Naked Chicken Chalupa: A Keto Conundrum?

The Naked Chicken Chalupa from Taco Bell has sparked interest in whether it is keto-friendly. The chalupa shell is made from fried chicken, which may be breaded and therefore not low-carb. However, some people have created keto-friendly recipes for a similar product, using chicken breasts and coatings such as almond flour and pork rind crumbs.

Taco Bell's Naked Chicken Chalupa nutrition facts

Taco Bell's Naked Chicken Chalupa is not a healthy option. A single chalupa contains 440-470 calories, with 30 grams of fat and 22-31 grams of carbohydrates. It also has 19 grams of net carbs and 20 grams of protein.

The Wild Naked Chicken Chalupa is a slightly healthier option, with 420 calories, 28 grams of fat, 23 grams of total carbs, 19 grams of net carbs, and 19 grams of protein.

The Mild Naked Chicken Chalupa contains avocado ranch sauce, cheddar cheese, iceberg lettuce, and a breaded naked chicken chalupa shell. The shell is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, water, modified food starch, seasoning, and salt. It is then breaded with wheat flour, water, modified wheat starch, and other ingredients.

The Wild Naked Chicken Chalupa, while lower in calories, may have different ingredients and nutritional values.

The high fat and carbohydrate content in the Naked Chicken Chalupa means it is not keto-friendly, as it is too high in carbs and could kick someone out of ketosis.

Keto-friendly alternatives to the Naked Chicken Chalupa

The Naked Chicken Chalupa from Taco Bell is not keto-friendly, with 19g net carbs per serving. However, there are several keto-friendly alternatives that you can make at home. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly substitutes for the Naked Chicken Chalupa:

Keto Chicken Taco

This option uses a taco shell made entirely of chicken, coated in pork rinds and fried. The shell is filled with guacamole, Pico de Gallo, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and sour cream. This recipe has only 1g of net carbs per serving.

Keto Naked Chicken Chalupa

This recipe is a copycat of the Taco Bell version, but with some keto-friendly tweaks. The chicken is pounded thin and coated in an almond flour and pork rind crumb mixture, then baked over a mould to form a taco shell shape. The shell is filled with an avocado ranch sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. This option has 2.9g net carbs per serving.

Keto Chicken Enchiladas

A keto-friendly take on traditional enchiladas, this recipe uses low-carb tortillas or almond flour wraps filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and a keto-friendly enchilada sauce.

Keto Chilli Con Carne

A hearty and spicy option, this recipe features minced beef or chicken, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is typically served with cauliflower rice or keto-friendly tortillas.

Mexican Steak Keto Fajitas

This option features strips of steak or chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a variety of keto-friendly toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. It is typically served in a low-carb tortilla or over a bed of lettuce.

These recipes provide tasty and keto-friendly alternatives to the Naked Chicken Chalupa, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of Mexican-inspired cuisine while adhering to your dietary preferences.

How to make a keto-friendly Naked Chicken Chalupa

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Egg
• Almond flour
• Pork rind crumbs
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Roma tomato
• Shredded lettuce
• Mexican blend shredded cheese
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Ranch seasoning

Optional Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Ground pork rinds, unflavoured
• Cayenne powder
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Coriander
• Onion powder
• Mexican oregano
• Chipotle powder
• Duck fat or lard

Utensils

• Food processor or mixer
• Large bowl
• Rolling pin
• Ziplock sandwich bag
• Tortilla press or a large plate
• Baking sheet
• Aluminium foil
• Blender or food processor

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the chicken breast between two pieces of wax paper or parchment paper and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are thin, about 1/4 inch in thickness. Try to form the chicken breast into a circle, around 6-7 inches in diameter.
• Prepare the egg wash by mixing an egg with some heavy whipping cream in a shallow bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the pork rind crumbs, almond flour, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Dip the chicken into the egg wash, then coat it in the crumb mixture.
• Create a mould to form the chicken into a taco shell shape. You can do this by using a tall springform pan on a baking sheet or creating a structure out of aluminium foil.
• Place the chicken over the mould and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• While the chicken is baking, make the avocado ranch sauce by blending avocado, sour cream, and ranch seasoning in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
• To assemble, spread the avocado ranch sauce on the inside of the chicken, then add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
• Enjoy your keto-friendly Naked Chicken Chalupa!

The best keto-friendly toppings for a Naked Chicken Chalupa

The Naked Chicken Chalupa is a Taco Bell creation that has inspired many keto-friendly recreations. The chalupa traditionally features a fried chicken patty as the taco shell, stuffed with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Here are some of the best keto-friendly toppings and ingredients to use for your Naked Chicken Chalupa:

Keto-Friendly Toppings

• Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese is a great keto-friendly topping that adds flavour and texture to your chalupa.
• Lettuce – Shredded lettuce is a must-have for any taco or chalupa. It provides a crunchy texture and a healthy boost to your meal.
• Tomatoes – While tomatoes do contain some carbs, diced Roma or fresh tomatoes can add a burst of flavour and colour to your chalupa.
• Avocado – Avocado is a keto-friendly superfood that can be used as a topping or blended with sour cream and ranch seasoning to make a delicious avocado ranch sauce.
• Sour Cream – Adding a dollop of sour cream can enhance the creaminess and flavour of your chalupa.
• Ranch Sauce – Ranch dressing is often used as a keto-friendly sauce. Blending it with avocado and sour cream creates a tasty avocado ranch sauce.
• Pico de Gallo – A fresh and zesty mix of tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice, Pico de Gallo can add a burst of flavour to your chalupa.
• Guacamole – Avocados are a keto staple, and guacamole is a perfect way to add healthy fats and flavour to your chalupa.

Keto-Friendly Shell Alternatives

• Chicken – Instead of a traditional taco shell, you can use a thin, pounded chicken breast as the base of your chalupa. Bread it with almond flour and pork rind crumbs to create a crispy shell.
• Almond Flour and Pork Rind Crumbs – Coating your chicken shell with a mixture of almond flour and plain pork rind crumbs gives it a crispy texture and delicious flavour.
• Spices – Don't forget to spice up your shell! Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

The best keto-friendly sides to accompany a Naked Chicken Chalupa

The Naked Chicken Chalupa from Taco Bell has 19g net carbs, which means it is not strictly keto-friendly. However, with a few tweaks, you can make a keto-friendly version at home. Here are some sides to accompany your keto-friendly Naked Chicken Chalupa:

Guacamole

Guacamole is a must-have for any keto-friendly Mexican meal. Avocados are high in healthy fats and low in carbs, making them an excellent choice for keto dieters. Plus, who doesn't love the creamy texture and mild flavour of guacamole?

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo, or salsa fresca, is a fresh and flavourful addition to your keto Naked Chicken Chalupa. It's made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice—all keto-friendly ingredients. This salsa will add a burst of freshness and a bit of spice to your meal.

Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage Slaw

Shredded lettuce or a quick radish cabbage slaw can add some crunch and texture to your chalupa. It's a simple, yet essential side to help round out your keto-friendly meal.

Cheese

Cheese is always a welcome addition to any Mexican dish. Shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses can be melted on top of your chalupa or enjoyed on the side. Cheese is high in fat and low in carbs, making it a perfect keto-friendly option.

Avocado Ranch Sauce

For an extra indulgent side, try making an avocado ranch sauce by blending avocado with keto-friendly ranch dressing. This creamy sauce will pair perfectly with your Naked Chicken Chalupa and can also be used as a dip for your other keto sides.

By choosing keto-friendly sides, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that fits within your dietary restrictions. Enjoy experimenting with these sides and customising your keto-friendly Naked Chicken Chalupa!

Frequently asked questions