Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt Recipe

Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt Recipe - With just a handful of uncomplicated words, a flood of emotions can be triggered and your taste buds can instantly become tantalized.

If you haven't previously been a fervent enthusiast of sandwiches or homemade melts, this Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt is guaranteed to revolutionize your perspective.

The Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt presents a worthy competition to the shredded chicken burrito, offering an excellent choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delectable snack at holiday parties.

How to Make Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt

While it may be a common practice to create homemade melts using leftovers from the previous night, the Chicken Chipotle Melt from Taco Bell follows a different approach.

To achieve the delicious simplicity of this chicken melt, you need to put in some extra effort. This involves making a homemade Taco Bell chipotle sauce, marinating the chicken, and ultimately assembling your melt. We'll guide you through each step of the process to ensure you create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

(4-6 servings)

For melt:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4-6 large flour tortillas

For marinade:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the chipotle sauce:

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 teaspoon paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo

Instructions:

The Taco Bell Chipotle Chicken Melt impressively delivers complex flavors despite its simple lineup of only four ingredients. After just one bite, you'll be transported to a saucy melt heaven.

This roll-up creation features tortillas, a generous amount of chipotle sauce for a delightful kick, grilled chicken, and an abundance of cheese. After all, it is a melt, and when it comes to cheese, more is always better.

Let's break down the steps to prepare this tantalizing Chicken Chipotle Melt from Taco Bell:

Step 1

Begin by preparing the chicken. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a zip lock bag and thoroughly coat the chicken by shaking the sealed bag. To fully infuse the flavors, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 2

Next, prepare the chipotle sauce. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and let it sit for about an hour.

Step 3

It's time to grill. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for approximately 7-8 minutes per side until they are well browned and coated in the savory sauce. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then slice it into thin strips.

Note: If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can achieve a similarly delicious result. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken breasts, and cook for around 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. For added smokiness, cook some bacon before adding the chicken breasts and let the bacon fat enhance the flavor.

Step 4

Now it's time to assemble your perfect chicken chipotle melt. Place a tortilla in a large skillet over low heat and spread a thin layer of chipotle sauce on top. Add a quarter of the cheese and a quarter of the sliced chicken. Once the cheese has melted, remove the tortilla from the skillet and let the bottom cool slightly. Roll up your chicken melt and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.

Prepare to be amazed by the delightful flavors of this sensational Chicken Chipotle Melt!

Ingredient Substitution

In the authentic Chicken Chipotle Melt from Taco Bell, tortillas and chipotle sauce are essential components.

Nevertheless, if you happen to be missing some of the required ingredients, fear not! You can still create a delicious chicken chipotle melt with a few substitutions.

Tortillas

If you happen to run out of tortillas, don't worry! You can easily adapt the chicken chipotle melt recipe by using good old bread as a substitute.

However, when using bread in a sandwich, it's crucial to choose a sturdy variety that can hold up to the flavorful fillings. Opt for a sturdy white bread, or go for options like ciabatta or focaccia.

Simply slice the bread into thick slices, around ½ inch in thickness, and generously spread chipotle sauce on each piece. Layer cheese, add the chicken, and assemble the sandwich.

To add an extra crunch and enhance the texture, place the sandwich on a griddle or press it down with a sandwich press until the bread turns a rich golden brown.

With this adaptation, you can still enjoy a mouthwatering chicken chipotle melt, even without tortillas.

Chipotle Sauce

If you believe that nothing can replace the chipotle sauce, you might be surprised to discover the potential of mayo as a substitute. Yes, you heard it right—mayo!

All you need to do is mix mayo with chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to achieve that smoky flavor. The result is so delicious that you won't even notice the difference. Give it a try and experience the magic of this mayo-based alternative.

What to Serve with Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt

The Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt is undeniably a star attraction on any dining table, no doubt about it.

But the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, as it can be paired with numerous accompaniments that are simply too numerous to enumerate.

So, without further ado, here are a handful of our cherished accompaniments to savor alongside the Chicken Chipotle Melt.

Chips and Grill Queso

Although the chicken chipotle roll may appear to be a snack, it is surprisingly satisfying and can leave you feeling quite full.

To enhance your culinary experience, consider serving it alongside some light, crispy chips and grilled queso.

This combination offers a delightful balance, with the chips providing a satisfying crunch and the grilled queso adding a creamy, flavorful element that complements the substantial chicken melt filling.

This variation of the classic cheese dip takes things to a whole new level with its unique blend of three different cheeses.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that complements any meal with its delightful combination of sweetness, tanginess, and freshness.

After indulging in the rich flavors of the chicken chipotle melt, coleslaw serves as the perfect accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast.

Don't dismiss it just yet. Coleslaw requires minimal cooking time and primarily consists of fresh vegetables that you can customize according to your preferences.

It serves as a breath of fresh air after enjoying a saucy and flavorful chicken melt.

How to Reheat Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt

When it comes to reheating chipotle melts, the challenge lies in warming up the cold ingredients.

While reheating meat or rice is usually straightforward, it's not ideal for ingredients like guacamole or lettuce.

Fortunately, the Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt eliminates this problem entirely. Its absence of such ingredients allows you to reheat the melt without the need to unwrap the roll.

How to Reheat Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt in a Microwave

To quickly and easily reheat a chicken chipotle melt, the microwave is your best bet.

With the microwave, you have the advantage of controlling the temperature and ensuring even heat distribution. This way, you can avoid the risk of burning your tongue on a hot tortilla while the filling remains cold.

Pro tip: To prevent the chicken melt from drying out in the microwave, a simple trick is to sprinkle a few drops of water on top of it before heating. This will help retain moisture and ensure a more enjoyable and succulent reheating experience.

How to Reheat Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt in an Oven

For oven reheating, start by preheating the oven to a low temperature and then wrap your chicken chipotle melt tightly in aluminum foil. This method allows the chicken to heat gradually and evenly, resulting in a soft tortilla. However, if you prefer a crispy texture, place the melt directly on the foil, ensuring it heats from the bottom for a delightful crunch.

How to Store Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt

To ensure you can savor your beloved Chicken Chipotle Melt from Taco Bell in the coming days or even months, proper storage is crucial. The essential aspect is tightly wrapping the melt to minimize its exposure to air.

Store Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt in the Fridge

Allow the Chicken Chipotle Melt to cool down to room temperature within a span of 2 hours after cooking. Afterward, tightly wrap it using either plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring all the air is removed. By following this method, you can keep the melt fresh in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days.

Store Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt in the Freezer

If you desire to savor the chicken melt even after a span of 2-3 weeks, you can easily freeze it. The procedure remains unchanged - wrap the melt tightly using plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring all the air is squeezed out. Place the wrapped melt on a sheet pan and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag for long-term storage, allowing you to relish the delectable Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt in the following weeks.

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