Delicious Homemade Chicken Gorditas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they are no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, shred the chicken and set it aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for a couple of minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into small balls, about 2 inches in diameter, and roll each ball out into a 1/4 inch thick disc.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dough discs, one at a time, and fry them until they puff up and become golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the gorditas from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
  5. Once the gorditas have cooled slightly, make a small slit in the side of each one to create a pocket.
  6. Stuff each gordita with the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - Used for cooking the chicken breasts.
  • Large Bowl - Used for mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cutting Board - Used for shredding the cooked chicken.
  • Knife - Used for shredding the cooked chicken and dicing the tomatoes and onions.
  • Rolling Pin - Used for rolling out the dough balls into discs.
  • Deep Skillet - Used for frying the gorditas.
  • Paper Towels - Used for draining the fried gorditas.

Recipe variations

  • Use cornmeal instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Instead of chicken, use beef or pork for the filling.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Replace the traditional crust with a whole wheat or corn tortilla.
  • Make it vegetarian by using seasoned black beans or grilled vegetables as the filling.
  • Add avocado slices or guacamole as a topping.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as queso fresco or pepper jack.
  • For a spicy twist, mix some chipotle powder or hot sauce into the chicken filling.
  • Include some fresh cilantro or chopped green onions as a garnish.
  • Serve with a side of homemade salsa or a drizzle of lime crema.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the burst of flavors with this Chicken Gorditas recipe. Originating from Mexico, these mini pita-like pockets are filled with a delicious blend of seasoned chicken and fresh veggies, topped off with cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Expect to navigate through a simple yet exciting culinary journey to make these scrumptious Gorditas. First, you'll cook and shred the chicken, then you'll make the small dough discs and fry them to perfection. And lastly, you'll stuff those golden pockets with the chicken and veggie mix. So get ready to enjoy these crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside Chicken Gorditas that will leave you wanting more!

Common questions

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.
  2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil for a different type of oil?
    Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as canola or sunflower oil for frying the gorditas.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Once the dough is kneaded and divided into small balls, you can cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling them out and frying.
  4. Can I add other fillings to the gorditas?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. Some popular additions include guacamole, black beans, jalapenos, or cilantro.
  5. Can I bake the gorditas instead of frying them?
    While traditionally gorditas are fried, you can also try baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - Used for cooking and shredding the chicken.
  • Large bowl - For mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cutting board - To dice the tomatoes and onions.
  • Knife - For cutting and shredding the chicken, as well as dicing the tomatoes and onions.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough discs for the gorditas.
  • Deep skillet - For frying the gorditas.
  • Paper towels - To drain the fried gorditas.
  • Serving platter - To present and serve the stuffed gorditas.

Origin stories

Gorditas, a culinary gem from Mexico, translates to "little fat ones" in English. They are named so due to their shape and size; each one is a small, chubby disc of cornmeal dough. Though commonly filled with meat, cheese, and other fillings, these delightful pockets of flavor can be found in many varieties across Mexico, reflecting regional tastes and traditions. In Central Mexico, for instance, gorditas are often sweet, filled with sugary delights. In the Northern states, they lean towards savory, often stuffed with beans, cheese, and nopal (cactus). The beauty of gorditas is how they embody simplicity and versatility of Mexican cuisine, making them a beloved meal or snack across the country and beyond. They are a testament to Mexico's rich culinary history, holding a special place in the realm of street food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.