Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are a delicious and easy twist on traditional enchiladas. Instead of rolling tortillas, this recipe uses crispy tortilla chips layered with a rich enchilada sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover chips while creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No need to roll tortillas—just layer everything for a simple bake.
- Great Use of Leftovers: A fantastic way to use up tortilla chips before they go stale.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different proteins, cheeses, and toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy goodness.
- One-Pan Dish: Less cleanup and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tortilla chips
- Enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Cooked protein (chicken, beef, beans, or tofu)
- Diced onions
- Black beans or refried beans (optional)
- Corn (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Chips: In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cooked protein, onions, beans, and corn over the chips.
- Pour Enchilada Sauce: Drizzle enchilada sauce evenly over the layers.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of tortilla chips, toppings, sauce, and cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and jalapeños before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for ground beef, pulled pork, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Sauce Choices: Use green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist or homemade enchilada sauce for a richer flavor.
- Cheese Varieties: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Crunch Factor: Top with extra tortilla chips before serving for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the chips may become soggy upon reheating.
FAQs
How can I prevent the chips from getting too soggy?
Use a light hand with the sauce and bake until just bubbly to maintain some crunch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the final layer of chips and cheese, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of tortilla chips work best?
Thicker, sturdy tortilla chips hold up better to the sauce and cheese.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on the enchilada sauce and jalapeños used. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
What can I serve with tortilla chip enchiladas?
Pair with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
Can I add salsa instead of enchilada sauce?
Salsa can work, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor as enchilada sauce.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds great flavor.
Can I use nacho cheese instead of shredded cheese?
Yes, but it will create a much creamier, richer dish.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use baked tortilla chips, reduce the cheese, and add extra vegetables for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of enchiladas with minimal effort. Whether you’re using up leftover chips or looking for a comforting, cheesy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These tortilla chip enchiladas are a quick and satisfying twist on classic enchiladas. Instead of rolling tortillas, this recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with a flavorful enchilada sauce, cheese, and your choice of protein for a deliciously cheesy, comforting dish. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 4 cups tortilla chips (thicker chips work best)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or beef, beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips in the dish as the first layer.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the chips, then layer half of the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla chips, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with cilantro, and serve with sour cream and avocado slices.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
- Swap chicken for ground beef, shredded beef, or just beans for a vegetarian version.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce.
- If you prefer a casserole-style dish, slightly crush the tortilla chips before layering.
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