Authentic Mexican Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
2 cups enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup sliced fresh radishes
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool.
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the enchilada sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
While the sauce is simmering, shred the cooled chicken with two forks.
Add the shredded chicken and quartered tortillas to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook until the tortillas are soft and have absorbed some of the sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer the mixture from the skillet to a baking dish and top with the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Top the baked chilaquiles with the cilantro, tomato, radishes, cotija cheese, and Mexican crema or sour cream before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients
Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the chicken, onion, garlic, and jalapeno
Large skillet - Used for cooking the chicken, onion, garlic, and jalapeno
Two forks - Used to shred the cooked chicken
Baking dish - Used for transferring the chilaquiles mixture before baking
Oven - Used for baking the chilaquiles
Serving dish - Used for serving the finished chilaquiles

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked shredded beef or pork.
Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture.
Add black beans or pinto beans to the chilaquiles for added protein and flavor.
Add sliced bell peppers or roasted poblano peppers for a more colorful and flavorful dish.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
For a spicy kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the enchilada sauce.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack, queso fresco, or Oaxaca cheese.
Add a layer of refried beans between the tortillas and sauce for an extra creamy and hearty chilaquiles.
Garnish with sliced avocado, pickled onions, or jalapenos for added texture and flavor.
Try using a different sauce such as green enchilada sauce or mole sauce for a unique twist.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine with this homey Chicken Chilaquiles recipe. Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that combines sauteed tortillas with a spicy enchilada sauce, then baked to perfection with a generous serving of cheese. Our version includes succulent shredded chicken and a medley of vibrant toppings. This recipe guide will take you through each step, ensuring you create a mouth-watering dish that's perfect for a family dinner or gathering. Expect a bit of heat from jalapenos, a tangy kick from the enchilada sauce, and comforting, cheesy goodness from the blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar. The fresh toppings add a refreshing contrast to the baked dish. So get ready to surprise your taste buds with this hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce? Absolutely! If you don't have homemade enchilada sauce, store-bought sauce works perfectly fine. Choose your preferred brand and use 2 cups of it for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Chicken Chilaquiles by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the enchilada sauce. You can also add in some additional veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the chilaquiles ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply pop the dish in the oven and bake until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What can I serve with Chicken Chilaquiles? Chicken Chilaquiles can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal. However, you can also serve it with some Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - Used to transfer the chilaquiles mixture for baking in the oven.
Large skillet - Used for cooking the chicken, onions, garlic, and jalapeno.
Forks - Used for shredding the cooked chicken.
Oven - Used to melt the cheese and finish baking the chilaquiles.
Cutting board - Used for chopping the onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Knife - Used for chopping the onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Measuring cups - Used to measure the enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and other ingredients.
Spatula - Used for stirring and transferring the chilaquiles mixture.
Oven mitts - Used to handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Serving plates - Used to serve the prepared chicken chilaquiles.
Garnish bowls - Used to serve the toppings like tomato, radishes, cotija cheese, and Mexican crema or sour cream.

Origin stories

Chilaquiles, a delicious and hearty dish, is deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition. The name "chilaquiles" comes from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs, and it translates to "chiles and greens." The dish was created with the intent to use up leftovers--stale tortillas and salsas. In the traditional method of preparation, these tortillas are cut in quarters and lightly fried, becoming the base of the dish. This comfort food is typically served for breakfast or brunch, accompanied by frijoles and café de olla, making a perfect start to the day. The colorful toppings such as crumbled cheese, cream, onions, and avocados adorn this dish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. It's a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Mexican cooks, turning simple, day-old ingredients into a mouthwatering feast.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.