Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Homemade gordita crunch from Taco Bell with an option for chicken filling.

6-8 servings

Time: 45 mins

Ethan ChlebowskiBy Ethan Chlebowski
Photography by Ethan Chlebowski

I decided to recreate one of my all time favorite fast food items at home. I also include a chipotle chicken filling option here.

Pro-tip: I use a pita instead of a flour tortilla, which better approximates the thicker texture of the Taco Bell gordita wrapper.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Seasoned beef

    • 80/20 ground beef
      450 g1 lb
    • salt
      7 g
    • onion powder
      5 g
    • cumin
      5 g
    • cayenne pepper
      5 g
    • paprika
      5 g
    • tomato paste
      a spoonful
    • msg
      a sprinkle
  • Chipotle chicken

    • chicken breasts
      , cubed
      450 g1 lb
    • mayonnaise
      2 spoonfuls30 g
    • chipotles in adobo
      , minced
      a spoonful
    • cumin
      a sprinkle
    • salt
      a sprinkle
  • Spicy ranch

    • sour cream
      1 part100 g
    • mayonnaise
      1 part100 g
    • hot sauce
      a drizzle
    • cumin
      a sprinkle
    • ground coriander
      a sprinkle
    • pickled jalapeños
      , minced
      a spoonful7 g
    • lime juice
      1/4 lime
    • salt
      a sprinkle
    • msg
      a sprinkle
  • Gordita components

    • taco shells
      , hard
      6-8
    • pita bread
      , small
      6-8
    • colby jack cheese
      , shredded
    • iceberg lettuce
      , thinly sliced
    • red onions
      , diced
    • tomatoes
      , diced

Method

Step 1: Start the beef & chicken

Over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne to a pan. Use a potato masher or metal spatula to break the beef into pieces while it sears.

In a separate bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with mayo, adobo, cumin, and salt. Set this mixture aside to .

After the beef is and fully cooked, add a squirt of tomato paste and a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Stir well to ensure the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Reserve the beef in a container and wipe out the pan.

Over high heat, the chicken until cooked through and on each side. Remove from pan when done.

Step 3: Prepare the toppings & the ranch

While the chicken is cooking, thinly slice some lettuce and onions, and then grate the cheese.

In a container, thoroughly mix all spicy ranch components and taste for salt & heat, and adjust if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble

Add a layer of cheese to a pita and melt it using a microwave, toaster oven, or kitchen torch.

While the cheese is still warm, wrap the pita around the hard taco shell so they stick together. Fill the taco shell with your preferred meat, add another layer of grated cheese, spicy ranch, lettuce, and onion. Enjoy!

LET'S COOK!

FAQ

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