Chilaquilas

This classic Mexican dish, Chilaquilas, is a flavorful and crispy breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to become a favorite. Fried tortilla chips meet a tangy cream mixture, loaded with cheese, cilantro, and a hint of heat from the jalapeño, making for a delightful combination that’s both satisfying and addictive.

Ingredients

• 6-8 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Queso Fresco or Monterey Jack work well)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh epazote (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Cut the corn tortillas into quarters and fry them in hot vegetable oil until crispy and lightly browned. Drain the tortilla chips on paper towels.

In a large bowl, mix together the Mexican crema or sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeño, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Add the diced cooked chicken and chopped epazote (if using) to the bowl and stir until well combined. Add the fried tortilla chips to the bowl and toss until the chips are evenly coated with the cream mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a serving platter or individual plates.

Top with thinly sliced red onion and serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old tortillas for the best results, as they’ll be drier and fry up crunchier. Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the tortilla chips – fry in batches if necessary – to ensure they cook evenly.

If you can’t find epazote, feel free to omit it or substitute with a sprinkle of dried oregano for a similar herbaceous flavor.

For an extra kick, add a diced serrano pepper to the cream mixture for an extra boost of heat. Fried tortilla chips can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days – just be sure to crisp them up in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the chilaquilas.

Chilaquilas are best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to a day and reheated in the oven until crispy and warm.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 18g