Ok... so this post is really about a Jalapeño Ranch Dressing I stumbled upon. While in Nashville, we ate at Chuy's Tex Mex. My girlfriend, Jade, told us about their Creamy Jalapeño Ranch. They serve it with warm tortilla chips and salsa. We were all hooked & became instantly obssessed. Because we don't have any Chuy's in Wisconsin, I have only had it one other time and that was in Chicago while on a Christmas shopping trip with my mom and aunts. And... I am not ashamed to say that I purchased a tub and brought it home. When I found this recipe, I couldn't skip over the slight chance I could have some Chuy's Creamy Jalapeño Ranch whenever I want.
And obviously, because I am sharing it... it hit super close to what I remember!
Ingredients:
1 Cup Mayo
4 T. Ranch Seasoning
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup Buttermilk
1/2 Cup Salsa Verde
1/4 Cup Jarred Jalapeños with Juice
1 Lime, Juice off (I actually skipped this because I didn't have a lime)
1 Bunch of Cilantro, about 1 cup. (you can increase/decrease based on your liking)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions:
Throw all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend. Once everything is smooth (no cilantro chunks) - you're good to go! Chill before serving.
Now...moving on to the Naked Chalupa from TB. I've had it once... and it was delicious. If you don't know what it is...it's a thin piece of fried chicken made into the shape of a taco shell. They then fill it with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and avocado cream sauce. I always "supreme" things, so mine also had sour cream. And, no shame here, but I also always add nacho cheese - so mine had that too.
When I made the Jalapeño Ranch...my mind instantly when to the green sauce on the Naked Chalupa - not an avocado cream sauce, but a better substitute!
So I started looking at how to make a dup Naked Chicken shell at home - I was out the minute I realized I would have to batter, fry and then finish it off by baking it over a pan to get the shape. Count. Me Out. But, Duh... it's fried chicken so why not make a salad!
Ingredients:
Shredded Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes - I used quartered Cherry Tomatoes
Shredded Cheese
Crispy bacon (not on the originally TB Naked Chalupa - but I don't think I need to further explain why it's a perfect fit)
Fried Chicken Breast (can you say, frozen chicken breast meets air frier)
Sour Cream
Nacho Cheese
Jalapeño Ranch
Pile it all up - Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Tomatoes, Crispy Bacon, Chopped Chicken and a dollop of Sour Cream, Nacho cheese and a heavy drizzle of Jalapeño Ranch.
This is where I started, but the possibilities are endless. Add some corn, black beans, left over shredded chicken... I mean I could go on for ever. Make it your own!
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