Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe

Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds

Spice up your breakfast or brunch with this mouthwatering Tex-Mex chicken quiche that blends zesty southwestern flavors into a creamy, cheesy delight.

Bold and vibrant, this recipe brings a southwest twist to the classic quiche with its perfectly seasoned chicken and robust spices.

Each bite delivers a punch of tangy jalapeños, melted cheese, and tender chicken nestled in a flaky, golden crust.

The combination of eggs, cream, and Mexican-inspired ingredients creates a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Colorful bell peppers and sharp cheddar cheese add depth and texture to this irresistible dish.

This quiche works brilliantly as a hearty breakfast, quick lunch, or impressive dinner centerpiece.

Let’s find out this delectable Tex-Mex chicken quiche and let your taste buds dance with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 7

Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Ingredient Breakdown

For the Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the sturdy base for our flaky quiche shell, with unbleached flour offering the best texture and flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps control gluten development in the pastry.
  • Cold Butter: Delivers rich, luxurious flavor and creates those signature flaky layers when chilled.
  • Shortening: Ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust with extra lightness.
  • Ice Water: Binds the dough together without developing tough gluten strands.
For the Filling Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and creamy richness to the quiche, acting as the protein-packed foundation.
  • Half & Half: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps create a silky smooth custard texture.
  • Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles: Brings zesty southwestern kick and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor and creates irresistible cheesy stretches.
  • Sliced Olives: Introduces briny complexity and Mediterranean-inspired depth.
  • Red Onion: Contributes sharp, slightly sweet crunch and aromatic undertones.
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and amplifies the overall flavor profile.
  • Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty protein and makes the quiche a complete meal.

Equipment List for Chicken Quiche

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
  • Pastry cutter or two forks: Essential for blending butter and shortening into flour mixture.
  • Plastic wrap: Needed to cover and rest the pie dough.
  • Rolling pin: Used to roll out pie crust to desired thickness and shape.
  • 9-inch deep dish pie pan: Perfect vessel for holding the quiche filling and crust.
  • Whisk: Great for thoroughly mixing eggs and half & half.
  • Medium bowl: For preparing egg and filling mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for cutting quiche into serving portions.
  • Oven: Necessary for baking the quiche at 400 degrees F.

Cooking Instructions for Tex-Mex Quiche

  • Pastry Foundation

Create a flaky crust by gently mixing flour and salt, then folding in butter until the texture resembles sandy crumbs. Slowly incorporate cold water, kneading until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

  • Dough Preparation

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin, even circle. Carefully transfer to a pie dish, pressing gently into the edges and creating a decorative border.

  • Flavor Blend

Whisk eggs with cream until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced olives, diced onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

  • Chicken Layer

Distribute tender chicken pieces evenly across the quiche filling. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

  • Baking Magic

Place the quiche in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. Bake until the center sets and the top turns a beautiful golden brown, approximately 45 minutes.

  • Serving Delight

Let the quiche rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into wedges and serve with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips to Spice Up Chicken Quiche

  • Spice up your quiche with additional zesty elements like diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick of southwestern flair.
  • Prepare the pie crust and filling the night before, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking to save precious morning cooking time.
  • Swap chicken for ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans to create delightful protein variations that keep the dish exciting and versatile.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese mix to add more depth and richness to the quiche's flavor profile.
  • Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn kernels, or roasted green chiles to boost nutrition and create a more colorful, textured filling that pops with every bite.

Serving Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche with Flair

  • Fiesta Feast Companion: Pair this tex-mex chicken quiche with a zesty mixed green salad topped with cilantro-lime vinaigrette for a vibrant, fresh contrast.
  • Spicy Side Kick: Serve a small ramekin of homemade salsa or pico de gallo on the side to add an extra kick of flavor and brighten up each quiche slice.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this quiche into a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece by adding colorful garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance both presentation and taste.
  • Protein Plus Option: Complement the quiche with additional protein such as crispy bacon bits or grilled chorizo sausage crumbles to create a more substantial meal that will satisfy hearty appetites.

Storage Instructions for Chicken Quiche

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover quiche slices in airtight containers within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Cool the quiche completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire quiche up to two days before serving. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This technique saves precious time during busy weekdays.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice cooled quiche into individual portions, wrap each securely in freezer-safe wrap, and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F for best results.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed quiche slices in the oven at 325 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy crust and prevents soggy edges, ensuring each bite tastes freshly baked.
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Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe

Zesty Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty tex-mex chicken quiche blends robust southwestern flavors with classic French pastry techniques. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that delights diners with complex regional charm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 + ¼ cups (300 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup half & half
  • 10 oz (284 grams) Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chiles (drained well)
  • ½ cup (75 grams) sliced olives
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) diced red onion
  • 4 tbsps cold butter (cut into cubes)
  • 4 tbsps shortening
  • 35 tbsps ice water
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pastry Preparation: Blend flour and salt in a large bowl, then cut in cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Dough Formation: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough coheres, then shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
  3. Crust Shaping: Roll the chilled dough into an 11-inch circle and carefully transfer to a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.
  4. Filling Creation: Whisk eggs and half & half until smooth, then incorporate diced tomatoes, cheese, olives, onions, salt, and black pepper into a harmonious mixture.
  5. Assembly: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C), pour the egg mixture into the prepared crust, distribute chicken pieces evenly, and top with remaining cheese.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for 45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer wobbles when gently shaken.
  7. Serving: Allow the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve warm alongside a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Master Dough Chilling: Refrigerating the pastry dough for 30 minutes helps relax gluten, creating a more tender, flaky crust that’s less likely to shrink during baking.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding wet ingredients to ensure a crisp, golden base that doesn’t become mushy.
  • Cheese Distribution Strategy: Layer half the cheese within the egg mixture and sprinkle the remaining on top for maximum flavor and a beautiful golden-brown surface.
  • Temperature Check Technique: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the quiche is perfectly cooked – the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety and optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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