Are you looking for a delicious, hearty snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the taco bell chicken chipotle melt.
This is a classic dish that packs a flavorful punch, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. The recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to use up leftovers.
Plus, you can customize it to your tastes with different ingredients. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe.
What Is Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt?
The taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe is a classic dish made from chicken, chipotle peppers, and melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
The dish is typically served with a side of rice, beans, or tortillas. Though it originated from the popular fast-food chain, Taco Bell, it’s become a staple of Mexican cuisine. The dish is often served as an appetizer or snack, but it can also be served as a main course.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt?
This taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
Plus, you can customize it to your tastes. The cheesy, spicy flavor of the dish makes it a great snack or appetizer. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers. The dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
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How Does It Taste Like?
The taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe is a savory and cheesy dish with a spicy kick. The chipotle peppers add a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
The chicken adds a hearty texture, making it a satisfying snack or appetizer. The dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 BUNS: These serve as the foundation of the Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt. The buns provide a soft and chewy texture, creating a satisfying base for the flavorful ingredients.
- 2 TABLESPOONS OF DICED CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE: The chipotle peppers add a smoky and spicy kick to the dish, infusing it with a distinctive flavor. The adobo sauce contributes a tangy and slightly sweet element, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- 2 CUPS OF HAND-SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE: Cheddar cheese brings a rich and melty component to the recipe. Its creamy texture complements the spiciness of the chipotle peppers, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- 8 TABLESPOONS OF FINELY MILLED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: The flour serves as a thickening agent for the chicken mixture. It helps create a cohesive and slightly dense filling that holds together within the taco, providing a satisfying texture.
- SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER: These seasonings play a crucial role in elevating the flavors of the dish. Salt enhances the natural tastes of the ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 6 TEASPOONS OF GOURMET MAYONNAISE: Gourmet mayonnaise contributes a creamy and indulgent element to the recipe. It adds a smooth texture and helps balance the spiciness of the chipotle peppers, providing a cooling contrast.
- 1 POUND OF GROUND CHICKEN: The ground chicken serves as the main protein in the Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while providing a satisfying and meaty texture.
- 1 TEASPOON OF AROMATIC GARLIC POWDER: Garlic powder infuses the dish with a savory and aromatic quality, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken mixture.
- 1 TEASPOON OF PREMIUM PLAIN CHILI POWDER: Chili powder brings a warm and earthy flavor to the recipe. It complements the chipotle peppers, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.
- 4 TABLESPOONS OF VELVETY SOUR CREAM: Sour cream provides a cool and tangy contrast to the spiciness of the chipotle peppers. Its velvety texture adds a luxurious touch to the Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when needed for baking the Chicken Chipotle Melts.
Step 2: Prepare the Buns
Slice the freshly baked buns horizontally to create a top and bottom. Place them with the cut side facing up on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Make Chipotle Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced chipotle peppers, hand-shredded cheddar cheese, and finely milled all-purpose flour. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted, and the mixture becomes smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Remove the saucepan from heat.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chicken until it is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break the chicken apart as it cooks.
Step 5: Season the Chicken
Add garlic powder and plain chili powder to the cooked ground chicken. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Allow the flavors to meld by cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Melt
Spread a teaspoon of gourmet mayonnaise on each half of the sliced bun. Top each bun with a portion of the seasoned ground chicken.
Step 7: Add Chipotle Cheese Sauce
Spoon a generous amount of the prepared chipotle cheese sauce over the seasoned ground chicken on each bun.
Step 8: Bake in the Oven
Place the assembled buns in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and achieves a slightly golden brown appearance.
Step 9: Finish with Sour Cream
Once out of the oven, drizzle each Chicken Chipotle Melt with a tablespoon of velvety sour cream.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the Chicken Chipotle Melts to cool for a minute before serving. Serve them warm and savor the flavors of your homemade Taco Bell-inspired creation.
Tips
• If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the chipotle peppers or use less.
• You can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe.
• You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or jalapeños.
• If the mixture is too thick, add a little chicken broth to thin it out.
• To make it even easier, you can use pre-cooked chicken.
• You can also use this recipe to make tacos or burritos.
Nutrition Information
One serving of taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe contains approximately 630 calories, 14.5 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of protein.
How to Store Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt?
The taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-high heat and heat until the cheese is melted and the mixture is hot.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt?
• You can substitute the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or pork.
• You can also use vegan cheese or monterey jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
• If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can use jalapenos or poblano peppers.
• You can use a different type of tomatoes, such as Roma or cherry tomatoes.
• If you don’t have onions, you can use shallots or green onions.
• If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or crema.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 buns freshly baked
- 2 tablespoon of diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adding a smoky kick
- 2 cup of hand-shredded cheddar cheese a melty masterpiece
- 8 tablespoons of finely milled all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors
- 6 teaspoons of gourmet mayonnaise
- 1 pound of ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon of aromatic garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of premium plain chili powder
- 4 tablespoons of velvety sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when needed.
- Slice the freshly baked buns in half horizontally. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced chipotle peppers, hand-shredded cheddar cheese, and finely milled all-purpose flour. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chicken until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add garlic powder and plain chili powder to the cooked chicken. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- On each bun half, spread a teaspoon of gourmet mayonnaise. Top with a portion of the seasoned ground chicken.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chipotle cheese sauce over the seasoned ground chicken on each bun.
- Place the assembled buns in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle each Chicken Chipotle Melt with a tablespoon of velvety sour cream.
- Allow the melts to cool for a minute before serving. Serve them warm and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melts!
Notes
- If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the chipotle peppers or use less.
- You can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or jalapeños.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little chicken broth to thin it out.
- To make it even easier, you can use pre-cooked chicken.
- You can also use this recipe to make tacos or burritos.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe?
You can serve the taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe with a side of rice, beans, or tortillas. You can also serve it with a side of salsa or guacamole.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan cheese and substituting the chicken for plant-based proteins such as tofu or tempeh.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and it will keep for up to three months.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in the slow cooker. Add the chicken, seasonings, and vegetables to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe, such as Monterey jack or pepper jack.
Conclusion
The taco bell chicken chipotle melt recipe is a classic dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Plus, you can customize it to your tastes.
The cheesy, spicy flavor of the dish makes it a great snack or appetizer. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers. Try this recipe today and enjoy the savory, cheesy flavor!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more