Cheesy Baked Chicken Tortilla Stack is a fun, flavor-packed oven dish made with juicy seasoned chicken, soft flour tortillas, fresh vegetables, burger sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella cheese.
Brushed with egg yolk and sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking, the top tortilla forms a golden, lightly crispy crust while keeping the interior tender, hot, and gooey. It is an ideal recipe for a quick lunch, a cozy family dinner, or sliced into smaller quarters for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2–4 portions
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chicken seasoning (optional)
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp burger sauce (or your favorite signature sauce)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook and Season the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chicken seasoning (if using). Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and lightly golden. Remove from heat.
2. Layer and Assemble the Stack
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lay one flour tortilla flat on the tray:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the base tortilla.
- Layer the cooked chicken evenly on top of the cheese.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and tomatoes.
- Drizzle generously with burger sauce.
- Cover with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Seal and Decorate
Place the second flour tortilla over the filling and press down gently around the edges. Brush the top tortilla evenly with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds across the surface for a bakery-style finish.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top tortilla turns a rich golden-brown color and the mozzarella inside is completely melted and bubbly.
5. Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the stack rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Slice into quarters or wedges and serve warm!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Keep Chicken Juicy: Avoid overcooking the chicken breast in the skillet, as it will undergo a second round of cooking inside the oven.
- Cheese as a Barrier: Adding cheese directly onto both top and bottom tortillas creates a seal that prevents the vegetable juices from making the tortilla soggy.
- Golden Finish: The egg yolk brush gives the tortilla an appealing shiny, golden-brown crust that holds the sesame seeds in place.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, sweet corn, black olives, or jalapeños pair wonderfully with the chicken and burger sauce.
- Cheese Mix: Combine mozzarella with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a richer flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Use a spicy burger sauce, sriracha mayo, or add chili flakes to the chicken seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken Tortilla Stack hot alongside crispy French fries, potato wedges, fresh coleslaw, or a green side salad. Extra garlic sauce or ketchup on the side makes for a great dipping combination.
