Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-seared chicken nestled inside crisp chalupa shells topped with a smoky black bean salsa and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, taco seasoning, corn oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons corn oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and slice into strips.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 finely chopped small jalapeño. Stir gently until combined.
  3. Step 3: Warm 6 chalupa shells in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until crisp. Fill each shell with sliced chicken and top generously with the spiced black bean salsa.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy shells and tender chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Chalupas with Spiced Black Bean Salsa?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes