Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish made with tortilla chips simmered in a flavorful sauce until softened, then topped with various toppings such as cheese, eggs, avocado, and cilantro. It’s a versatile and comforting dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

Tasting Notes

Chilaquiles offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors – crispy tortilla chips softened by the savory sauce, complemented by the richness of toppings like cheese and avocado. The sauce can range from mild to spicy, depending on your preference, offering a dish that’s customizable to your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of tortilla chips
• 1 ½ cups of red or green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken or beef (optional)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup of chopped onion
• ½ cup of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking dish
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet with the onions. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.
4. Add Tortilla Chips: Gently stir in the tortilla chips, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. If using, add the shredded chicken or beef at this stage.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the chilaquiles.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with optional toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the sauce.
• To make this dish vegetarian, omit the shredded chicken or beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the enchilada sauce.
• Make your own tortilla chips by cutting corn tortillas into triangles and frying them until crispy.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add black beans or tofu for a protein boost.
• Salsa Verde Chilaquiles: Use salsa verde instead of enchilada sauce for a tangy twist.
• Breakfast Chilaquiles: Top with fried or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast option.

FAQs