From preparing homemade tortilla chips to selecting the right chicken and mastering the art of salsa making, we’ve got you covered. You’ll soon be creating a dinner and/ or breakfast masterpiece (add some fried eggs to it!) that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for more!

History and Origins of Chilaquiles

This traditional Mexican dish has its roots in Aztec cuisine and was originally created as a way to use up leftover tortillas. It was a simple dish made by frying stale tortillas until crispy and then simmering them in a flavorful chili sauce.

Today, chilaquiles are enjoyed not only for breakfast but also as a hearty brunch, dinner or even a late-night snack. Save money by making these at home instead of going out to your local Mexican restaurant!

Ingredients for Chicken Chilaquiles

To make these savory chicken chilaquiles at home, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to gather before you begin:

• Tortilla Chips: The foundation of any good chilaquiles dish is crispy corn tortilla chips. You can either use store-bought tortilla chips or make your own using fresh corn tortillas. If you choose to make your own, simply cut the tortillas into triangles and fry them until golden and crispy.
• Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is an essential component of chicken chilaquiles. You can make chicken fresh for this recipe by using this recipe for Roasted Half Chicken or use a leftover cooked chicken breast. I used a rotisserie chicken this time. It makes the process SO much easier and quicker.
• Salsa: The salsa is what gives chilaquiles their vibrant flavor. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own, as we’ll do here. Salsa Verde (green salsa) is often used with chilaquiles, too.
• Toppings: Chilaquiles are traditionally served with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a drizzle of crema or sour cream. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to make the dish your own.
• Optional Additions:  Include black beans, corn, or even scrambled eggs for a heartier version. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize the dish to suit your taste preferences

See the recipe card below for exact ingredients and amounts.

How to make Traditional Chilaquiles with Chicken

I adapted this recipe from the Everyday Food Cookbook- Great Food Fast.

• Prepare the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, then cook yours now. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
• Make the Salsa: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and garlic. Sautee until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced jalapeño, and water. Bring to boil the cumin, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Simmer the Chilaquiles: Add the shredded chicken to the salsa and stir until combined. Simmer until warm throughout. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro. 
• Serve Chicken Chilaquiles: Serve the mixture with tortilla chips. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and sour cream or your favorite toppings.

I’ve served chilaquiles the traditional way with the tortilla chips under the chicken mixture but have found that the chips become soggy if not eaten quickly enough.

If you’d rather have crisp chips, crumble them and put them on top or put them on the side. You could even use tortilla strips. But, who knows? You may like soggy chips. I’m not judging.

Variations and Additions

While the basic recipe for chicken chilaquiles is delicious on its own, there are endless possibilities for customization. Here are a few things you can try:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables, such as sautéed bell peppers and onions, to make a vegetarian version of chilaquiles.
• Eggs: For a breakfast twist, add a fried egg or scrambled eggs to the chilaquiles. Simply scramble the eggs separately and fold them into the cooked chilaquiles just before serving.
• Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, over the chilaquiles before covering them to let it melt. This will add an extra layer of gooey goodness to the dish.
• Spice it Up: If you like your chilaquiles extra spicy, add some serrano peppers to the salsa. You can also top the dish with a few slices of fresh chili peppers for an added kick.

Make this dish your own. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I make chilaquiles ahead of time?

Chilaquiles are best enjoyed fresh, as the tortilla chips can become soggy when stored for too long. However, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to save time.

How do I store leftover chilaquiles?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Of course, you’ll want to store the tortilla chips separately.

How spicy are chilaquiles?

The level of spiciness in chilaquiles can vary depending on the type and amount of peppers used. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeno peppers before adding them to the salsa. Up the spice by adding more peppers or some red pepper flakes.

More Mexican Dishes

Serve this with a side of Skillet Mexican Street Corn and some refreshing Horchata!

If you love eating Mexican food for dinner, try these Chicken Tostadas or these Slow Cooker Carne Asada Taco Boats.

Enjoy more Mexican breakfast recipes by making Mexican Breakfast Casserole or Loaded Huevos Rancheros.

¡Buen provecho!

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Chicken Chilaquiles

Make Chicken Chilaquiles at home with crispy tortilla chips, tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant salsa, and a variety of savory toppings. It's an easy, and filling weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword Chicken Chilaquiles

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 928kcal

Author Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 29 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained 2 – 14.5 ounce cans
• 14.5 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 jalapeno seeded, and minced
• 1 cup water
• ¾ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups shredded, cooked chicken I use a rotisserie chicken – super easy!
• ¼ cup lightly packed cilantro, chopped
• 4 cups tortilla chips
• ¼ cup crumbled herbed feta cheese can substitute Cotija cheese or Queso Fresco, if you'd like.
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

• Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil and garlic. Sautee until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. 
• Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced jalapeño, and water. Bring to boil and the cumin, salt and pepper. 
• Reduce heat and let simmer for about 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Add chicken and stir until combined. 
• Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Serve with chips, feta cheese, and sour cream. 

Notes

If you’d like a little more spice, keep some of the seeds of the jalapeño or add some red pepper flakes or chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 928kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 1670mg | Potassium: 1280mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 986IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 290mg | Iron: 7mg

This post was originally published April 19, 2012. It has been updated in format and with pics on September 13, 2023.

The post Chicken Chilaquiles appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.

You can make this entire meal in one skillet. It’s even faster than my Roasted Chicken and Vegetables recipe and full of amazing cheesy, garlicky flavor! 

There’s something magical about gnocchi — those soft, pillowy dumplings that are potatoes and pasta all in one. You can enjoy them on their own, but gnocchi also make a fantastic meal starter. For this skillet gnocchi recipe, I took inspiration from one of my other favorite Italian dishes: chicken parmesan! 

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi starts with a bag of uncooked gnocchi. Combined with a hearty tomato sauce, tender chicken and a crispy panko parmesan topping, it’s a full Italian feast that’s ready in only 30 minutes.

And since everything bakes together in the same skillet, you won’t have to spend your evening scrubbing piles of pots and pans either. Take your time and savor your fresh-from-the-oven cheesy parmesan gnocchi. I know you’ll agree — every bite is even better than the last! 

What do ingredients do I need for chicken parmesan recipe with gnocchi?

Like a lot of my quick and easy weeknight dinners, this recipe uses a combination of store bought prepared items supplemented by fresh ingredients. Here’s the complete list of everything you’ll need to make the chicken parmesan dish at home: 

• Extra-Virgin Olive oil
• Garlic cloves – freshly peeled and minced is best, but you can use garlic powder!
• Onion 
• Cooked chicken – I shred a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save time. 
• Potato gnocchi – Use fresh or thawed from frozen, not dried. 
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper 
• Pasta sauce – store bought marinara sauce or homemade.
• Mozzarella cheese
• Panko bread crumbs 
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter
• Fresh basil leaves

Once you’ve gathered up your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! 

How to Make Parmesan Chicken Gnocchi

Put down your fancy kitchen gadgets. Making this gnocchi recipe is as simple and straightforward as it gets. 

First, slide an oven rack into the top third of your oven. Preheat your broiler while you prepare the chicken and gnocchi. 

Warm an oven safe skillet over medium heat, then drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. 

Add minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté them in the oil for around 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent. After that, add your package of gnocchi and stir after 2 minutes, cooking for a total of about 3 – 4 minutes. Then, it’s time to add the shredded chicken, pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 

Stir everything together and mix well before reducing the heat, covering the skillet and cooking for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine your bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and remaining Italian seasoning with melted butter in a mixing bowl. Once the chicken gnocchi skillet is ready, sprinkle the top of the dish with shredded mozzarella and the breadcrumb mixture. 

Put the large skillet into the heated oven to broil until the cheese melts and the bread crumbs are golden brown. This can take anywhere between 5 to 7 minutes. 

Let your Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi cool for a couple of minutes, then serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves. You can even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want to spice it up a bit.

Get ready to receive tons of compliments from your family and dinner guests for this meal; it’s a surefire crowd pleaser! 
*See the full recipe in the recipe card below!

How do I cook the shredded chicken? 

Most of the time, I just use one of the ready made rotisserie chickens from my local grocery store. They’re such an easy way to get an easy and delicious dinner on the table like this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs from scratch to use in this gnocchi recipe. 
Any way you usually cook chicken will work beautifully. The quickest way is to pan-fry your chicken breasts on the stove with a little bit of olive oil. Alternatively, you can boil the chicken or cook it in your slow cooker for a few hours. Shred the cooked chicken with a couple of forks and add it to the parmesan gnocchi recipe as directed. 

Food safety reminder: Always make sure the inside of your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 ° F! 

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with chicken parmesan? Since this is a cheesy, hearty main course, I like to serve it with something fresh and green. Toss your favorite salad greens with my Homemade Italian Dressing for an instant healthy side dish.

Of course, every Italian dinner needs bread, too. This Easy Homemade Italian Bread is a great recipe from my grandmother and has been in my family forever. I never get tired of the way my house smells when I have a loaf of bread baking in the oven. For something less traditional but every bit as mouthwatering, these copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are perfection. 

Every good meal needs a great dessert. You can make these 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies in just 13 minutes! Or whip up a bowl full of my comforting, creamy Homemade Banana Pudding to serve as a sweet finish to your dinner. 

More Uses for Rotisserie Chicken 

I’d love to shout out a big old THANK YOU to whoever decided every grocery store should carry rotisserie chicken. Being able to grab a fully cooked, roasted chicken on your way home from work or school is a game changer when you’re looking to make easy meals.

This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is just one of hundreds of ways to use rotisserie chicken in recipes. Toss it into a Chicken Caesar Salad for a quick lunch or light dinner. Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad is another tasty salad recipe that’s unbelievably easy to make! 

Craving a comforting, stick-to-your ribs kind of dinner? You can’t go wrong with Chicken Noodle Casserole or a steaming pot of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. I’m getting hungry just writing about it! 

Make an ordinary weeknight dinner more fun by serving a platter of Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos to share. Just like this gnocchi recipe, you can make the nachos with a rotisserie chicken or cooked leftover chicken you need to use. 

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Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is about to become a new family favorite dinner and is the definition of comfort food!
Ready in just 30 minutes, this delicious chicken skillet recipe delivers cheesy, garlicky Italian flavor with pillow-soft gnocchi and a crispy breadcrumb topping. 

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Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is an easy skillet recipe with Italian flair that's ready in just 30 minutes! Made with shredded chicken, mozzarella and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic gnocchi.

Course Dinners

Cuisine American

Keyword Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 665kcal

Author Lynne Feifer

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup minced onion 1 small onion is fine
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken I used a rotisserie chicken
• 17.6 ounces gnocchi not dried
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Panko Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Instructions

• Place an oven rack in the upper third of your oven, and preheat the broiler on low.
• Put the tablespoon of olive oil into a large oven-proof skillet that has been warmed over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add gnocchi and stir after 2 minutes, cooking for a total of about 3 – 4 minutes.
• Add chicken, pasta sauce, the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
• In a medium microwavable bowl, melt the butter. Add the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning and mix until completely combined.
• Remove cover from the oven-proof skillet, and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Evenly distribute the panko crumb topping.
• Place into oven and broil for about 5-7 minutes or until cheese has melted and bread crumbs are golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 2003mg | Potassium: 846mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1259IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 321mg | Iron: 9mg

The post Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.

If you’re looking for a chicken salad that stands out from the crowd, look no further. 

This salad is loaded with fresh Mediterranean flavor from cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion and herbs. 

Save this Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad to your favorite PINTEREST BOARD!

The quinoa and chicken make this Greek salad a protein-rich meal. Tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and crunchy vegetables, it’s incredibly flavorful while managing to be both light and hearty. In other words: a healthy salad recipe that won’t leave you hungry! The best of all worlds. 

Wanna know the BEST thing about this salad? It tastes even better the next day! 

As the ingredients mingle with the dressing, the flavors become more developed. You can toss it together for dinner one night, then chill the leftovers and serve them cold for lunch the next day. Eat it warm or eat it cold–you really can’t go wrong! 

What do I need?

Here’s what I included in this Quinoa Chicken Salad. 

• Quinoa – I cooked the quinoa fresh, but pre-cooked quinoa is a great choice too!
• Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, leftover chicken breasts or cook the chicken fresh before adding it to the salad. Grilled chicken would be delicious, too!
• Bell peppers – A combo of green and red adds amazing color variety! 
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Fresh parsley 

Here’s what you’ll need for the Greek vinaigrette dressing:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Oregano
• Kosher salt
• Pepper 

The beauty of salads is that it’s so easy to customize them based on your preferences. Love olives? Feel free to add some chopped kalamata to this Greek Chicken Salad too! I didn’t include any because we’re not the biggest olive fans, but they certainly fit with the Greek theme. 

Chopped ripe tomatoes would also be a tasty addition to the quinoa salad, as would avocado. Don’t love quinoa? Swap it out for another grain like couscous or bulgur wheat. This Couscous Chicken Salad may be right up your alley too. It’s a family favorite at our house!

What can I serve with Greek salad?

Turn your salad into a Mediterranean feast by pairing it with some homemade Spanakopita. Serve this Baklava  to make your Greek-inspired meal complete. These  Honey-Walnut Cookies are another delicious authentic Greek dessert you’ll love too. 
It might not be Greek, but a slice or two of my Grandma’s Easy Homemade Italian Bread would be perfect along side it, as well.

Can I freeze this salad made with chicken?

I don’t recommend freezing salads like this one made with fresh veggies and chicken. Freezing and thawing will completely change the structure and consistency of the vegetables, leaving you with a soft, mushy bowl of unappetizing grains and veggies. 

The good news is you CAN freeze both quinoa and chicken. Save leftover cooked chicken and quinoa from another meal and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to make this salad, let the chicken and grains thaw in the fridge overnight. 

It takes just a few minutes to toss the salad together once all the ingredients are prepped. You can even make it up to one day ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until dinner. My family and I think it tastes even better after it has “marinated” with the dressing for a few hours. 

Chicken Recipes

Anyone else forever grateful for the invention of the grocery store rotisserie chicken? You can pick one up on the way home from work to get a homemade meal like Chicken Noodle Casserole on the table in record time! 

This Chicken Taco Dip and Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup are two more easy recipes you can make with cooked chicken. If you have some fresh or frozen chicken thighs on hand, use them to make a pan of Roasted Chicken and Vegetables or this Orange, Honey, Soy Baked Chicken Thighs. 

Salad Recipes

Salads are a regular fixture of our lunch and dinner menus, especially in the summer time.

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a staple because you can serve it as a side dish or add chicken for a complete meal. If you like salads with quinoa, checkout my Tropical Quinoa Salad recipe next. It’s begging to be enjoyed on a breezy patio accompanied by a refreshing glass of Fresh Strawberry Lemonade.

Today’s Greek Chicken Salad is made with a vinaigrette dressing. If you’re craving an American-style chicken salad with a mayo based dressing, I’ve got you covered with this Easy Classic Chicken Salad. It’s always a hit at potlucks and picnics! Give this Ranch BLT Pasta Salad a try too. 

Even more salad recipes your family will love . . .

• Easy Macaroni Salad
• 4-Bean Tuna Pasta Salad
• Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
• Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad
• Easy Three Bean Salad
• Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

Who says salad is boring with so many fun and delicious recipes out there?!

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Fresh and healthy, this Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad comes together in minutes! Serve it hot or cold for a tasty lunch or light dinner.

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Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad

This Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. With rotisserie chicken, quinoa, feta cheese, bell peppers, cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette, this dish comes together in no time and is just as good cold as it is served warm. 

Course Salad

Cuisine Greek

Keyword Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 538kcal

Author Lynne Feifer

Equipment

• liquid measuring cup
• medium saucepan with cover
• large bowl

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 1 green bell pepper chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Dressing

• In a liquid measuring cup, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix with a whisk. 
• In a medium saucepan, boil the water. 
  Rinse the cup of quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  
• Add to boiling water. Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook until the germs have spiraled out of each grain, about 15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chopped peppers, cucumber, onion, feta, and parsley. Mix well.
• Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl and toss gently. 
• Mix dressing well again and pour over salad.
  Toss well to coat. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1person | Calories: 538kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 698mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1706IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 269mg | Iron: 4mg

This post was originally published 5/31/18. It has been updated in format and with photos on 3/21/22.

The post Greek Quinoa Chicken Salad appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.