Chilaquiles Rojos con Pollo (Tortilla Chips in Tomato Chilli Sauce with Chicken)

In Mexican cooking, chilaquiles are a lively way to turn corn tortillas and salsa into a satisfying meal, often served for breakfast or lunch while the chips still have a little bite. This rojo version coats freshly fried tortilla triangles in a warm tomato and guajillo chilli sauce, then finishes them with shredded chicken for extra substance. Crema and cotija add richness and salty tang, while quick-pickled red onion, coriander and lime keep the bowl bright. The key is timing: toss the chips through the sauce just before serving so they soften slightly without losing their crisp edges.
Cuisine style Mexican comfort food
Flavor profile Tomato-rich • Tangy • Savoury • Medium chilli heat
Spice level Medium
Techniques Frying • Simmering • Blending • Brief saucing
Key equipment Large frying pan • Saucepan • Blender
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Sauced but not soggy: The tortilla chips are tossed in the sauce only briefly, so they absorb flavour while keeping some crispness at the edges.
  • Sharpness balances richness: Quick-pickled red onion and lime cut through the crema, cotija and chicken, keeping the bowl bright rather than heavy.
  • Simple sauce, good depth: Tomato, garlic and guajillo chilli create a warm, savoury base with gentle heat and a rounded chilli flavour.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Reduce the guajillo chilli powder and lean on lime, crema and cotija for balance at the end.
  • For more heat: Add a little extra chilli powder to the sauce, tasting as it simmers so the heat stays rounded rather than harsh.
  • Keep the heat balanced: If the sauce tastes too intense, a little more tomato brightness, crema or lime will soften the chilli without flattening the flavour.

Timing notes

  • Serve straight after saucing: Chilaquiles have the best texture immediately after the chips are tossed with the warm sauce.
  • Prep while the pickle works: Start the onion pickle first, then fry the tortillas and cook the chicken while the onion softens and sharpens.

Ingredient notes

  • Use corn tortillas: Corn tortillas give chilaquiles their characteristic flavour and fry into sturdier chips than wheat tortillas.
  • About guajillo chilli: Guajillo chilli powder brings warm, fruity depth rather than aggressive heat; other chilli powders may taste hotter or smokier.
  • Season with the toppings in mind: Cotija is salty, so season the sauce and chips lightly, then adjust once the cheese and crema are added.

Make-ahead tips

  • Keep components separate: Store the sauce, chicken and pickled onion separately so the chips stay crisp when you assemble the dish.
  • Reheat before assembling: Warm the sauce and chicken gently until piping hot, then toss with freshly crisped tortilla chips just before serving.
  • Prep the toppings early: The onion, coriander, lime wedges, crema and cheese can be readied in advance for quick final assembly.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
Print
  1. Thinly slice the red onion and put it in a mixing bowl with the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Squeeze in a little lime juice, then set aside to lightly pickle while you cook.
  2. Cut the corn tortillas into triangles. Heat 30 ml of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, then fry the tortilla pieces in batches for 3 to 5 minutes, turning, until crisp and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Wipe out the pan, then heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a board and shred or pull into bite-size pieces.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and guajillo chili powder with 120 ml water and a pinch of salt, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the tomatoes collapse and the sauce looks slightly thickened. Blend until smooth, then return to the pan and keep warm over low heat.
  5. Add the crisp tortilla chips to the warm sauce and toss with tongs for 30 to 60 seconds, just until coated and slightly softened but still with some bite. Divide between bowls and top with the shredded chicken.
  6. Drizzle over the mexican crema and crumble over the cotija cheese. Drain the pickled onion and scatter it on top with the fresh coriander. Serve with the remaining lime cut into wedges for squeezing at the table.

Made this recipe? Rate it — a comment is optional.

Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, add the chips to the sauce right before serving and toss briefly so they stay a little crisp at the edges.
  • If you prefer a looser sauce, blend in a splash of water, then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to bring it back to a gentle heat.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use pasteurised mexican crema and ensure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace mexican crema with sour cream for a slightly tangier finish.
  • Replace apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar for a cleaner, sharper pickle.
  • Replace cotija cheese with feta cheese for a similar salty crumble.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store the sauce, chicken, and pickled onion separately in airtight containers. Reheat the sauce and chicken in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, then toss with freshly crisped tortilla chips for the best texture.

Ratings & reviews

Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.

Tried this recipe?

Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.

If you leave a comment, use 10–500 characters.

Stay inspired

Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.

Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (35min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Allergens:
    Milk

Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.

Add to meal planner

Equipment you'll need

Advertisement

Recommended tools for this recipe

Best overall

Misen Carbon Steel Nonstick Frying Pan 12 Inch

Versatile induction-ready pan
  • Works on all stovetops
  • Naturally nonstick when seasoned
  • Requires seasoning and maintenance

Got ingredients left?

Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.

Find recipes with these ingredients →

Make this recipe easier next time

Advertisement

These tools help you get better results with less effort.

Best overall

Misen Carbon Steel Nonstick Frying Pan 12 Inch

Versatile induction-ready pan
  • Works on all stovetops
  • Naturally nonstick when seasoned
  • Requires seasoning and maintenance
Best value

Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids

Microwave-safe glass
  • Microwave safe
  • BPA-free lids
  • Glass is heavier
Top quality

All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan

Professional-grade tri-ply saucepan
  • Excellent heat control
  • Premium build quality
  • Expensive
Best overall

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Non-slip steel set
  • Non-slip base
  • Stainless steel
  • Not microwave safe

Browse alphabetically

Looking for a specific recipe? Choose a letter below to jump directly to recipes starting with that letter or number.

Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?

Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.

Add JustRecipes to Google

Every recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.