Chilaquiles
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Chilaquiles () are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with tortillas.


Ingredients and variations

Typically, left over tortillas are the basis of the dish.
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or red salsa is poured over the crisp tortilla triangles. The mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Pulled chicken is sometimes added to the mix. It is commonly garnished with crema, crumbled '' queso fresco'', sliced
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, and avocado slices. Chilaquiles can be served with refried beans, eggs (scrambled or fried), and guacamole as side dishes. As with many Mexican dishes, regional and family variations are quite common. Usually, chilaquiles are eaten at breakfast or brunch. This makes them a popular recipe to use leftover tortillas and salsas.


Etymology


Regional variations

In central Mexico, it is common for the tortilla chips to remain crisp. To achieve this, all ingredients except the salsa are placed on a plate and the salsa is poured at the last moment before serving. In
Guadalajara Guadalajara ( ; ) is the capital and the most populous city in the western Mexican List of states of Mexico, state of Jalisco, as well as the most densely populated municipality in Jalisco. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population ...
, '' cazuelas'' are kept simmering, filled with chilaquiles that become thick in texture, similar to '' polenta''. In the state of Sinaloa, chilaquiles are sometimes prepared with cream. In the state of
Tamaulipas Tamaulipas, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Tamaulipas, is a state in Mexico; one of the 31 states which, along with Mexico City, comprise the 32 federal entities of Mexico. It is divided into 43 municipalities. It is located in nor ...
, on the northeast side of the country, red tomato sauce is commonly used. In the state of San Luis Potosí, it is also common to serve chilaquiles with cecina rather than pulled chicken.


History in the United States

Encarnación Pinedo published ''El cocinero español'' (''The Spanish Cook'') in 1898 in California and included recipes for ''chilaquiles
tapatío Guadalajara ( ; ) is the capital and the most populous city in the western Mexican List of states of Mexico, state of Jalisco, as well as the most densely populated municipality in Jalisco. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population ...
s a la mexicana'', ''chilaquiles a la mexicana'', and ''chilaquiles con camarones secos'' (chilaquiles with dry shrimp). As Mexican communities expanded across the United States, chilaquiles became a popular dish in Mexican-American households and restaurants, particularly in the Southwest. Over time, American adaptations emerged, incorporating local ingredients and culinary influences. Some variations featured scrambled eggs,
cheese Cheese is a type of dairy product produced in a range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk (usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats or sheep). During prod ...
blends, and different types of salsa to cater to local palates. In
Tex-Mex Tex-Mex cuisine (derived from the words ''Texas'' and ''Mexico'') is a regional American cuisine that originates from the culinary creations of Tejanos, Tejano people. It has spread from border states such as Texas and others in the Southwestern ...
cuisine, chilaquiles sometimes took on a heartier form, with additions like pulled pork, beans, or avocado. The dish also gained popularity in brunch menus, especially in urban areas with a strong Mexican food scene, where chefs experimented with fusion-style toppings such as feta cheese, kale, or chipotle-infused sauces. Despite these adaptations, the core elements of crispy tortilla pieces softened in sauce have remained central, preserving the dish’s traditional roots while allowing for creative reinterpretations in modern American cuisine.


Gallery

File:CafeLaBlanca12.JPG, Chilaquiles divorciados refers to using both red and green sauces File:01 Chilaquiles verdes con frijoles chinos.jpg, Chilaquiles with refried beans File:Picazo Kitchen and Bar - 2021-11-07 - Sarah Stierch 06.jpg, Chilaquiles served in
California California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...
File:Chilaquiles huevo.jpg, Chilaquiles may be served with minimal salsa applied at the last minute to preserve the crispiness of the tortilla chips


See also

* List of Mexican dishes * List of brunch foods * List of tortilla-based dishes * Migas


References


External links

* {{Mexican cuisine Mexican cuisine Tortilla-based dishes