Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that's about to become your new obsession! This Chicken Over Tortilla Strips recipe is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines crispy tortilla strips, juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings that will transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If chicken is not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake or pan-cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 15-20 minutes.
- Once chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, approximately 1/2 inch wide. Spread strips on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray tortilla strips with cooking oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through.
- In a serving dish, create a base layer with the crispy tortilla strips.
- Top the tortilla strips with shredded chicken, distributing evenly.
- Spoon salsa over the chicken, ensuring good coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it slightly melt from the warm ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh avocado slices and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while tortilla strips are still crisp and cheese is warm.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra flavor, consider seasoning with Mexican-inspired spices like cumin or chili powder before cooking.
- Tortilla Strip Crispiness: The key to amazing tortilla strips is even baking. Spread them in a single layer and turn them halfway through cooking to ensure they're uniformly golden and crisp.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For the best melted cheese, sprinkle it while the chicken and tortilla strips are still warm. This helps the cheese become perfectly gooey without overcooking.
- Fresh Toppings Matter: Use ripe avocados and freshly chopped cilantro. These final touches add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to experiment with different salsas or add additional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or lime wedges to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
