Easy & Delicious Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Chicken Chilaquiles – Mexican-style comfort food at its finest! This easy casserole brings together crispy tortilla chips, a rich and spicy tomato sauce, tender shredded chicken, and plenty of melty cheese for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor.

Chilaquiles are a time-honored Mexican dish traditionally made with corn tortillas or their day-old chip counterparts, often served for breakfast or brunch, sometimes crowned with a fried egg. While delightful in its classic form, we’re elevating this favorite to a hearty, substantial meal by incorporating savory shredded chicken directly into a homemade, flavorful sauce. Baking everything together transforms it into an effortless casserole, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash.

Got a bag of tortilla chips nearing its end in your pantry? This recipe is their perfect redemption! Since the chips will soak up the vibrant sauce as it bakes, they don’t need to be perfectly fresh or crispy. In fact, slightly stale chips work wonderfully, absorbing the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling ambitious and have extra time, you can also fry your own corn tortilla chips for an extra touch of homemade goodness. This adaptability makes it a fantastic way to utilize ingredients you already have on hand.

There’s an undeniable allure to baking tortilla chips with gooey, melty cheese and an array of delicious toppings. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience. If you’re a fan of these easy, cheesy, baked delights, you’ll also adore my Barbecue Chicken Nachos – they’re irresistibly good for parties or a speedy dinner. For another minimal-effort, maximum-flavor meal, my Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is a serious winner, doubling as an incredible taco or burrito filling.

Why This Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, hearty meals that fit into any schedule. Here’s why these Chicken Chilaquiles are an absolute must-try:

• Lightning Fast: This recipe is designed for speed. You can have this comforting meal on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• Smart Use of Leftovers: It’s a brilliant way to transform leftover corn tortillas, tortilla chips, or cooked chicken into something entirely new and exciting, minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 main ingredients, you don’t need a gourmet pantry to whip up this dish. It’s simple to throw together, yet delivers complex, satisfying Mexican flavors.
• Budget and Pantry-Friendly: Utilizing basic, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is kind to your wallet and relies on staples you likely already have.
• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: Whether it’s an impromptu gathering or a family dinner, this casserole scales easily and is a fantastic way to feed many mouths without a lot of fuss.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about warm, saucy tortilla chips baked with chicken and melted cheese – pure indulgence in every bite!

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Chilaquiles

For the exact measurements and full instructions, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Tortilla Chips: This is the foundation! Use any brand you prefer. As mentioned, fresh chips work, but don’t shy away from using up that half-bag of slightly stale ones – they’ll soften beautifully in the sauce. For an authentic touch, you can even deep-fry or bake your own corn tortilla wedges.
• Shredded Chicken: To keep this recipe super quick, pre-cooked and shredded chicken is a game-changer. A rotisserie chicken is perfect, or use leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken breast, or even leftover grilled chicken. If starting with raw chicken, simply boil or bake a couple of chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic for a reason! Its sharp, tangy flavor and excellent melting properties make it a fantastic choice. Alternatively, a pre-shredded Mexican-style cheese blend (like Colby Jack or a taco blend) works wonderfully too, offering a milder, creamier melt.
• Canned Whole Tomatoes: These are the base of our robust homemade sauce. Whole tomatoes are often more flavorful than diced, and since they’ll be pureed in a blender, there’s no need to buy pre-diced (though you can use them if that’s what you have on hand).
• Jalapeño Pepper: This provides that signature Mexican kick. To manage the heat level, you can remove the white pith and seeds before chopping for a milder spice, or leave some in for more fire. For an even spicier dish, consider using a serrano pepper or a second jalapeño.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Used to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency and add depth of flavor. Low-sodium allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic foundation to our sauce. Never underestimate the power of fresh garlic in Mexican cuisine!
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and creating the initial flavor base for the sauce.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion is sautéed until soft, adding a sweet and pungent flavor that complements the spicy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning to bring all the flavors together. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
• Optional Toppings: The fun part! Enhance your chilaquiles with toppings like sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or crema, sliced black olives, finely chopped red or green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

How To Make Easy Chicken Chilaquiles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these comforting Chicken Chilaquiles is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare Your Sauce Base: In a high-speed blender, combine the canned whole tomatoes (drained or undrained depending on desired consistency), the seeded and chopped jalapeño, chicken broth, minced garlic, and salt. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain. This creates the flavorful foundation for your chilaquiles.
2. Cook the Aromatic Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron pan) or a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Pour the pureed tomato sauce mixture into the skillet with the softened onions. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Incorporate the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the pre-cooked, shredded chicken. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, to ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated through and coated beautifully in the rich sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: If you’re using a separate casserole dish, spread the tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can layer the chips directly into it. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, making sure to coat them well. The chips should be nicely drenched but not completely submerged.
5. Bake to Perfection: Generously top the saucy chicken and chips with the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred Mexican blend). Transfer the dish to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chips are slightly crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Serve hot with your favorite optional toppings.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Chilaquiles

• Amp Up the Flavor with Toppings: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh toppings! A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the entire dish. Chopped green or red onions add a sharp, fresh bite. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick, or crumble some authentic Cotija cheese over the top for a salty, crumbly texture.
• Control the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add an extra jalapeño to your sauce mixture. For a truly fiery experience, you could also swap out the cheddar cheese for spicy pepper jack cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a welcome zing. Remember, removing the seeds and pith from the jalapeño significantly reduces its heat.
• Shortcut with Store-Bought Sauce: No blender or short on time? No problem! You can absolutely use a can of your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce in place of making the homemade tomato sauce. Just ensure it’s a quality brand you enjoy. You’ll need about 2 cups of enchilada sauce for this recipe.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: To make this a delicious vegetarian meal, simply omit the chicken and replace it with seasoned tempeh, baked tofu cubes, or a plant-based chicken substitute. Ensure your chosen substitute is pre-cooked or quickly sautéed before adding it to the sauce, as the casserole only bakes for a short time.
• Crispy Chips vs. Soft: For crispier chilaquiles, you can lightly fry the chips in a separate pan before adding the sauce. For softer, more traditional chilaquiles where the chips completely absorb the sauce, simply follow the recipe as written.

When to Serve Chicken Chilaquiles

While chilaquiles are a staple of Mexican breakfasts and brunches, this chicken-infused version is incredibly hearty and versatile. It makes for a perfect quick and satisfying dinner. However, don’t limit yourself! It’s also fantastic for a leisurely weekend brunch, a casual lunch, or even as an impressive dish for entertaining guests.

Can I Make These Vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the shredded chicken with a plant-based protein. Excellent options include seasoned and crumbled tempeh, firm baked tofu, or your favorite store-bought vegetarian chicken substitute. The key is to ensure that whatever substitute you choose is already cooked or pre-sautéed before you mix it into the sauce, as the chilaquiles will only be in the oven for a quick 10-minute bake.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Chilaquiles

Chicken Chilaquiles are a meal in themselves, but they truly shine when accompanied by complementary sides and drinks. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Skinny Margarita: If you’re enjoying chilaquiles for dinner, a refreshing Skinny Margarita is the perfect complement. Close your eyes, take a sip, and let it transport you to a relaxing Mexican getaway.
• Mexican Coleslaw: Add a lovely crunch and a burst of freshness with this slightly spicy side dish. Its vibrant flavors and textures cut through the richness of the chilaquiles beautifully.
• Pico de Gallo: Almost any Mexican-style meal is enhanced by fresh pico de gallo. This chunky, fresh salsa, loaded with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, adds a burst of flavor and a refreshing contrast.
• Mexican Rice or Black Beans: For a more substantial meal, serve your chilaquiles alongside a side of fluffy Mexican rice or perfectly seasoned black beans. These classic sides round out the meal perfectly.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chilaquiles.
• Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with these divine cookies! Enhanced with a hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper, they offer a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers? Here’s how to manage your Chicken Chilaquiles:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Any leftover Chicken Chilaquiles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven until heated through. The chips might lose some of their crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Freezing the Dish: Unfortunately, assembled chilaquiles do not freeze well due to the tortilla chips becoming overly soggy upon thawing. However, you can make the delicious tomato sauce ahead of time! Prepare the sauce, let it cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using, then proceed with the recipe from step 2.

More Mouthwatering Mexican Dinner Recipes

If you loved these Chicken Chilaquiles, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delicious Mexican-inspired dinner recipes from our kitchen:

• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas: Quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
• Enchilada Pasta Casserole: A comforting fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors.
• Crockpot Fiesta Chicken: Effortless and incredibly versatile for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
• Taco Rice: All your favorite taco flavors in a convenient, hearty rice dish.
• Flautas: Crispy, rolled tacos filled with savory ingredients.
• Mexican Pizza: A fun and customizable twist on pizza, with a Mexican flair.
• Pork Carnitas: Tender, juicy slow-cooked pork perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads.

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