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Homemade Chicken Chilaquiles photo

Chicken Chilaquiles

Tangy ancho-tomato sauce with shredded chicken and crisp fried tortilla wedges makes a satisfying, family-style chilaquiles.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 dried ancho peppers stemmed and seeded
  • 1 jalapeño stemmed, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes undrained
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 15 corn tortillas (6-inch) each cut into 4 wedges
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup queso fresco or feta cheese
  • garnishes chopped red onion, chopped avocado, sliced radishes, sour cream, lime, cilantro

Equipment

  • Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Small Bowl
  • Blender
  • Tongs
  • Paper Towels
  • Frying Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Remove stems and seeds from the ancho peppers; toast them in a dry pan over medium heat 1–2 minutes per side until fragrant, then place in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak 15 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a blender, combine the soaked ancho peppers, chopped jalapeño, the undrained can of whole tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and cilantro; blend 60–90 seconds until fairly smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce into a large skillet or Dutch oven and stir in the chicken broth.
  4. Add the chicken breasts to the sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook about 20 minutes, turning once halfway, until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Reduce heat to low, remove the chicken, shred or cut into bite-size pieces, then return the chicken to the skillet and keep warm while you make the chips.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to about 350°F (175°C). In batches, fry the tortilla wedges about 1 minute total, flipping halfway, until crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
  7. Turn off the heat under the sauce and add the fried tortilla chips, pressing them into the sauce so they soak up flavor.
  8. Sprinkle the queso fresco (or feta) over the top and finish with chopped red onion, avocado, sliced radishes, sour cream, lime, and cilantro as desired; serve immediately.

Notes

  • Toast dried peppers briefly to deepen flavor.
  • Keep an eye on oil temperature to avoid soggy chips.
  • Use undrained tomatoes for a looser sauce.
  • Shred the chicken finely so it distributes evenly.