Save These mango BBQ chicken tortilla stacks are my go-to for a lively weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Sweet and tangy mango salsa tucks into juicy barbecue-glazed chicken, layered with melty cheese and crisp tortillas for a tropical Tex-Mex flavor burst in every bite.
When I first whipped these up for a backyard game night, my friends devoured the stacks and immediately demanded the recipe. Now they are my most requested summer main.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Offer lean high protein and stay juicy when grilled Select plump pink breasts
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking plus helps seasonings adhere Pick extra virgin for boldness
- Smoked paprika: Brings smokiness that echoes grilled flavors Try to find Spanish smoked paprika
- Garlic powder: Deepens the marinade making the chicken savory and aromatic Use a fresh bottle for best flavor
- Salt: Sharpens every ingredient Choose a fine sea salt so it blends in easily
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and mild heat Preferably freshly ground
- Ripe mango: Sweet and juicy for a fresh salsa Pick a mango that gives slightly when gently squeezed
- Red onion: Lends crunch and a gentle bite Look for firm and shiny onions
- Red bell pepper: Provides color and mild sweetness Glossy skins signal freshness
- Jalapeño: Brings a touch of spice Omit or increase to taste Select small wrinkle free peppers
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens everything with herbal notes Use vivid green bunches
- Lime juice: Essential for tanginess and balance Go for juicy limes with thin skins
- Flour tortillas: Create crispy chewy stackable layers Go for soft pliable tortillas
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Gives luscious meltiness if using Buy from the cheese counter for the best melt
- BBQ sauce: Smoky and sticky for classic flavor Prefer sauces made with real sugar and minimal additives
- Olive oil: For tortilla crisping and moistness
- Grill or grill pan: Gives that charred flavor and sear marks
- Baking sheet: Needed for crisping tortillas and final stack baking
Instructions
- Prep the Marinade:
- Combine chicken breasts with olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper Massage until chicken is evenly coated Set aside for about ten minutes to absorb flavors
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high Place chicken on hot grates Grill for five to seven minutes per side or until a thermometer reads 165 F and the juices run clear Remove to a plate and rest five minutes before slicing thinly
- Make the Mango Salsa:
- Dice mango and add to a bowl with red onion diced pepper minced jalapeño cilantro lime juice and salt Toss gently so the mango stays intact Let mixture sit to meld flavors while you work on other steps
- Crisp the Tortillas:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Brush tortillas on both sides with olive oil Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet Bake for three to four minutes per side turning once until lightly crisp but still soft enough to stack
- Assemble the Stacks:
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread with two tablespoons of BBQ sauce Top with sliced grilled chicken a generous spoonful of mango salsa and a sprinkle of cheese if using Cap with another tortilla Press gently and repeat layers finishing with a last shower of cheese and more salsa
- Bake the Stacks:
- Place assembled stacks back onto the baking sheet Slide into the oven for four to five minutes or until cheese melts and stacks are warmed through
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter fresh cilantro over the tops Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and brightness
Save I adore the sweet bite of ripe mango against smoky barbecue flavor Every bite brings me back to stickyfingers cookouts with my cousins piling stacks high and daring each other to add more jalapeño
Storage Tips
These stacks are best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and kept in the refrigerator for two days Reheat at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for best results to avoid soggy tortillas If making ahead prepare components separately and assemble just before baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Rotisserie chicken works well if you are short on time Swapping the cheddar for vegan shreds makes this dish dairy free Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten free option or to add a slightly sweet flavor
Serving Suggestions
Pair your stacks with a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob A side of black beans brings an earthy contrast For drinks a chilled fruit iced tea or light beer highlights the tropical notes in the salsa
Cultural Context
Inspired by Tex Mex classics like enchiladas with a Caribbean twist from mango salsa these tortilla stacks nod to celebratory potluck spreads A natural fit for summertime gatherings they embody casual festivity and bold flavor combinations
Seasonal Adaptations
Use ripe peaches or pineapple in place of mango Swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicier bite Try grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potato for a vegetarian version
Success Stories
One time I made a triple batch for a family reunion and even the pickiest eaters came back for seconds Some friends now request these stacks for every summer birthday bash The colors and layers always spark excitement at the table
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare grilled chicken and salsa ahead Store separately in freezer safe containers Wrap tortillas in a stack and freeze flat To serve thaw reheat tortillas and chicken then assemble and bake as directed
Save Serve these vibrant tortilla stacks fresh out of the oven for their ideal texture. Each bite brings sunshine to your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this dish. Slice and layer with other ingredients for a fast meal.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute small gluten-free tortillas in place of regular flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- → Can I omit the cheese for dairy-free needs?
Yes, the cheese is optional. You can leave it out, and the stacks will still be flavorful with the salsa and BBQ sauce.
- → How can I make the mango salsa spicier?
Include jalapeño seeds or add extra diced jalapeño for extra heat in your mango salsa.
- → What pairing drinks complement these tortilla stacks?
Crisp lagers, fruity iced teas, or refreshing citrus drinks pair well with the tropical and smoky flavors.
- → Which cheese works best for layering?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts well and offers creamy texture, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.