Best Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe

Craving something that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor? Chicken Chilaquiles is the dish for you! This traditional Mexican breakfast or brunch dish features crispy tortilla chips simmered in a savory sauce and topped with tender shredded chicken. It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for any meal of the day. Let's explore how to make this delicious recipe step by step.

Ingredients Needed

Essential Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
• 2 cups salsa (red or green, your choice)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Sliced radishes
• Pickled jalapeños
• Lime wedges
• Black beans or refried beans

Health Benefits of Chicken and Key Ingredients

Nutritional Value of Chicken

Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It's also rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Benefits of Tortillas and Salsa

Corn tortillas provide fiber and essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. Salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers is rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

Combined Health Benefits

Together, these ingredients offer a balanced meal with lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Best Type of Chicken to Use

For the best flavor and texture, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Selecting the Right Tortillas

Choose high-quality corn tortillas. Fresh tortillas will yield the best results, but store-bought can work well too.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Salsa

Homemade salsa allows you to control the spice level and freshness, but a good quality store-bought salsa can save time and still deliver great flavor.

Preparing the Chicken

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

1. Poaching: Cook chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth until tender and fully cooked.
2. Baking: Bake seasoned chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Shredding the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Making the Chilaquiles Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Salsa
• Chicken broth

Cooking the Sauce

1. Heat Salsa: In a large skillet, heat the salsa over medium heat.
2. Add Broth: Stir in the chicken broth to thin the sauce slightly.
3. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Assembling the Chilaquiles

Preparing the Tortillas

1. Cut and Fry: Cut tortillas into wedges and fry them in vegetable oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. Season: Lightly season the tortilla chips with salt.

Combining the Ingredients

1. Mix Chips and Sauce: Add the fried tortilla chips to the simmering sauce. Toss to coat the chips evenly.
2. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, making sure it's well mixed with the chips and sauce.

Adding the Toppings

3. Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and let it melt.
4. Garnish: Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, and any other desired toppings.

Cooking Methods

Stovetop

This is the traditional method where the sauce, chips, and chicken are all combined and cooked in a skillet.

Baking

Assemble the chilaquiles in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to cook the sauce, then switch to pressure cook to combine the chips and chicken, cooking for a brief 2 minutes.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements

Basic Seasoning

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. The salsa will add most of the flavor.

Adding Heat and Spice

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Accompaniments

• Refried beans
• Mexican rice
• Fresh fruit salad

Presentation Tips

Serve the chilaquiles hot, garnished with plenty of fresh toppings. Arrange on a colorful platter for a festive presentation.

Storing and Reheating

Best Practices for Storage

Store leftover chilaquiles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the tortillas soggy.

Making It Your Own

Customization Ideas

• Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast option.
• Use different types of salsa (verde, roasted, etc.) to change up the flavor profile.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

• For a vegetarian version, use black beans or tofu instead of chicken.
• Use low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
• Opt for whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

Ensure the chicken is cooked just until done to keep it tender and juicy.

Soggy Tortillas

Fry the tortillas until they're crispy and add them to the sauce just before serving to maintain some crunch.

Improper Seasoning

Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Remember, the salsa will provide a lot of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Content

Chicken Chilaquiles can be a moderate to high-calorie dish depending on the ingredients and portion sizes. Opt for lighter toppings to keep calories in check.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Rich in protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the tortillas, and healthy fats from avocados and cheese.

Health Benefits Summary

This dish offers a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Conclusion

Chicken Chilaquiles is a fantastic dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in a comforting, hearty meal. Easy to customize and perfect for any time of day, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and share your creations with friends and family!