20 minutes

4.75 from 4 votes

08.13.19

Updated: 08.13.19

Tex Mex Chilaquiles

Name: Tex Mex Chilaquiles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 cups green enchilada sauce ( or green salsa); 3 cups cooked turkey ( or chicken, shredded or cut in small pieces); 5 oz tortilla chips; 1 cup sour cream; 10 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded); 1 tomato (chopped (optional)); 2 green onions (chopped (optional)); 2 tbsp feta cheese (crumbled (optional)); 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

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These Tex Mex Chilaquiles can be on your table in only 20 minutes and are perfect for breakfast or brunch! These chilaquiles are loaded with turkey and smothered with cheese and green enchilada sauce.

$a skillet filled with chilaquiles and topped with queso fresco, parsley, parsley, and scallions$

Tex Mex Chilaquiles

Now when I first heard of chilaquiles I thought ‘aren’t those just nachos?’, but in this instance I was glad to be wrong. Nachos are finger food meant to be shared with a crowd. Chilaquiles are a heavier dish that is bound to get a bit more messy so they’re ideally devoured with a fork.

So why are they a fork friendly food rather than finger friendly? Well to start off with our chilaquiles are going to be smothered in either enchilada sauce or a green salsa, topped with tender shredded chicken and then bathed in melted cheese and gooey feta. All those flavors are really going to get to know each other in our skillet which will create a saucy, soupy, crispy concoction!

What Are Chilaquiles?

Have you guys ever had them before? Chilaquiles are usually corn tortillas cut in quarters and fried, then green or red salsa is poured over them, and cooked until softened. Sometimes pulled chicken is added and they’re usually garnished with crema, shredded queso fresco and avocado slices. They are also usually served with refried beans or eggs, which is why they are commonly eaten at breakfast or brunch.

If you’ve seen these tasty treats on menus before but have been afraid to order them because you’re unsure about the pronunciation, I’ve got you covered. It’s pronounced Cheel – AY – Keel – Ayes. Look at that, now you’re ready to make and order these till your heart’s content!

What Is Tex Mex?

It’s also known as Mexican American cuisine, it was originated in Texas and combines all those fresh lively flavors that we associate with Mexican cuisine. But it combines all the rich huge portions that we know and love from Texas. Overall this dish is one I encourage you to have some fun with, so let’s get cookin!

$a skillet full of chilaquiles topped with lots of cheese$

Ingredients In Tex Mex Chilaquiles

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Enchilada sauce – Either green enchilada sauce or green salsa works just fine.
Protein – Either turkey or chicken cooked and either shredded or cut into small pieces.
Tortilla chips – Feel free to use any kind you’d like!
Cheese – Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded. We’re also going to be using feta cheese today crumbled up nice and fine.
Tomato – Diced up nice and fine to be layered over top.
Onion – We want to dice up some green onions nice and fine to be sprinkled over top.
Cilantro – Feel free to omit if you’re not a fan of this fresh herb. Chop it up nice and fine and sprinkle over top.
Seasoning – Black pepper freshly cracked.

$overhead of a skillet filled with chilaquiles and topped with queso fresco, tomatoes, parsley, and scallions$

How To Make Tex Mex Chilaquiles

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Preheat your oven: To 425 F degrees.
Layer the chilaquiles: Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the green enchilada sauce on the bottom of the skillet then start layering with 1/3 of the turkey, 1/3 of the tortilla chips, top with 1/3 of the sour cream and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat with remaining enchilada sauce, turkey, chips, sour cream and cheese 2 more times, to make a total of 3 layers of each ingredient.
Finish the dish: Bake for 10 minutes or until hot inside and all the cheese has melted. Top with chopped tomatoes, green onions, feta cheese, cilantro and black pepper. Serve while hot.

Making Your Own Enchilada Sauce

I have a great recipe on the blog for making your own enchilada sauce here, however my recipe is for red sauce. If you’re looking to make green just sub the tomatoes out for canned diced green chilies.

Making Your Own Salsa

Although my recipe calls for either green enchilada or green salsa you can definitely still use regular old red salsa, which I have a recipe for right here. Fresh salsa is super fresh and such a perfect addition to this dish.

What Else Can I Use In My Chilaquiles?

This quasi nacho dish is like a blank canvas for incorporating tons of fresh flavors so go wild!

Avocado
Creme fraiche
Cotijo cheese
Chopped red onion
Fresh chilies
Garlic cloves
Fry up some eggs and serve on top for a super delicious breakfast-y spin
Refried beans
Chorizo

$picking up a chip out of a skillet covered in cheese, scallions, and tomato$

Storing Leftover Chilaquiles

You can store this in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Unfortunately you can’t store this in the freezer so be sure to eat this right away. These chilaquiles are best when fresh.

More Incredible Mexican Dishes To Try:

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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