the chicken chalupa.<\/p>\n

As is the case with most of its menu, Taco Bell didn\u2019t invent the chicken chalupa\u2014though that bread-like shell is best seen as sort of chalupa-adjacent when compared to what you might find in Mexico.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s the beauty of a chalupa: It can take many forms, including that of our version with shredded chicken baked on top of a corn tortilla. This chicken chalupa recipe is a lighter take on the simple dish, and a great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken<\/a>. For a full meal, serve it with rice, beans or your other favorite Mexican foods<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is a chicken chalupa?<\/h2>\n

A traditional chalupa is like a cross between a taco and a tostada. It is made with a crispy, slightly concave corn masa shell topped with meat, bean or cheese fillings and various toppings. The chalupa got its name from its shape, which resembles the canoe-like boat used as a water taxi in parts of Mexico (chalupa<\/em> means \u201csmall boat\u201d).<\/p>\n

When the fresh masa dough hits hot oil, the sides curl up, creating a divot in the center that’s perfect for holding chicken, beef, cheese, lettuce, salsa and more. One shortcut to make a chalupa shell is with a corn tortilla, which you can fry or bake. No version is wrong; it\u2019s just a matter of preference.<\/p>\n

Chicken Chalupa Ingredients<\/h2>\n