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Amazing Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe: Taste Mexico

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Chilaquiles Verde

Chilaquiles verdes have this magical ability to transport me straight back to my childhood mornings in Mexico City, the aroma of simmering salsa verde filling the air. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I remember my abuela making this chilaquiles verdes recipe for us on lazy Sundays, the vibrant green sauce coating perfectly crisp tortilla chips, topped with a sprinkle of salty cotija cheese. It’s surprisingly simple to recreate this authentic taste at home, even on a busy weekday. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chilaquiles Verdes

  • Incredible flavor explosion with every bite!
  • Perfectly crisp tortilla chips coated in a vibrant salsa verde.
  • This is such an easy chilaquiles verdes recipe, so you can enjoy it any day.
  • Ready in under an hour, making it a fantastic quick chilaquiles verdes option for busy mornings.
  • A budget-friendly meal that uses simple, accessible ingredients.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, from kids to adults.
  • A delicious and satisfying breakfast that will keep you full.
  • A taste of authentic Mexican cuisine right in your own kitchen.

Chilaquiles Verdes Ingredients

Gathering these key items is the first step to making your own incredible homemade chilaquiles verdes. This list covers everything you need for a truly authentic experience, including the components for a fantastic chilaquiles verdes sauce recipe. Don’t worry if some ingredients seem specific; they truly make a difference in achieving that classic Mexican flavor!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded – a great protein base
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters – these will become your crispy chips
  • 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying – essential for achieving that perfect crunch
  • 2 cups tomatillos, husked and quartered – the tangy heart of our salsa verde
  • 1 serrano pepper, stemmed – for a touch of heat; adjust to your spice preference
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro – adds a bright, herbaceous note
  • 1/4 cup white onion, chopped – balances the flavors
  • 1 clove garlic – for that unmistakable savory depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the other flavors
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a classic spice addition
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese – for a salty, crumbly finish
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream – adds a creamy, cooling contrast
  • 2 eggs, fried – a classic topping for a heartier breakfast

How to Make Chilaquiles Verdes

This guide breaks down exactly how to make chilaquiles verdes so you can recreate this delicious Mexican breakfast at home. Following these steps will ensure you get perfectly tender chips coated in a vibrant sauce, making this a truly satisfying meal.

  1. Step 1: Make the Chilaquiles Verdes Sauce. In your blender, combine the quartered tomatillos, stemmed serrano pepper (seeds in for more heat!), fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, garlic clove, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until it’s wonderfully smooth and bright green. This forms the flavorful base for our dish.
  2. Step 2: Fry the Tortilla Chips. Heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the tortilla quarters in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and delightfully crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Chicken. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your cooked and shredded chicken. Sauté for just 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through and fragrant. This quick step ensures the chicken is warm and ready to be added to the finished dish.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the Sauce. Pour the blended tomatillo sauce into a clean saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. The aroma should be fresh and slightly tangy.
  5. Step 5: Combine Chips and Sauce. Now for the magic! Add the crispy fried tortilla chips directly into the simmering green sauce. Gently stir them in, ensuring each chip is coated in the vibrant salsa. Cook for just 1-2 minutes. You want the chips to soften slightly but still retain a bit of their satisfying crunch. This is key to a great texture in your quick chilaquiles verdes.
  6. Step 6: Serve Your Delicious Creation. Ladle the saucy chips into serving bowls immediately. Top generously with the warm shredded chicken, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream, and a perfectly fried egg. Enjoy this authentic taste of Mexico!

Amazing Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe: Taste Mexico - Chilaquiles Verde - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Chilaquiles Verdes

Achieving that perfect balance of crisp and tender, along with vibrant flavor, is easier than you think with these insider tips. These tricks will elevate your homemade chilaquiles verdes from good to absolutely unforgettable!

  • Fry chips in batches: Don’t overcrowd your pan when frying tortilla chips. This ensures they get evenly golden and crispy rather than soggy.
  • Control the heat: If you like it spicier, leave the seeds in the serrano pepper. For a milder dish, remove them or use jalapeño.
  • Don’t overcook the chips in sauce: The goal is for them to soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch. A minute or two is usually perfect.
  • Fresh ingredients matter: Using fresh tomatillos and cilantro makes a huge difference in the brightness of the salsa verde.

What’s the secret to perfect chilaquiles verdes?

The real secret to creating truly traditional chilaquiles verdes lies in the texture. You want your tortilla chips to be crispy enough to hold their shape in the sauce for a few minutes, but not so crispy they shatter. Frying them correctly and adding them to a simmering, not boiling, sauce is key. For more authentic Mexican recipes, check out our latest recipes.

Can I make chilaquiles verdes ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead, but assembly is best done just before serving for optimal texture. You can make the salsa verde and fry the chips separately up to a day in advance and store them in airtight containers. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing in the chips. If you’re looking for other make-ahead breakfast ideas, consider our breakfast enchiladas.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chilaquiles verdes?

The biggest pitfall is soggy chips! This happens if you add them to a boiling sauce or let them sit too long. Another mistake is not blending the salsa smooth enough, leaving chunks. Also, be sure to fry the chips until they are truly crisp before they even hit the sauce. For more tips on achieving perfect textures, you might find information on frying techniques helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Chilaquiles Verdes

Serving up your homemade chilaquiles verdes is all about those finishing touches that make the dish sing. I love to present mine right away, still warm and vibrant, so the textures are at their absolute best. It’s a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, a simple side of black beans or a light avocado salad works beautifully. For a similar vibrant flavor profile, try our corn salad with lime.

The magic really happens with the chilaquiles verdes toppings. Beyond the classic cotija cheese, crema, and fried egg, consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess, a sprinkle of pickled red onions for a tangy bite, or even some extra fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. These additions don’t just add flavor; they create a stunning visual presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat!

Nutrition Facts for Chilaquiles Verdes

When you whip up this delicious chilaquiles verdes recipe, you’re in for a flavorful treat! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, so you know what you’re enjoying.

  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Chilaquiles Verdes

Properly storing your delicious homemade chilaquiles verdes is key to enjoying them later, though they are truly best fresh! Once you’ve made this fantastic dish, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess. For the best texture, store the components separately if possible: keep the fried tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature, and the salsa verde (with chicken mixed in, if desired) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the salsa verde mixture for up to 3 months. If you’re interested in other freezer-friendly meals, consider our potato gnocchi beef stew.

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the salsa verde in a saucepan over low heat. If the chips are separate, you can quickly crisp them up in a dry skillet or a low oven before tossing them into the warm sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips gummy. Enjoy your reheated chilaquiles verdes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chilaquiles Verdes

What are chilaquiles verdes?

Chilaquiles verdes are a beloved Mexican breakfast dish made from fried tortilla pieces simmered in a vibrant green salsa. It’s a comforting and flavorful way to start your day, often topped with cheese, crema, and eggs. Think of it as a delicious way to use up leftover tortillas!

Can I make vegetarian chilaquiles verdes?

Absolutely! Creating vegetarian chilaquiles verdes is super easy. Simply omit the chicken and serve the saucy chips with your favorite toppings like fried eggs, avocado, or even scrambled tofu. The tangy salsa verde and crispy chips are the stars, so you don’t need meat for a satisfying meal.

How spicy are chilaquiles verdes typically?

The spice level for chilaquiles verdes can vary greatly depending on the type and amount of chili pepper used in the salsa. This recipe uses a serrano pepper, which provides a nice kick. If you prefer milder, remove the seeds and membranes from the pepper, or use a jalapeño instead. You can always add hot sauce at the table!

Can I use store-bought salsa verde for chilaquiles verdes?

While using store-bought salsa verde can be a time-saver for a quick chilaquiles verdes fix, making your own from scratch, as detailed in this chilaquiles verdes recipe, truly elevates the dish. Homemade salsa verde offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile that can’t be matched by most pre-made options.

Variations of Chilaquiles Verdes You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love exploring the delicious world of chilaquiles verdes variations! It’s so easy to adapt this dish to your preferences, whether you’re craving something extra fiery or a different protein. Think of these as launching pads for your own kitchen creativity.

  • Spicy Chilaquiles Verdes: For those who love a serious kick, don’t shy away from leaving the seeds in your serrano peppers, or even adding a dried chile de árbol to the salsa blend. You can also finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
  • Chilaquiles Verdes with Chicken: While this recipe already features shredded chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Shredded pork carnitas, slow-cooked beef barbacoa, or even crispy fried tofu make fantastic additions for a heartier meal.
  • Vegetarian Chilaquiles Verdes: Skip the meat entirely and make this a vegetarian delight! Top with perfectly fried eggs, creamy avocado slices, or even a dollop of refried beans for a satisfying plant-based option.
  • Baked Chilaquiles Verdes: If you want a slightly less oily version, try baking your tortilla chips until golden and crisp before tossing them with the sauce. This method offers a different texture and can be a slightly lighter approach.
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Chilaquiles Verde

Amazing Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe: Taste Mexico


  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make authentic chilaquiles verdes, a classic Mexican breakfast dish. This easy chilaquiles verdes recipe features a flavorful green salsa and crispy tortilla chips, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups tomatillos, husked and quartered
  • 1 serrano pepper, stemmed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup white onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 2 eggs, fried

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chilaquiles verdes sauce: In a blender, combine tomatillos, serrano pepper, cilantro, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortilla quarters in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Pour the chilaquiles verdes sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add the fried tortilla chips to the simmering sauce and stir gently to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the chips are softened but still have some crispness.
  6. Serve the chilaquiles verdes immediately, topped with shredded chicken, cotija cheese, crema, and fried eggs.

Notes

  • For spicier chilaquiles verdes, leave the seeds in the serrano pepper.
  • You can substitute chicken with shredded beef or pork.
  • Vegetarian chilaquiles verdes can be made by omitting the chicken and serving with scrambled eggs.
  • Experiment with different chilaquiles verdes toppings like avocado or pickled red onions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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