The Stack from Moe's Southwest Grill layers seasoned grilled chicken, creamy guacamole, melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and warm tortillas, creating a colorful, hearty, and flavorful Southwestern-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Spoon
- Spatula
- Skillet or flat-top griddle
- Serving plates
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons taco or Southwestern seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 lime
- 8 large flour tortillas
You should ensure the chicken breast is boneless and skinless for even grilling and consistent seasoning absorption. Use ripe avocados to achieve creamy guacamole texture, and consider adjusting the jalapeno amount based on your preferred spice level. Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential for authentic pico de gallo flavor, so use them generously. Use a combination of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for the signature melty, rich cheese layer. This Stack from Moe's Southwest Grill copycat menu balances vibrant ingredients to replicate the original's hearty and flavorful Southwestern appeal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and taco/Southwestern seasoning.
- Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, let rest, then slice or dice.
- Mash avocados in a bowl for guacamole.
- Add diced red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper to mashed avocados; mix well.
- Grate Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese; set aside.
- Dice tomatoes, chop cilantro, and dice red onion for pico de gallo.
- Combine tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
- Heat skillet or flat-top griddle over medium heat.
- Place one flour tortilla in skillet.
- Layer with shredded cheese, grilled chicken, guacamole, pico de gallo, more cheese, then top with another tortilla.
- Cook until bottom tortilla is golden and cheese melts.
- Carefully flip and cook other side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet and let cool slightly.
- Cut into wedges and serve on plates.
Substitution
The Stack from Moe's Southwest Grill copycat menu features seasoned grilled chicken layered with creamy guacamole, melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and warm tortillas for a bold Southwestern flavor. If you don't have access to Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, substitute with mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for a similar melt and taste. When fresh jalapeno is unavailable, use canned green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to maintain the dish's spiciness. You can grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or skillet if an outdoor grill is not available, ensuring it's cooked evenly while retaining juiciness. Your guacamole can be customized with additional spices or vegetables such as diced tomatoes or onions to suit your preferences.
Tips
Ensure your grill or pan reaches medium-high heat before adding chicken to achieve a perfect sear and lock in juiciness. Let your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture and enhance flavor. When preparing guacamole, taste and adjust lime juice and seasoning to balance creaminess and acidity based on your preference. Use a sharp spatula for flipping the tortillas gently to keep the layers intact without spilling the fillings.
Nutritions
The Stack from Moe's Southwest Grill offers a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Your meal delivers roughly 40 grams of protein from the seasoned grilled chicken breast, crucial for muscle repair and satiety. The creamy guacamole, made from ripe avocados, provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats along with potassium and fiber. Combined with fresh pico de gallo rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, plus cheese supplying calcium, this dish supports both taste and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover portions of The Stack in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can affect texture and flavor. Your tortillas may become soggy if stored for more than 2 days, so consume within that timeframe or freeze individual portions for up to one month.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seasoned grilled steak or shrimp for a protein variation while maintaining the Southwestern flavor profile. Incorporating sauteed bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken adds a sweet, smoky dimension to the layers. For a healthier twist, swap flour tortillas with whole wheat or corn tortillas to increase fiber content. Using a cast iron skillet instead of a grill pan may enhance even heat distribution, perfect for melting cheese and crisping tortillas to golden perfection.
Allergies
The Stack from Moe's Southwest Grill contains common allergens such as dairy from Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and possible gluten in the flour tortillas. Your meal may also trigger sensitivity due to garlic and onion present in both fresh and powdered forms. Individuals with avocado allergies or spice sensitivities should be cautious with the creamy guacamole and jalapeno included in the dish.
Why this recipe?
Moe's Southwest Grill's Stack menu is popular for its flavorful layering of fresh ingredients, combining seasoned meats, vibrant veggies, and zesty sauces that deliver a satisfying and customizable meal experience. Each stack offers a balanced mix of textures and tastes, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. The menu's creative combinations encourage experimentation, making it an exciting option for those who enjoy bold Southwestern flavors. Trying to create a copycat version allows you to replicate these fresh, bold flavors at home, enhancing your culinary skills and offering a personalized twist on a beloved dish.