Mexican Style Red Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe
Description:
Mexican Style Red Chilaquiles is a beloved dish that combines crispy tortilla chips, tender shredded chicken, and a tangy, flavorful tomato sauce. This casserole-style recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine. While the traditional version might simply feature tortilla chips tossed with tomato salsa, this variation includes a savory chicken filling that enhances the dish with a delicious depth of flavor. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of homemade nachos or a fresh Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad.
Cuisine:
Mexican
Course:
Appetizer
Diet:
Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Chilaquiles:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | 2 large |
| Cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken Breasts | 150 grams |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (chopped) | 2 cloves |
For the Tomato Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 5 medium |
| Onion (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Garlic (chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Tomato Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 3 teaspoons |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). This will allow the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. -
Prepare the Tortillas:
Place the tortillas on a grill tray or baking sheet and place them in the oven. Let them bake for about 5 minutes or until they crisp up nicely. Once they are crispy, remove them from the oven, let them cool slightly, and then break them into large pieces. Set the tortilla chips aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and a sprig of dried thyme to the water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Next, add the chicken breasts to the saucepan and cook until fully cooked through, which should take approximately 20 minutes. -
Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the saucepan and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into thin strips using two forks or your hands. Set the shredded chicken aside. -
Make the Tomato Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the 5 chopped tomatoes, 2 chopped onions, and 6 cloves of garlic. Blend them into a smooth paste. -
Cook the Sauce:
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in the tomato paste. You will hear a sizzling sound as the paste hits the pan. Stir it well to ensure it cooks evenly. Add the red chilli powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, sugar, and salt to the mixture, stirring to combine. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop. -
Add the Chicken Broth:
After 10 minutes, open the lid and add the chicken broth that you saved earlier. Adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes so that the flavors can meld together and the sauce thickens. -
Combine the Chicken, Sauce, and Tortillas:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded chicken and crispy tortilla chips to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and chips are evenly coated with the tomato sauce. -
Bake the Chilaquiles:
Transfer the mixture into a ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese over the top, covering the dish evenly. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. -
Serve:
Once the cheese has melted, remove the chilaquiles from the oven and serve immediately. You can garnish the dish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor. Pair the chilaquiles with some homemade nachos and a refreshing bowl of Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Mexican Style Red Chilaquiles with a side of Homemade Nachos for extra crunch.
- Add a light Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad for a healthy and refreshing side.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sizes and specific brands used.
Enjoy your Mexican Style Red Chilaquiles with friends and family as an appetizer or a main dish! This delightful meal brings the authentic taste of Mexico right to your table. Whether youโre hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
