This Chicken Tortilla Bake with Suluguni Cheese and Tomato is an easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, gooey cheese, and fresh tomatoes, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked to perfection. The addition of Suluguni cheese, a Georgian semi-soft cheese, gives the dish a rich, slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and zesty tomato. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even as a comforting weeknight meal. With a simple preparation and quick bake time, this dish is a sure hit with both kids and adults!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients (in cups and grams):
- 2 Chicken breasts (about 300-350 g)
- 3 large Tortillas (soft flour tortillas)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons Ketchup
- 4 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Provencal herbs (or your preferred herbs)
- 1 cup Suluguni cheese (about 150 g), grated
- 1 large Tomato, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for greasing)
- Toothpicks (for securing tortillas)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Prepare the tortillas: Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble the bake: Lay a few slices of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Add a few slices of tomato and sprinkle a generous amount of grated Suluguni cheese on top. Roll up the tortillas tightly, securing the edges with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, mayonnaise, and Provencal herbs. Spread this sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas.
- Bake: Place the prepared tortillas in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks and slice the baked tortilla rolls into bite-sized pinwheels. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a tangy salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
- Serve alongside a bowl of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Add some crispy roasted potatoes on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Cooking Tips:
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for this recipe.
- For added crunch, you can toast the tortillas lightly in the pan before rolling them up.
- You can substitute Suluguni cheese with mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference.
- If you want more vegetables, add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to ensure they bake properly and don’t spill the filling.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: The chicken breasts in this dish are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Cheese: The Suluguni cheese provides calcium, which is important for bone health, and healthy fats that help with energy production.
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes help boost heart health and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
- Herbs: Provencal herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano are full of antioxidants and may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Dietary Information:
- Calories per serving (1 pinwheel): 180-200 kcal
- Fat: 12-15 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 g
- Protein: 12-15 g
- Sugar: 2-3 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 400-450 mg
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Calcium: 100 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover chicken tortilla bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the individual pinwheels in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Chicken Tortilla Bake is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, tangy cheese, and fresh tomatoes creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in different types of cheese. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a snack, this dish is guaranteed to please!
Conclusion:
This Chicken Tortilla Bake with Suluguni Cheese and Tomato is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The creamy cheese, savory chicken, and fresh tomato come together in perfect harmony, creating a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the compliments that come with it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use other types of cheese instead of Suluguni?
Yes! You can substitute Suluguni with mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese you prefer. - Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas will add extra fiber to the dish and work just as well. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables, tofu, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. - How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 75°C (165°F). - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Wrap the pinwheels in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. - How can I make the dish spicier?
Add some chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. - What can I serve with this dish?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or rice are great accompaniments to this dish. - Can I use a different sauce instead of ketchup and mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or any creamy sauce you like. - How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy around the edges.