Crispy-Cozy Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe For Busy Nights

Crispy tortilla chip enchiladas bring unexpected magic to weeknight dinner adventures.

Mexican kitchens inspired this delightful mashup of comfort and creativity.

Crunchy chips replace traditional tortillas, creating a playful twist on classic flavors.

Layers of savory sauce and melted cheese make every bite irresistible.

Home cooks adore surprising shortcuts that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Rich, zesty ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Your taste buds will dance with delight when you sample this ingenious dish.

Why Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Are a Game Changer

• Quick and Easy Comfort Meal transforms traditional enchiladas into a crunchy, hassle-free feast perfect for busy families.
• Swap chicken for beans, adjust spices, or include extra veggies to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Complete the entire recipe in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for last-minute hunger pangs and spontaneous meal planning.
• Crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese create an irresistible dish that appeals to both children and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.

What You’ll Need for Tortilla Chip Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken or Beans: Hearty protein base for the enchiladas, adaptable for vegetarian options.

• Black Beans: Adds protein and texture, good source of fiber.
• Corn: Sweet, tender vegetable that provides additional flavor and color.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that gives authentic Mexican flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides depth and aromatic background to the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: Rich, tangy sauce that brings moisture and traditional taste.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy alternative to traditional tortillas, adds interesting texture and casual twist.
• Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creates golden, bubbly finish.

Assembling Tortilla Chip Enchiladas with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken (or black beans for vegetarian option)
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Enchilada sauce

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-mixed and dancing with flavor.

Step 3: Build Your Delicious Layers

Start your enchilada masterpiece by creating tasty layers:

• Spread half of the tortilla chips across the bottom of the baking dish
• Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the chips
• Sprinkle half of the chicken mixture
• Add half of the shredded cheese

Repeat the entire layering process for the second layer, creating a mouthwatering tower of deliciousness.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve hot. Optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños can take this dish to the next level.

Key Tips for Better Tortilla Chip Enchiladas

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh chicken or beans for maximum flavor and optimal texture in your enchiladas.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with black beans, ground beef, or shredded pork to suit dietary preferences and keep the dish exciting.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust cumin and garlic powder quantities to match your taste, making the enchiladas mild or zesty according to your preference.
• Layer Strategically: Ensure even distribution of chips, sauce, and cheese in each layer to guarantee consistent taste and prevent dry spots.
• Serve with Complementary Sides: Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocados to add freshness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Store and Heat Up These Enchiladas Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy chips and bacterial growth.
• Preheat to 350F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each cycle. Add extra cheese on top for fresh-baked flavor.
• Avoid freezing, as tortilla chips will lose crispness. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Garnish with fresh cilantro or salsa when reheating to revive flavors.

Your Go-To Tortilla Chip Enchilada FAQ

• Can I use different types of tortilla chips?

Yes, you can experiment with corn or flavored tortilla chips like nacho cheese or spicy variants to add unique taste and crunch to the dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with additional black beans, tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives. Keep the other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

• What protein options work best for this recipe?

Shredded chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, or beans are excellent protein choices. Each adds a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s core structure.

Great Pairings for Tortilla Chip Enchiladas

• Grab a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to complement the spicy, cheesy enchiladas. The light, refreshing flavor cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This bright, tangy topping adds a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
• Serve sliced or mashed avocado on the side. Its smooth, buttery texture balances the crunchy chips and spicy flavors, creating a perfect harmony on the plate.
• Mix a classic margarita using tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of orange liqueur. The citrusy, slightly tart drink cuts through the rich, cheesy enchilada layers.

Tortilla Chip Enchilada Variations You’ll Love

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a meat-free option packed with nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify enchilada sauce is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Protein-Packed Alternative: Swap chicken with black beans and quinoa for a high-protein vegetarian meal that's filling and nutritious.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortilla chips with cauliflower rice or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.

Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling tortilla chip enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to your dinner table with crispy, cheesy magic. Layers of zesty sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy chips create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Protein Alternatives:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or beef, beans for vegetarian)
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups tortilla chips (sturdy, thick-cut chips work best)
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Toppings (Optional):

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a zesty filling by combining tender shredded chicken (or hearty beans), robust black beans, sweet corn kernels, aromatic cumin, pungent garlic powder, and a generous splash of enchilada sauce in a mixing bowl.
3. Construct the first foundation layer by evenly distributing tortilla chips across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Generously cascade half of the enchilada sauce over the chip base, creating a moisture-rich landscape.
5. Sprinkle the prepared chicken mixture across the sauced chips, allowing the ingredients to intermingle and create depth of flavor.
6. Liberally scatter a portion of shredded cheese to create a melty, golden blanket over the initial layer.
7. Repeat the layering process: arrange another uniform layer of tortilla chips, drench with remaining sauce, distribute remaining chicken mixture, and crown with the final cheese layer.
8. Shield the assembled dish with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat.
9. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
10. Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes, encouraging the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden crust.

Notes

• Use sturdy, thick tortilla chips to prevent soggy texture and maintain crunch during baking.
• Swap chicken with pulled jackfruit or plant-based protein for vegetarian/vegan version, ensuring similar seasoning intensity.
• Consider low-sodium enchilada sauce and reduced-fat cheese for healthier alternative without compromising flavor profile.
• Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier, preventing ingredients from falling apart.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg