Baked Chilaquiles with Chicken and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked chilaquiles is a comforting Mexican casserole that layers crispy tortilla chips with rich enchilada sauce, tender chicken, scrambled eggs, and melted cheeses. It’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for brunch or dinner that brings all your favorite flavors together in one pan.

A white rectangular casserole dish is filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is crispy, pale yellow tortilla chips scattered unevenly; the middle layer is a mix of chunky, cooked chicken pieces in a rich, reddish-orange sauce; the top layer is melted white cheese with some browned spots spread all over, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The dish rests on a woven mat on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are fresh green herb leaves and a stack of white bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces corn tortilla chips
  • 28 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 large can)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (or cubed)
  • 6 eggs, scrambled
  • 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 small can)
  • 4 ounces Queso fresco, crumbled
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • Pico de Gallo, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
  2. Step 2: Pour about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce to coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a bowl, combine the scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, and half of the remaining enchilada sauce.
  3. Step 3: Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly in the baking dish. Top with half of the chicken and egg mixture, then sprinkle half of each cheese on top. Drizzle with some of the remaining sauce and add a layer of Mexican crema.
  4. Step 4: Repeat with the remaining chips, chicken mixture, cheeses, and sauce. Do not add crema on the second layer.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional crema, fresh cilantro, and pico de gallo before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Use homemade enchilada sauce for a fresher, bolder flavor, or substitute with your favorite store-bought variety.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
  • Adding a little chopped onion or jalapeño to the mixture can give your chilaquiles an extra kick.
  • If you prefer softer chips, add a little extra sauce before baking to help them soak through more thoroughly.

Storage

Store leftover baked chilaquiles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350˚F (175˚C) until warmed through to maintain crispness, or microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A large white rectangular baking dish filled with layered nachos is shown. The bottom layer consists of crispy yellow tortilla chips spread evenly. Above the chips, there is a thick layer of melted, bubbly white and light golden cheese mixed with chunky red tomato sauce. Small pieces of what looks like cooked chicken are mixed with the sauce and cheese layers, giving a textured and hearty appearance. The top is garnished with chopped fresh green herbs, scattered all over, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The dish sits on a woven mat, with fresh green herbs blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make baked chilaquiles ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to keep the chips crisp.

What can I use instead of Mexican crema?

If Mexican crema isn’t available, sour cream is a great substitute that provides a similar creamy tanginess.

Print
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Baked Chilaquiles with Chicken and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Baked Chilaquiles is a comforting Mexican casserole featuring layers of crispy corn tortilla chips, shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful red enchilada sauce, all topped with melted Monterey Jack and crumbled Queso fresco cheeses. This hearty dish is baked until piping hot and garnished with creamy Mexican crema, fresh cilantro, and zesty pico de gallo, making it perfect for brunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 16 ounces corn tortilla chips
  • 28 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 large can)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (or cubed)
  • 6 eggs (scrambled)
  • 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 small can)
  • 4 ounces Queso fresco (crumbled)
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican crema (or sour cream)

Garnish

  • Pico de Gallo, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare the base: Pour about 1/4 cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly to coat the surface, which will help prevent sticking and infuse flavor.
  3. Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, and half of the remaining enchilada sauce. Stir together thoroughly to create the flavorful filling mixture.
  4. Assemble first layer: Layer half of the tortilla chips into the casserole dish over the sauce. Then spread half of the chicken and egg mixture on top of the chips, followed by half of the Queso fresco and Monterey Jack cheeses. Drizzle with some of the remaining enchilada sauce and add a drizzle of Mexican crema for richness.
  5. Assemble second layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, chicken mixture, cheeses, and the remaining enchilada sauce. Do not add the crema on this layer yet.
  6. Bake the casserole: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout and the cheese has melted beautifully.
  7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with an additional drizzle of Mexican crema, freshly chopped cilantro, and pico de gallo to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up during baking without becoming too soggy.
  • For a spicier dish, use a hotter enchilada sauce or add jalapeños.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • You can substitute the chicken with shredded beef or keep it vegetarian by adding sautéed vegetables instead.
  • Mexican crema can be replaced with sour cream if unavailable.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Baked chilaquiles, Mexican casserole, enchilada sauce recipe, chilaquiles bake, shredded chicken, Mexican breakfast casserole

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