Introducing Lydia’s Chicken Chalupa, a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its flavorful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, all nestled within layers of corn tortillas. This recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, is perfect for those seeking a hearty one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and share with friends and family. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour, this dish can be on your table in no time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Lydia’s Chicken Chalupa
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 12 | Corn tortillas |
| 2 | Flour |
| 1/4 | Butter |
| 1/4 | Margarine |
| 12 oz | Sour cream |
| 1/3 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1-3 | Jalapeno chile |
| 2-3 cups | Cheese |
| 2-4 cups | Cooked chicken, shredded or diced |
| Paprika |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tortillas: Start by placing the corn tortillas in a deep dish and pouring one can of chicken stock over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak while you proceed with the rest of the recipe. (Note: It’s essential to use cold stock to prevent the tortillas from becoming mushy.)
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour until well combined, then gradually add one can of chicken stock, pouring off any remaining stock from the soaked tortillas into the saucepan. Cook the mixture until it slightly thickens, then add the diced jalapenos. Once done, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until thoroughly mixed.
-
Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 9 x 13 casserole dish, begin layering the ingredients as follows: start with a layer of four tortillas to cover the bottom of the dish (you may tear them in half to ensure complete coverage), followed by one-third of the cooked chicken, one-third of the sauce, one-third of the diced onions, and one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top. Sprinkle paprika over the cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Chill Overnight: Once assembled, cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Allowing the dish to chill overnight enhances the flavors and ensures a delicious result. However, if pressed for time, it can also be refrigerated for a minimum of 8 hours.
-
Bake to Perfection: When ready to cook, remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes while you preheat your oven. Bake the chalupa uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately one hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through. For optimal results, remove the cover halfway through the baking time to allow the top to brown slightly.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Chicken Chalupa from the oven and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting it into serving pieces. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the savory flavors of Lydia’s Chicken Chalupa with your loved ones.
With its comforting blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, Lydia’s Chicken Chalupa is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as a cozy weeknight meal or showcased at a festive gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its delicious taste and simple preparation. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.
