How to Make Poultry-Based Mexican Tlayudas

Tlayudas are a traditional Oaxacan dish that features a large, crispy tortilla topped with various ingredients. While the classic tlayuda often includes ingredients like beans, cheese, and meat, adding poultry can elevate this dish to new heights. Here’s a guide on how to make delicious poultry-based Mexican tlayudas that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To create a perfect poultry-based tlayuda, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 4 large tlayuda tortillas
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded poultry (chicken or turkey)
  • 1 cup black beans, refried or whole
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or mozzarella as a substitute)
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Hot sauce or salsa, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Poultry

If you don’t already have cooked poultry, you can boil or roast chicken or turkey. Once cooked, let it cool, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices like cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder for added flavor.

2. Warm the Tlayuda Tortillas

In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, place a tlayuda tortilla in the skillet and warm it for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it becomes slightly crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

3. Assemble the Tlayudas

On each warm tlayuda, spread a layer of refried or whole black beans. Then, evenly distribute the shredded poultry over the beans, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Next, sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca cheese over the top.

4. Add Fresh Toppings

Once the base ingredients are in place, add a generous amount of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

5. Heat the Tlayudas

To melt the cheese and warm the toppings, return the assembled tlayudas to the skillet. Cook each one for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium heat, keeping an eye on the bottom to prevent burning. If you have a lid, covering the skillet can help the cheese melt evenly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the edges of the tlayudas are crispy, remove them from the skillet. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or salsa, slice them into wedges, and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Tips for Perfect Tlayudas

  • Experiment with Different Poultry: While chicken and turkey are great choices, feel free to try rotisserie chicken for added flavor or mix different poultry types.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Add ingredients like jalapeños, radishes, or even pickled onions for a unique twist.
  • Make It Vegetarian: If you're catering to vegetarian guests, substitute the poultry with sautéed vegetables or extra beans.

Poultry-based tlayudas are a delicious and versatile dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your kitchen. With these simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure!