Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Street Chalupas

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the whole chicken: pat it dry thoroughly, including the interior with paper towels. Season all over with salt, coarse black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
   ▶ ≈1:28
2. 2
   Lightly coat the chicken with a thin layer of mayonnaise to help the seasoning adhere.
   ▶ ≈2:05
3. 3
   Spatchcock the chicken: remove the backbone (save for stock), flip the bird skin-side up, and flatten it out. Place on a roasting rack.
   ▶ ≈2:24
4. 4
   Roast the spatchcocked chicken in a 425°F oven for about 45 minutes until the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F. Place bacon on a separate rack in the same oven to cook until crispy.
   ▶ ≈2:58
5. 5
   Make the chalupa shells: combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix in warmed milk and neutral oil. Knead for a few minutes until soft and smooth, adding a touch more flour if too sticky. Cover and let rest for about 30 minutes.
   ▶ ≈3:30
6. 6
   Make the pico de gallo: finely dice white onion, jalapeño, and tomato (avoid the wet inner parts). Add chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix and set aside.
   ▶ ≈4:30
7. 7
   Make the avocado ranch sauce: blend ripe avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, cilantro, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Add milk gradually to reach your desired consistency.
   ▶ ≈5:05
8. 8
   Once the chicken is roasted and reaches temperature, remove it and let cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces.
   ▶ ≈5:46
9. 9
   Fry the chalupa shells: heat oil to 350°F. Gently lay in a piece of dough (about 6 inches). When it just starts to brown, use tongs and a spatula to bend it into the chalupa shape. Continue frying until all sides are golden. Remove and cool.
   ▶ ≈7:47
10. 10
    Add cheese: reduce heat to medium. Lay down a circle of cheddar cheese and let it begin to melt. Drag the fried shell through the melting cheese, then continue frying until the cheese is fully melted and golden. Cool.
    ▶ ≈9:08
11. 11
    Assemble the chalupas: fill each cooled cheese-crusted shell with shredded roasted chicken, avocado ranch sauce, additional cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh pico de gallo.
    ▶ ≈9:49