Taco Bell lovers—let’s taco ’bout the latest addition to the menu! The chain announced that its Naked Chicken Chalupa is back for summer.
Not familiar with this treat? The Naked Chicken Chalupas don’t have a soft or crunchy taco shell, but instead, wrap taco fixin’s in a “shell” of crispy fried chicken rolled in Mexican spices. It’s filled with lettuce, cheddar cheese and tomato, topped off by a cool avocado ranch dressing. It’s also Taco Bell’s contribution to the ongoing Chicken Sandwich Wars.
But How Does It Really Taste?
I tested the chalupas at a Taco Bell in Manhattan, and it tastes akin to a giant chicken nugget with few veggies wrapped inside. The avocado ranch from the chalupa didn’t register much, so you might want to add grab a hot sauce packet for some extra kick.
I couldn’t finish the chalupa—it was way too much chicken without other flavors to balance things out—but if you’re a chicken nugget devotee, this might be the perfect meal for you. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might want to opt for the original Chicken Chalupa or a Black Bean Chalupa instead—the Naked Chicken Chalupa packs in more flavor, but adds up to 150-200 extra calories.
When Can I Get One?Â
As of May 20, the Naked Chicken Chalupa is available at Taco Bell nationwide. However, all good things must come to an end, so the Naked Chicken Chalupas will only be on the Taco Bell menu for a limited time. If you’re intrigued by the chicken shells, you’ll want to get to Taco Bell as soon as possible!
You can get it a la carte for $3.49 or a Crispy Chalupa Box for $5.99, which includes a Beef Burrito, Crunchy Taco and medium fountain drink. Don’t forget to pair it with Taco Bell’s new Freeze!
Our Best Taco Bell Copycat Recipes
Inspired By: Cheesy Bean and Rice BurritoThese hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Inspired By: Nacho FriesDon't plan on coming away with clean fingers after digging into these cheese fries! For a more authentic copycat, add some of this
homemade taco seasoning to your fries.
Inspired By: Dressed Egg TacoThis is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Inspired By: Cheese QuesadillaWe serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Inspired By: Chicken BurritoThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Inspired By: Guacamole SideNothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Inspired By: Spicy TostadaYou only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Inspired By: Fiesta Taco SaladI found this recipe in an old school cookbook, and I've taken it to many potlucks since then. The layers look so pretty in a glass bowl. —Sandy Fynaardt, New Sharon, Iowa
Inspired By: Grande ScramblerBurritos for
breakfast? Why not! These zesty little handfuls will wake up your taste buds and start your day with a smile. And you can make and freeze them ahead, then just pop them into the microwave for a quick meal. —Linda Wells, St. Mary's, Georgia
Inspired By: Chicken Soft TacoMy family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Inspired By: Nacho Cheese SauceThis zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Inspired By: Chalupa SupremeI wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Inspired By: Grilled Breakfast BurritoZap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Inspired By: Grilled Steak Soft TacosZesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Inspired By: Chicken QuesadillaLeftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Inspired By: Combo BurritoI love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Nachos SupremeMy mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Inspired By: Cheesy Potato BurritoI have a son who lives in Mexico, so we don’t see him very often. When I make these burritos, it feels as if he is right there at the table with us, inhaling them. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Inspired By: Crunchy TacoA taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Inspired By: XXL Grilled Stuffed BurritoAfter a busy day, this is a dish that I can get on the table fast. The recipe came about totally by accident: I started throwing things together and soon I had a winner! Everyone who has tried these burritos goes home with the recipe. —Amanda Alford, Hopedale, Illinois
Updated: Nov. 28, 2023
