Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe

Irresistible Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tex-Mex chicken quiche represents a mouthwatering culinary adventure that revolutionizes traditional egg-based pastry into a spicy, vibrant masterpiece.

Southwestern ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of robust flavors and textures that tantalize your palate.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of creamy eggs, tender meat, and zesty seasonings that elevate the humble quiche.

The fusion of techniques and ingredients breaks through conventional breakfast boundaries, offering a bold twist on a classic comfort food.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned chicken nestle within a golden, flaky crust that hints at deliciousness.

Regional culinary traditions merge seamlessly, producing a dish that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

Prepare to be transported by this gastronomic journey that celebrates cross-cultural cooking.

Why Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Feels Like a Fiesta in a Dish

  • Craft a Flavor-Packed Fiesta: This Tex-Mex chicken quiche bursts with bold, zesty flavors that transport your taste buds straight to a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal. Tangy tomatoes, rich cheese, and savory chicken create a mouthwatering combination that'll make your dinner table sizzle.
  • Master a No-Fuss Homemade Crust: The recipe walks you through creating a perfect, flaky pie crust from scratch, giving home cooks a chance to level up their baking skills. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you'll feel like a pastry pro in no time.
  • Enjoy a Protein-Powered Meal Solution: Packed with 14 grams of protein and loaded with delicious chicken, this quiche serves as a complete meal that keeps you satisfied. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this dish delivers nutrition and flavor in every single bite.
  • Impress with Minimal Cooking Effort: Ready in under an hour and requiring just basic kitchen skills, this quiche looks and tastes like a gourmet creation without complicated techniques. Your guests will never guess how simple it was to prepare this showstopping dish.

What You’ll Need for This Bold, Cheesy Quiche

Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • Flour: The base for creating a tender, flaky crust with a delicate texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust and balances the buttery taste.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a light, flaky crust texture.
  • Shortening: Ensures a tender, crumbly crust with excellent flakiness.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking the gluten.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Eggs: The primary binding agent that gives the quiche its classic custard-like consistency.
  • Half & Half: Creates a rich, creamy base for the quiche filling.
  • Tomatoes: Adds fresh, vibrant flavor and moisture to the dish.
  • Cheese: Provides creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor throughout the quiche.
  • Black Olives: Introduces a briny, salty element to complement the other ingredients.
  • Onions: Offers a subtle aromatic base and depth of flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the filling.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warming spice to the quiche.
Protein Ingredient:
  • Chicken: The main protein that makes the quiche hearty and satisfying, adding substance to the dish.

How to Bake This Quiche Without a Soggy Center

Step 1: Prepare Flaky Pie Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, incorporate butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Repeat the process with shortening.

Step 2: Bind the Dough

Gradually add ice water, at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Shape into a ball, flatten into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crust

Dust the countertop with flour and roll the dough into an 11-inch circle. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).

Step 5: Create the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and half & half until well combined.

Step 6: Add Flavor Ingredients

Stir in the following ingredients:
  • Tomatoes
  • Of cheese
  • Olives
  • Onions
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 7: Assemble the Quiche

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared crust. Distribute chicken pieces evenly across the filling. Sprinkle the remaining of cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes or until the center is firm and no longer jiggly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips to Keep the Crust Crisp and the Filling Flavorful

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate pie crust for exactly 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender texture that prevents shrinking during baking.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp bottom layer that won't become mushy.
  • Balance Moisture Perfectly: Pat tomatoes and chicken dry before adding to reduce excess liquid that could make the quiche watery.
  • Cheese Distribution Technique: Grate cheese freshly and mix half into the egg mixture, sprinkling remaining cheese on top for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
  • Temperature Control: Let quiche rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow eggs to set completely and make slicing easier without falling apart.

Store and Reheat This Quiche Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigeration: Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil after cooling completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture. Keep the quiche away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freezing: Slice the quiche into individual portions before freezing. Place each slice in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen quiche can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious taste. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen quiche overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm individual slices in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Sides and Sauces That Pair Well with Tex-Mex Quiche

  • Spice Up with Margarita Pairing: A zesty, tangy margarita perfectly complements the Tex-Mex chicken quiche's bold flavors. The tequila-based cocktail's bright citrus notes cut through the rich, creamy egg filling while enhancing the dish's Mexican-inspired profile.
  • Cool Down with Cilantro Lime Mocktail: A refreshing non-alcoholic drink featuring muddled cilantro, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water balances the quiche's warm, cheesy texture. Its crisp, herbal undertones provide a light counterpoint to the hearty chicken and cheese combination.
  • Crunch with Southwest Slaw: A zesty coleslaw packed with red cabbage, jalapeños, and a tangy lime dressing serves as the perfect side dish. Its crisp texture and vibrant flavors echo the quiche's Tex-Mex roots, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
  • Toast with Mexican Lager: A cold, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona offers a clean, light accompaniment that won't overpower the quiche's complex flavors. The beer's subtle maltiness and slight hoppy finish cleanses the palate between rich, cheesy bites.

Fun Tex-Mex Twists to Try in Your Next Quiche

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Quiche: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a fiery flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Mexican-Style Quiche: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and sautéed bell peppers for a hearty meat-free version that still packs bold Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Breakfast Burrito Quiche: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, scrambled eggs, and salsa verde into the filling, creating a breakfast-inspired fusion that combines quiche and burrito elements.
  • Green Chile Chicken Quiche: Enhance the quiche with chopped green chiles, swap half the cheese for pepper jack, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra layer of zesty southwestern flair.
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Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe

Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Tex-Mex chicken quiche delivers bold southwestern flavors in a creamy, golden-crusted delight. Spicy pepper jack cheese, tender chicken, and zesty jalapeños create a mouthwatering meal that brings Mexican and American culinary traditions together on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
  • 5 large eggs

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup half & half
  • 1 + ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 10 ounces (284 grams) Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chiles (drained well)
  • ½ cup sliced olives
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter (cut into cubes)
  • 4 tablespoons shortening
  • 35 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a fine base for the pastry dough.
  2. Incorporate cold butter and shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks, working until the texture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
  3. Slowly introduce ice water, one tablespoon (15 milliliters) at a time, gently mixing with a fork until the dough begins to cohesively bind.
  4. Shape the dough into a compact ball, then flatten into a disk. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax.
  5. Dust the countertop with flour and roll the chilled dough into an 11-inch (28-centimeter) circular shape.
  6. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch (23-centimeter) deep dish pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
  8. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and half & half until completely smooth and well-integrated.
  9. Fold in diced tomatoes, of shredded cheese, sliced olives, chopped onions, salt, and ground black pepper.
  10. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the prepared pie crust.
  11. Distribute chicken pieces uniformly across the filling to ensure consistent flavor in each slice.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining of cheese over the top of the quiche.
  13. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the center is firm and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
  14. Remove from the oven and allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  15. Serve warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Mastering this Tex-Mex Chicken Quiche requires patience and attention to detail during crust preparation.
  • Chilling dough helps develop flaky layers that create a perfect buttery foundation for your savory filling.
  • Pre-mixing ingredients thoroughly ensures each bite delivers consistent, vibrant Tex-Mex flavor combinations.
  • Letting quiche rest after baking allows filling to set, preventing messy, runny slices when serving.
  • Fresh cheese and high-quality chicken elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a crowd-pleasing meal.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 366 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 579mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 204mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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