Ingredients
Method
Prep Your Workspace
- Gather and measure all your ingredients.
Firing Up the Skillet
- In a large skillet, pour in about 2 inches of canola oil and heat until the temperature reaches 350°F.
Chicken Glory
- In a small mixing bowl, blend together paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Season both sides of the chicken breasts.
- In another skillet, pour a tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until the thermometer reads 165°F. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Toppings Galore
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and segregate them in a bowl. Place the shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cheese in separate bowls for easy assembly later.
Crafting the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening.
- Introduce the milk and stir until a dough forms.
Molding the Chalupas
- Flour a countertop and roll out the dough flat. Shape it back into a ball. Cut it in half, then divide it into 8 even sections.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten them into 4-inch circles using a rolling pin.
Chalupa Shell Crunch Time
- With a fork, puncture holes across the surface to keep it from puffing up too much.
- With tongs in hand, fold the shell in half and submerge one side in hot oil. Fry each side for about 30 seconds, flipping and frying additional 15-second intervals. Once golden, remove and place on paper towels to drain.
Final Assembly
- Now comes the fun part—stuffing the chalupas! Layer in the seasoned chicken, a dollop of sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and a smattering of shredded cheese.
- Top off with a sprinkle of cilantro and serve hot with your sauce of choice. Relish every bite; you've earned it!
