Chilaquiles

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! Chilaquiles are one of those delightful Mexican dishes that can transform even a simple breakfast into something special. They are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful sauce, and fresh toppings makes this dish an absolute favorite in our home!

What I love most about chilaquiles is their versatility. You can easily customize them to fit your taste and dietary needs. Plus, they make for a fantastic brunch option or even a satisfying dinner! Let’s dive into this beloved recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This chilaquiles recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for any day of the week.
• Packed with Flavor: With the rich combination of green tomatillos and red chiles, every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite proteins or veggies to make this dish uniquely yours!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the crispy tortillas and creamy toppings; it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making chilaquiles, having simple and wholesome ingredients on hand is key. Most of these items you might already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chilaquiles

• 15 white corn tortillas, preferably older/stale
• Oil, for frying
• 7 dried guajillo chiles
• 4 dried arbol chiles
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (474g)
• 3 tomatillos, medium size, outer leaf removed and washed
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon Mexican oregano
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (4g)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or more, to taste
• ½ small onion, sliced thinly
• ⅓ cup crumbled queso fresco (40g)
• ¼ cup Mexican crema (56g) or sour cream
• 1 avocado, chopped
• 5 eggs, fried
• 15-ounce can black refried beans, warmed
• 1 ½ cups shredded chicken, for heartier dinner option

Variations

One of the best things about chilaquiles is how flexible they are! You can easily mix things up based on what you have at home or what you’re craving. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using cooked beans or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: If queso fresco isn’t available, feel free to use feta or crumbled goat cheese as tasty alternatives.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce if you like a little kick!

How to Make Chilaquiles

Step 1: Fry Tortillas

Start by cutting your corn tortillas into six wedges. Let them dry on the counter for a few hours or overnight if possible (older tortillas work great!). Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Fry the tortilla wedges until they are crispy and golden brown—this usually takes just a few minutes! Remember to turn them occasionally. Once crisped up nicely, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Soak Dried Chiles

While your tortillas cool off, take those dried guajillo and arbol chiles. Carefully cut them open with scissors, removing veins and seeds inside. Place them in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for 20-30 minutes until softened. Soaking releases their flavors fully!

Step 3: Blend Salsa Verde

Now let’s whip up that delicious green sauce! In a blender, combine one-third cup of chicken broth along with garlic, oregano, and cumin seeds. Blend it well until smooth. Then add those tomatillos and fresh cilantro—blend again until everything is combined seamlessly!

Step 4: Simmer

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in another saucepan over medium heat. Add your sliced onion and cook for about three minutes until it’s soft. Remove the onions from the pan and then pour in that vibrant green tomatillo sauce we just blended. Let it simmer gently for about ten minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Blend Red Chiles

Once your red chiles have softened nicely from soaking, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the liquid. Place them into your blender along with one cup of chicken broth—blend until smooth! This adds depth and richness to our final sauce.

Step 6: Combine

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour that red chile sauce mixture through a fine mesh strainer right into your pot with the green sauce—this helps achieve a silky texture. Give it a good stir while seasoning with salt before letting it simmer again for around twenty minutes.

Step 7: Add Tortillas

Once your sauce has thickened up nicely, add those crispy tortilla pieces right into it! Toss everything together until each piece is well-coated in that scrumptious sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Divide those lovely chilaquiles onto plates—or serve family-style if you’re feeling generous! Top each portion with crumbled queso fresco, sautéed onions from earlier, drizzles of crema, chopped avocado slices, plus shredded chicken if desired. And don’t forget about serving alongside warmed black refried beans and fried eggs—this makes every bite utterly delightful!

And there you have it—your homemade chilaquiles ready to be devoured! Enjoy each bite as you gather around loved ones; it’s truly comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Chilaquiles

Creating the perfect chilaquiles is all about balance and flavor, and with these helpful tips, you’ll impress everyone at the breakfast table!

• Use Stale Tortillas: Older corn tortillas absorb the sauce better without becoming too soggy. If you don’t have stale ones, simply cut fresh tortillas and leave them out for a few hours to dry.
• Perfect Your Sauce: Adjust the spice level of your chilaquiles by adding more or fewer arbol chiles. Remember, you can always start with less; you can add more heat to suit your taste!
• Fry in Batches: Frying the tortillas in batches ensures they become evenly crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, so be patient for that perfect crunch!
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can add pickled onions, radishes, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
• Make Ahead: Prepare your chilaquiles sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This way, on busy mornings, all you need to do is fry up some tortillas and combine everything for a quick meal.

How to Serve Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are as versatile as they are delicious! Presenting them well will enhance their appeal and make your meal feel special.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A handful of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Sliced Radishes: These add a crunchy texture and a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy toppings.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens up the dish and enhances all those amazing flavors.

Side Dishes

• Refried Black Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that pairs perfectly with chilaquiles. They add protein and richness to your meal.
• Mexican Rice: This flavorful rice dish helps soak up any extra sauce while providing a satisfying base for your chilaquiles.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad made with fresh vegetables adds a sweet crunch that balances out the savory elements in your dish.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet and caramelized fried plantains offer a delightful contrast to the spicy chilaquiles, making for a well-rounded plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to enjoy your homemade chilaquiles like never before! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Chilaquiles are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can store your leftovers and make delicious meals ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chilaquiles to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Store any toppings (like avocado and crema) separately to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

• Chilaquiles can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and tortillas separately.
• Wrap the cooled tortillas in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Pour the sauce into a sealed container or freezer bag, making sure to remove excess air.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems dry while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making chilaquiles!

What are chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish made from fried corn tortillas cut into wedges and simmered in a spicy sauce. They can be topped with various ingredients like cheese, crema, eggs, and avocado for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

How do I make authentic chilaquiles?

To make authentic chilaquiles, use homemade sauce made from dried chiles and tomatillos. Fry your tortillas until crispy, then toss them with the sauce for that classic flavor. Follow my recipe above for step-by-step instructions!

Can I add other proteins to my chilaquiles?

Absolutely! You can add shredded chicken or even beans for extra protein. The beauty of chilaquiles is their versatility; feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this delightful recipe for chilaquiles! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on a leisurely weekend morning or serving it for dinner during a busy weeknight, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me—happy cooking!