There’s a certain joy in the kitchen that sparks when you turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Picture this: a crisp, golden corn tortilla laden with a vibrant guajillo sauce that bursts with flavor. This recipe for Chilaquiles is inspired by those perfectly imperfect moments—like when you find a stash of old tortillas sitting in your pantry, begging to be transformed into a comforting meal. The smoky warmth of guajillo chiles combined with fresh tomatillos and cilantro creates a sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
After a long day, the last thing I want is another item off a fast-food menu. Instead, I crave the satisfaction of homemade goodness. What I love about this dish is its versatility; dress it up with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese, or keep it simple for a healthy weeknight dinner. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining friends. Let’s dive into making these delicious Chilaquiles!
Why will you love these Chilaquiles?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Bold flavors: The mix of guajillo chiles and tomatillos creates a zesty punch that’s both comforting and exciting.
Creative toppings: Dress your Chilaquiles with avocado, cheese, or even an egg for a personal touch.
Quick meal: Prepare and serve this dish in a short time, ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Crowd-pleaser: Its vibrant flavors appeal to both friends and family, making it a great option for gatherings.
Transform your old tortillas into a flavorful meal that feels indulgent without the fast-food fatigue!
Chilaquiles Ingredients
Craft your own delightful Chilaquiles with these fresh ingredients!
For the Tortillas
• 15 pieces white corn tortillas – Preferably older or stale for the perfect crispiness.
• Oil – Essential for frying; choose your favorite cooking oil for added flavor.
For the Guajillo Sauce
• 7 pieces dried guajillo chiles – The star of the sauce; they lend a smoky depth that makes this dish truly special.
• 4 pieces dried arbol chiles – Adds heat and a bright red color to your sauce; adjust based on your spice preference.
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth – A flavorful base that enhances the sauce without overpowering it.
• 3 pieces tomatillos – These bring a fresh, tangy burst to the sauce; make sure they’re washed and ready!
• 3 cloves garlic – Adds a layer of aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is key for the best taste.
• ¼ teaspoon whole cumin seeds – Offers a warm, nutty background note that’s characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• ¼ teaspoon Mexican oregano – An essential herb that complements the chiles beautifully.
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro – Brightens the sauce and adds freshness; use more for extra flavor if desired.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Start here and adjust to your taste to perfectly elevate the flavors.
• ½ small onion, sliced thinly – For garnish; adds crunch and sweetness to your finished dish.
With these vibrant ingredients in hand, you’re just moments away from creating a plate of delightful Chilaquiles that will whisk you away from any fast-food fatigue!
How to Make Chilaquiles
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Fry the Tortillas: 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.
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Combine Ingredients: 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.
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Blend the Sauce: Once the ingredients for the sauce are tender, about 10-15 minutes, remove from heat and blend until smooth. You’ll want a velvety texture that enchants the senses!
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Mix in Herbs: Stir in the fresh cilantro and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired to make those vibrant flavors pop, ensuring every bite sings with perfection.
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Serve with Style: Serve the warm guajillo sauce generously over the crispy tortillas. Garnish with thinly sliced onion for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Add sliced avocado or crumbled cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chilaquiles
Fridge: Keep any leftover Chilaquiles stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, store the sauce separately from the tortillas.
Freezer: If you’ve got extra guajillo sauce, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. The sauce can last up to 3 months frozen; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating: Reheat the tortillas in a skillet to regain crunch, then add the sauce just before serving. This keeps your Chilaquiles deliciously crispy and flavorful.
Room Temperature: Serve your Chilaquiles warm for the best experience; ideally, they should be enjoyed fresh, but if you must, they can sit out for up to 2 hours before safety becomes a concern.
Expert Tips for Making Chilaquiles
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Stale Tortillas: Use older tortillas for the best texture. Fresh tortillas can be too soft, while stale ones get wonderfully crispy.
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Chile Soaking: Soak guajillo chiles in hot water for a few minutes before blending. This softens them and makes for a smoother sauce.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust salt and seasoning while preparing the guajillo sauce. This ensures a perfectly balanced flavor in your Chilaquiles.
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Crispy Finish: Fry tortillas until golden and crispy to avoid sogginess when adding the sauce. If they sit too long, the sauce can make them limp.
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Garnish Genius: Experiment with toppings like avocado, queso fresco, or a fried egg. These not only enhance flavor but also make your Chilaquiles visually appealing!
Make Ahead Options
These Chilaquiles are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the guajillo sauce up to 3 days in advance by blending the cooked ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crispy tortillas can be fried a day ahead and kept in a paper towel-lined container to maintain their crunch. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stove and drizzle it over the warmed tortillas, adding fresh garnishes like onion and cilantro. This way, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade Chilaquiles with minimal effort on a busy weeknight!
What to Serve with Chilaquiles?
Transform your Chilaquiles into a full feast by pairing them with delightful sides that enhance both flavor and experience.
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Creamy Avocado: The cool, creamy texture of avocado balances the spice of the guajillo sauce, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
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Mexican Rice: A fluffy, seasoned rice complements the hearty tortillas and sauce beautifully, adding a comforting, filling component to your meal.
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Refried Beans: This classic side brings a creamy richness and heartiness that rounds out the dish while boosting your protein intake.
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Jicama Salad: The crisp, refreshing crunch of jicama tossed with lime and chili powder offers a bright contrast to the flavors of your Chilaquiles.
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Pico de Gallo: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a zesty freshness, bringing each element of your dish alive with added brightness.
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Light Beer or Agua Fresca: Pairing with a light lager or a refreshing agua fresca emphasizes the meal’s zestiness, while keeping your palate refreshed!
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: For those extra snacking moments, serving a bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa elevates the munching experience while echoing the main dish’s essence.
Embrace the joyful culinary journey by mixing and matching these sides to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace!
Chilaquiles Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this dish and tailor it to your taste buds!
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully plant-based option that’s just as rich in flavor.
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Spicy Twist: Add more arbol chiles or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat in your guajillo sauce. Just a pinch can transform the flavor!
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle crumbled feta or queso fresco over the top before serving for a creamy, indulgent twist that melts beautifully into the sauce.
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Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a fresh zing, enhancing the dish with unexpected aromatics.
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Tomato Addition: Blend in a couple of peeled ripe tomatoes with the sauce for a richer and slightly sweeter flavor profile.
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Crunchy Toppings: Consider adding crispy fried onions or tortilla strips on top for extra texture that contrasts delightfully with the soft tortillas.
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Garlic Lovers: Sauté minced garlic in oil before frying the tortillas to infuse them with even more aromatic flavor. It’s a small step that delivers big results.
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Flavor Infusion: Experiment with lime juice or zest before serving to brighten the dish; the citrus will uplift all those deep flavors, making every bite pop!
Chilaquiles Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas should I use?
Absolutely! For Chilaquiles, older or stale white corn tortillas are preferable because they become crispy during frying. Fresh tortillas may be too soft and won’t hold up well once the sauce is added, so aim for those that have been sitting in your pantry for a day or two.
How should I store leftover Chilaquiles?
Store any leftover Chilaquiles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispy texture, keep the sauce separate from the tortillas. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the tortillas in a skillet and add the sauce just before serving for best results.
Can I freeze the guajillo sauce?
Very! If you have leftover guajillo sauce, it’s easy to freeze for future use. Pour the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a resealable plastic bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to use them, just thaw the desired amount overnight in the fridge.
What if my guajillo sauce is too thick?
No worries! If you find your guajillo sauce is too thick after blending, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time and blend again to ensure it’s well mixed. This way, you can customize the sauce to your taste!
Are there any dietary considerations for Chilaquiles?
Yes, it’s important to consider dietary needs! If you’re serving guests with allergies, let them know the ingredients, especially the chiles and chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, if you’re making this for someone with a sensitivity to gluten, ensure that your tortillas are certified gluten-free.
How can I prevent my tortillas from getting soggy?
To keep your tortillas crispy, fry them until they are golden brown and crunchy—about 2-3 minutes per side in hot oil. Serving the sauce warm but not pouring too much on at once can also help. If you’re preparing for a gathering, add the sauce just before serving for that perfect crunch in every bite.
Chilaquiles Bliss: Crispy Tortillas with Zesty Guajillo Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the ingredients for the sauce are tender, about 10-15 minutes, remove from heat and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the fresh cilantro and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve the warm guajillo sauce generously over the crispy tortillas. Garnish with thinly sliced onion for that perfect finishing touch.