Chilaquiles with Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy tortilla chips, savory chicken, and a vibrant sauce to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This Mexican classic is not only satisfying but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. With layers of flavor and texture, chilaquiles are a favorite among food lovers. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will impress your family and friends.
Why Chilaquiles with Chicken is Worth Your Time
Chilaquiles with Chicken is a dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. The crispy corn tortillas provide a satisfying crunch, while the shredded chicken adds heartiness. Topped with a rich red sauce, creamy heavy cream, and your favorite cheese, this dish is a feast for the senses. Plus, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you enjoy it solo or share it with loved ones, chilaquiles are sure to become a staple in your home.
What We’re Using
To make this delicious Chilaquiles with Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10 pieces corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded chicken breast, cleaned and trimmed of fat
- 2 cups red sauce
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheese, grated and crumbled (cotija or feta)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Neutral-flavored vegetable oil for frying
- Water as needed
- 1/2 cup coriander, finely chopped
Gear Checklist
To prepare Chilaquiles with Chicken, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large skillet: For frying the tortillas and cooking the sauce.
- Spatula: To flip the tortillas and stir the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the onion and coriander.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Serving dishes: To present your beautiful chilaquiles.
Stepwise Method: Chilaquiles with Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Begin by cutting the corn tortillas into quarters. Heat a generous amount of neutral-flavored vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tortilla pieces in batches and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
In the same skillet, add the diced white onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Sauce
Once the onion is cooked, add the shredded chicken breast to the skillet. Pour in the red sauce and stir to combine. Let this mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Tortillas and Sauce
Add the crispy tortilla pieces to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortillas to absorb some of the sauce but still retain their crunch.
Step 5: Final Touches
Drizzle the heavy cream over the chilaquiles and sprinkle the crumbled cheese on top. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to warm through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chilaquiles with finely chopped coriander. Serve immediately while still hot, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Make It Year-Round
Chilaquiles with Chicken can be enjoyed any time of the year. Here are some tips for making it a year-round dish:
- Seasonal Variations: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Sauce Swaps: Experiment with different salsas or sauces, like green sauce or mole, to change the flavor profile.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shredded beef or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Top It Off: Add seasonal toppings like avocado in the summer or roasted pumpkin seeds in the fall.
Steer Clear of These
While preparing Chilaquiles with Chicken, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure the best results:
- Overcooking the tortillas can make them soggy. Fry them until just crispy.
- Using low-quality tortillas can affect the overall taste. Stick to fresh, high-quality corn tortillas.
- Neglecting to season your dish adequately can make it bland. Don’t forget the salt and pepper!
- Rushing through the cooking process can lead to uneven flavors. Take your time to let each ingredient shine.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Chilaquiles with Chicken is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:
Store any leftover chilaquiles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet and warm gently over medium heat. This will help restore some moisture to the dish.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and simply assemble the chilaquiles when ready to serve.
- Freezing: While the tortillas may lose their crunch, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture for later use.
Chilaquiles with Chicken Q&A
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to your chilaquiles. Just shred the meat and add it to the dish as directed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. Just remember to add it at the end to avoid curdling.
How spicy is the red sauce?
The spiciness of the red sauce varies depending on the brand and type you choose. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a mild version, or make your own sauce to control the heat level.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or beans for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce.
Cook This Next
If you enjoyed Chilaquiles with Chicken, consider trying these delicious recipes:
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered Chilaquiles with Chicken, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the process of creating this flavorful dish. Remember to personalize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every bite!
Chilaquiles with Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of flavors, the crunch of the tortillas, and the richness of the sauce make it a dish that you’ll want to share with everyone. So, roll up your sleeves and embark on this culinary adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!
Chilaquiles with Chicken
Ingredients
- 10 pieces corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded chicken breast cleaned and trimmed of fat
- 2 cups red sauce
- 1 white onion diced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheese grated and crumbled (cotija or feta)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Neutral-flavored vegetable oil for frying
- Water as needed
- 1/2 cup coriander finely chopped
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the corn tortillas into quarters. Heat a generous amount of neutral-flavored vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tortilla pieces in batches and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the diced white onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Once the onion is cooked, add the shredded chicken breast to the skillet. Pour in the red sauce and stir to combine. Let this mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add the crispy tortilla pieces to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortillas to absorb some of the sauce but still retain their crunch.
- Drizzle the heavy cream over the chilaquiles and sprinkle the crumbled cheese on top. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to warm through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chilaquiles with finely chopped coriander. Serve immediately while still hot, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dishes
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For meal prep, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and assemble when ready to serve.
- Consider using seasonal vegetables to enhance nutrition and flavor.
