Chilaquiles

Name: Chilaquiles
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed; 2 medium tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped; 1 medium white onion, small dice (about 1 1/2 cups); 3 serrano chiles, stems removed and coarsely chopped (seeds and membranes removed if you're heat-sensitive); 1 bunch fresh cilantro, tough stems removed and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying; 20 (6-inch) corn tortillas (preferably stale), each cut into 8 wedges; 1 medium lime, juiced; 3 chicken thighs, cooked and shredded (optional, see Game Plan note); 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup crème fraîche, crema, or sour cream; 3 medium radishes, thinly sliced; 2 medium limes, cut into wedges

Latin American Mexican Breakfast Potluck Hangover Cure Dairy Spices Chicken Chicken Thighs Chile Peppers Brunch Leftovers Comfort Food Main Dish Medium

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6 servings Medium

Total: 1 hr 15 mins Active: 30 mins

40 Ratings

Ingredients (15)

For the chilaquiles:

3 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
2 medium tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
1 medium white onion, small dice (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 serrano chiles, stems removed and coarsely chopped (seeds and membranes removed if you’re heat-sensitive)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, tough stems removed and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
20 (6-inch) corn tortillas (preferably stale), each cut into 8 wedges
1 medium lime, juiced

For the garnish:

3 chicken thighs, cooked and shredded (optional, see Game Plan note)
1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup crème fraîche, crema, or sour cream
3 medium radishes, thinly sliced
2 medium limes, cut into wedges

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It’s hard to dislike chilaquiles, a not particularly pretty mishmash of fried corn tortillas bathed in a fiery chile sauce and topped with anything from eggs to cheese to leftover chicken. Colloquially, the term has come to mean “a broken-up old sombrero,” alluding to the bits of broken-up tortillas that are the dish’s defining ingredient.

Special equipment: A 12-inch cast iron skillet is perfect for making chilaquiles, but any large, heavy-bottomed frying pan will do.

What to buy: Look for dried ancho chiles and Cotija cheese in Latin grocery stores and gourmet markets.

Crème fraîche and crema are both types of naturally thickened fresh cream (the French and Mexican versions, respectively) with a tangy flavor and rich texture. If you can’t find either, sour cream is a decent substitute, but you may need to thin it with a little water so that it’s easier to drizzle.

Game plan: Top the chilaquiles with leftover rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or poach your own. To poach, combine 3 skinless chicken thighs, 1 peeled garlic clove, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 10 peppercorns in a medium pot, cover with cold water, and simmer until chicken thighs are cooked through. When the thighs are cool enough to handle, shred the meat. Of course, our homemade Guacamole recipe is an ideal pairing.

If you’re sensitive to spiciness, remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano chiles.

This dish was featured as part of our Chile Pepper Recipes photo gallery.

by Regan Burns

Tips for Chicken

Tip

How to Store Chicken

Raw or cooked chicken can be stored in a refrigerator for a few days, though it’s important to prevent raw chicken juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Ensure that chicken remains in its original packaging (which should be vacuum-sealed or tightly-wrapped) until it is ready to be cooked.

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Next: How to Freeze Chicken

Tip

How to Freeze Chicken

While freezing will make your chicken less tender and juicy, it is the perfect way to store the family-sized pack you bought at Costco last weekend. Remove the chicken from its original packaging and rewrap it tightly using aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Double wrap if you are planning to store the chicken for more than two months. Ground chicken can last up to three months in the freezer, while chicken pieces can last up to nine.

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Next: How to Thaw Chicken

Tip

How to Thaw Chicken

You should never thaw chicken at room temperature, as it is highly susceptible to bacteria growth. Frozen chicken should either be thawed in the microwave, in the refrigerator, or in cold water (which should be changed every 30 minutes).

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Next: How to Store Chicken

Instructions

1Bring a small pot of water to a boil over high heat. Place ancho chiles in a single layer in a small frying pan and toast over medium heat until crispy and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Transfer chiles to a medium, heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over chiles to completely cover them and soak until they are soft and pliant, at least 10 minutes.
2Drain chiles and place in the bowl of a blender or food processor along with tomatoes, 3/4 of the diced onion, the serrano chiles, and about 1 cup of the chopped cilantro. Add salt and chicken broth and blend until smooth.
3Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until 350°F, about 10 minutes. Fry tortillas in 5 batches until they are crisp and have stopped furiously bubbling, about 1 minute per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
4Carefully strain oil into a heatproof container. Wipe out the pan and return it to the stove over medium-high heat. Take 1/4 cup of the used oil and add it to the skillet (discard the remaining oil). When it is shimmering, carefully pour in blended chile mixture (it will bubble furiously) and fry it, stirring often, until it is fragrant and no longer raw-tasting, about 7 minutes.
5Reduce heat to medium low and stir in lime juice. Taste and, if necessary, adjust seasoning with salt. Add fried tortillas, stirring gently until they are softened and well-coated with sauce.
6Transfer chilaquiles to a serving platter and top with shredded chicken (if using), cheese, a drizzle of crème fraîche, radishes, and remaining diced onion and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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