Tex Mex Chilaquiles
If you’re looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that combines the heartiness of Tex-Mex cuisine with the crunch of tortilla chips, look no further than Tex Mex Chilaquiles. This dish is not only delightful to the taste buds but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. The layers of flavors from the green enchilada sauce and the gooey Monterey Jack cheese will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why It’s My Go-To
Tex Mex Chilaquiles is my go-to recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever proteins or toppings you have on hand. Plus, the combination of crispy tortilla chips soaked in a zesty green sauce, topped with creamy sour cream and melty cheese, is simply irresistible. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want a taste of home, this dish has a way of making everything better.
Your Shopping Guide
To make Tex Mex Chilaquiles, gather the following ingredients from your local grocery store:
- 3 cups green enchilada sauce (or green salsa)
- 3 cups cooked turkey (or chicken, shredded or cut into small pieces)
- 5 ounces tortilla chips
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 tomato (chopped, optional)
- 2 green onions (chopped, optional)
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese (crumbled, optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Before You Start: Equipment
Before you embark on your Tex Mex Chilaquiles adventure, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chilaquiles.
- Spatula: To mix and serve the dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Oven-safe dish (optional): If you plan to bake the chilaquiles.
Tex Mex Chilaquiles: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, pour in the 3 cups of green enchilada sauce. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally. This step helps to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Step 2: Add the Protein
Once the sauce is simmering, add the 3 cups of cooked turkey or chicken. Stir well to coat the meat in the sauce. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tortilla Chips
Next, gently fold in the 5 ounces of tortilla chips. Be careful not to break them too much; you want a mix of crunchy and slightly softened chips. Stir until all the chips are coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the 10 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the mixture. If you’d like to finish it off in the oven, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you prefer to serve it stovetop, simply cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Top the chilaquiles with sour cream, chopped tomato, green onions, feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve immediately while hot, allowing everyone to customize their toppings as they wish. Each bite of Tex Mex Chilaquiles is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more!
Tailor It to Your Diet
Tex Mex Chilaquiles is an incredibly adaptable dish. Here are a few ways to make it work for your dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey or chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips to ensure the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Low-Fat: Opt for reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the green enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
Errors to Dodge
When making Tex Mex Chilaquiles, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results:
- Using stale tortilla chips: Fresh, crunchy chips are essential for the perfect texture.
- Overcooking the chips: Allowing the chips to soak too long in the sauce can result in mushy chilaquiles.
- Skipping the toppings: The toppings are what elevate this dish from good to great, so don’t skip them!
- Using too much sauce: Balance is key; too much sauce can make the dish soggy.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Tex Mex Chilaquiles are great for meal prep and can be easily stored for later. Here are some tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens. While chilaquiles are best enjoyed fresh, they can still be delicious as leftovers. Just be aware that the chips may lose their crunch.
- Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire dish, you can freeze the cooked turkey or chicken separately and then assemble the chilaquiles fresh when ready to eat.
- Meal prep: Prepare the sauce and meat ahead of time, and store them separately. When ready to eat, just mix with tortilla chips and cheese for a quick meal.
Common Questions
Can I use store-bought green salsa instead of enchilada sauce?
Yes! Store-bought green salsa works beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s a flavor you enjoy, as it will be the primary sauce for your chilaquiles.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, other melting cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack can be great alternatives. Each will give a different flavor profile to your dish.
Can I prepare chilaquiles ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve chilaquiles fresh, you can prepare the sauce and protein ahead of time. Just assemble and heat when you’re ready to serve.
What else can I add to my chilaquiles?
The options are endless! Consider adding black beans, corn, avocado, or even a fried egg on top for added protein and flavor.
In Closing
Tex Mex Chilaquiles are a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in a simple, yet satisfying way. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, savory protein, and zesty green enchilada sauce creates a meal that is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a plate of Tex Mex Chilaquiles that’s bursting with flavor!
Tex Mex Chilaquiles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, pour in the 3 cups of green enchilada sauce. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the 3 cups of cooked turkey or chicken. Stir well to coat the meat in the sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the 5 ounces of tortilla chips, being careful not to break them too much, until all the chips are coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the 10 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
- Top the chilaquiles with sour cream, chopped tomato, green onions, feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and black pepper to taste.
- Scoop onto plates and serve immediately while hot, allowing for customizable toppings.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For meal prep, prepare the sauce and meat ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
- Use fresh tortilla chips for the best texture; avoid stale ones.
