Name: Chilaquiles: 5 Bold Ways to Enjoy This Classic Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 15 pieces white corn tortillas (Preferably older or stale for the perfect crispiness.); 2 tablespoons oil (Essential for frying; choose your favorite cooking oil for added flavor.); 7 pieces dried guajillo chiles (The star of the sauce; they lend a smoky depth.); 4 pieces dried arbol chiles (Adds heat and a bright red color to your sauce.); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (Flavorful base that enhances the sauce.); 3 pieces tomatillos (Washed and ready for a fresh, tangy burst.); 3 cloves garlic (Fresh garlic is key for the best taste.); 0.25 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (Offers a warm, nutty background note.); 0.25 teaspoon Mexican oregano (Essential herb that complements the chiles.); 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (Use more for extra flavor if desired.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste to elevate flavors.); 0.5 small onion (Thinly sliced for garnish; adds crunch and sweetness.)

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Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that captivates the senses with its crispy tortillas and rich, zesty flavors. This delightful meal combines fried corn tortillas with a flavorful sauce, often served for breakfast or brunch. The bold guajillo sauce adds a smoky depth, while toppings such as eggs, cheese, and cilantro provide extra layers of flavor. Let’s dive into the world of chilaquiles and discover how to create this satisfying dish at home!

Why You’ll Love This Chilaquiles

This Chilaquiles recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience and versatility! Here are six reasons to love it:

Quick and easy: Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Customizable: Top with your favorite ingredients, like chilaquiles with eggs or chicken.
Healthy options: Try healthy chilaquiles alternatives for a lighter meal.
Rich flavors: The combination of guajillo sauce and crispy tortillas is simply irresistible.
Filling: A hearty breakfast that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Traditional roots: Enjoy a dish that is deeply embedded in Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients for Chilaquiles

Gather these items:

15 pieces white corn tortillas (Preferably older or stale for the perfect crispiness.)
2 tablespoons oil (Essential for frying; choose your favorite cooking oil for added flavor.)
7 pieces dried guajillo chiles (The star of the sauce; they lend a smoky depth.)
4 pieces dried arbol chiles (Adds heat and a bright red color to your sauce.)
2 cups low sodium chicken broth (Flavorful base that enhances the sauce.)
3 pieces tomatillos (Washed and ready for a fresh, tangy burst.)
3 cloves garlic (Fresh garlic is key for the best taste.)
0.25 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (Offers a warm, nutty background note.)
0.25 teaspoon Mexican oregano (Essential herb that complements the chiles.)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro (Use more for extra flavor if desired.)
0.5 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste to elevate flavors.)
0.5 small onion (Thinly sliced for garnish; adds crunch and sweetness.)

How to Make Chilaquiles Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the white corn tortillas until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 2: In a pot, combine the dried guajillo and arbol chiles, low sodium chicken broth, tomatillos, garlic, cumin seeds, and Mexican oregano. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Once the ingredients for the sauce are tender, about 10-15 minutes, remove from heat and blend until smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the fresh cilantro and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 5: Serve the warm guajillo sauce generously over the crispy tortillas. Garnish with thinly sliced onion for that perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chilaquiles

Keep these in mind:

Use stale tortillas for extra crispiness.
Adjust the sauce heat by adding more or fewer arbol chiles.
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
Don’t skip the garnishes; they add flavor and texture!

Best Ways to Serve Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

Top with sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Add shredded chicken for a protein boost.
Serve alongside refried beans for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chilaquiles

To store leftovers, keep the sauce and tortillas separate to maintain crispiness. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sauce and fry fresh tortillas for a quick meal prep. Enjoy your chilaquiles for brunch anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chilaquiles

What are chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish featuring crispy tortilla pieces topped with a savory sauce, often served for breakfast.

How to make chilaquiles with eggs?

Simply top your chilaquiles with fried or scrambled eggs to create a delicious and filling breakfast dish.

Are chilaquiles healthy?

Chilaquiles can be made healthier by using baked tortillas and adding fresh vegetables as toppings, making them a nutritious option.

Variations of Chilaquiles You Can Try

There are many delicious variations of chilaquiles you can experiment with:

Try chilaquiles with green sauce for a different flavor profile.
Make vegetarian chilaquiles by adding sautéed vegetables.
Explore chilaquiles with salsa roja for a spicier kick.
For a hearty meal, add shredded beef or pork.

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For more delicious recipes, check out our Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken or Creamy Tuscan Scallops Recipe.

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For more information on traditional Mexican dishes, visit Mexico in My Kitchen.