Taco Bell’s Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas: A Culinary Adventure You Can Make at Home
Are you a Taco Bell enthusiast always on the lookout for their next innovative creation? The recent buzz surrounding Taco Bell’s test of Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas has undoubtedly piqued your interest. While these tantalizing treats might not be available everywhere just yet, fear not! We’re here to guide you through recreating this exciting flavor combination in your own kitchen. Get ready for a culinary adventure as we break down the components of the Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupa and provide you with detailed recipes to bring this Taco Bell test item to your home.
What is Chicken Al Pastor?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand the essence of Chicken Al Pastor. Al pastor, traditionally made with pork, is a popular Mexican dish characterized by its vibrant flavors and distinctive cooking method. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, chilies, and pineapple, then stacked on a vertical spit and slow-cooked, much like shawarma or gyro meat. The pineapple not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a sweet and tangy note that perfectly complements the savory spices. Our Chicken Al Pastor adaptation captures these essential flavors using chicken, making it a lighter and equally delicious alternative.
Deconstructing the Taco Bell Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupa
To accurately recreate the Taco Bell experience, let’s break down the components of the Street Chalupa:
* **The Chalupa Shell:** This is the foundation of the dish – a thick, chewy flatbread that’s deep-fried to golden perfection. It provides a satisfying textural contrast to the fillings.
* **Chicken Al Pastor:** The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful al pastor blend and cooked to perfection.
* **Onions and Cilantro:** A simple yet essential topping that adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
* **Pineapple Salsa (Optional):** To amplify the authentic Al Pastor experience, a vibrant pineapple salsa is sometimes included. This adds sweetness, acidity, and a refreshing twist.
* **Spicy Ranch Sauce (Possible Variation):** Some variations may include a spicy ranch sauce for added creaminess and a kick of heat.
Homemade Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas: Recipes and Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! We’ll provide detailed recipes for each component, allowing you to customize your Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas to your liking.
1. Homemade Chalupa Shells
While you can purchase pre-made chalupa shells, making your own adds a special touch and ensures freshness. Here’s a recipe for homemade chalupa shells:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 2 tablespoons shortening or lard
* ¾ cup warm water
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. **Add Shortening:** Cut in the shortening or lard using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add Water:** Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. **Rest the Dough:** Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
6. **Divide and Roll:** Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape, about ¼ inch thick.
7. **Fry the Chalupas:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place one or two chalupas into the hot oil at a time.
8. **Fry Until Golden:** Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
9. **Drain Excess Oil:** Remove the chalupas from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Tips for Perfect Chalupa Shells:**
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Frying too many chalupas at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shells.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent.
* **Adjust Thickness:** Adjust the thickness of the rolled-out dough to your preference. Thinner dough will result in crispier shells, while thicker dough will be chewier.
* **Add Flavor:** For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of chili powder or garlic powder to the dough.
2. Chicken Al Pastor Marinade and Cooking Instructions
This marinade is the key to capturing the authentic Al Pastor flavor. It’s a blend of spices, chilies, and pineapple that will transform your chicken into a flavorful delight.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes
* ½ cup pineapple juice
* ¼ cup white vinegar
* 3-4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded (or 2 tablespoons chili powder)
* 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded (or 1 tablespoon chili powder)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small onion, roughly chopped
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon achiote paste (optional, for color and flavor)
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chilies (if using whole dried chilies):** Rehydrate the guajillo and ancho chilies by placing them in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 minutes, or until softened. Drain the chilies, reserving about ¼ cup of the soaking liquid.
2. **Blend the Marinade:** In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, white vinegar, rehydrated chilies (or chili powder), garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, achiote paste (if using), salt, and reserved chili soaking liquid (if using). Blend until smooth.
3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
4. **Cook the Chicken:** There are several ways to cook the marinated chicken:
* **Skillet:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.
* **Grill:** Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through, turning occasionally.
**Tips for Delicious Chicken Al Pastor:**
* **Marinate for Longer:** The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marinating is highly recommended.
* **Control the Heat:** Adjust the amount of chili powder or the number of chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until just cooked through and slightly browned.
* **Add Pineapple Chunks (optional):** For added sweetness and texture, consider adding small chunks of pineapple to the chicken while cooking.
3. Simple Onion and Cilantro Topping
This classic topping adds freshness and a pop of flavor to the chalupas.
**Ingredients:**
* ½ cup finely chopped white onion
* ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** Simply combine the chopped onion and cilantro in a small bowl.
4. Optional Pineapple Salsa
This vibrant salsa adds a sweet, tangy, and refreshing element to the Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
* ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
* ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* Salt, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice.
2. **Season:** Season with salt to taste.
3. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Tips for Perfect Pineapple Salsa:**
* **Use Fresh Pineapple:** Fresh pineapple will provide the best flavor. If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well.
* **Adjust the Heat:** Add more or less jalapeño to adjust the spiciness to your preference.
* **Lime Juice is Key:** Lime juice adds brightness and acidity to the salsa.
5. Optional Spicy Ranch Sauce
This creamy and spicy sauce adds a delightful richness and a kick of heat to the chalupas.
**Ingredients:**
* ½ cup Ranch dressing
* 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers (adjust to taste)
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the Ranch dressing, adobo sauce, lime juice, and chili powder (if using).
2. **Adjust Consistency:** Add a little milk or water if you want a thinner sauce.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more adobo sauce for more heat, or more lime juice for more tang.
Assembling Your Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas
Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece!
1. **Warm the Chalupa Shells:** If desired, warm the chalupa shells in a low oven or skillet.
2. **Fill the Chalupas:** Spoon a generous amount of Chicken Al Pastor into each chalupa shell.
3. **Top with Onions and Cilantro:** Sprinkle with chopped onions and cilantro.
4. **Add Pineapple Salsa (Optional):** Top with pineapple salsa for added sweetness and freshness.
5. **Drizzle with Spicy Ranch Sauce (Optional):** Drizzle with spicy ranch sauce for a creamy and spicy finish.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your homemade Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas while they’re fresh and delicious!
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of making these at home is the ability to customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Different Meats:** While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily adapt it to pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Cheese:** Add shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend, for a cheesy twist.
* **Beans:** Refried beans or black beans can add extra heartiness to the chalupas.
* **Other Toppings:** Get creative with other toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce.
* **Make it a Bowl:** Serve the Chicken Al Pastor and toppings over rice for a delicious and deconstructed chalupa bowl.
Final Thoughts
While we eagerly await the potential nationwide release of Taco Bell’s Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas, this recipe allows you to experience the delicious flavors right in your own kitchen. By following these detailed instructions and recipes, you can create a truly authentic and satisfying meal that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! Enjoy the taste of Taco Bell innovation with your homemade Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas. Let us know in the comments how your creation turned out and any variations you tried! Happy cooking!