Are Chilaquiles Supposed To Be Crunchy? - El Pollo Norteño (2024)

Today we weigh in on a heated debate: Are chilaquiles supposed to be crunchy? Read on to discover the delicious answer.

What Are Chilaquiles?

If you know us, you know that we love chilaquiles. In fact, we talked about this flavorful dish in a previous post. However, here’s a brief recap:

  • Chilaquiles are tortilla pieces that are lightly fried and cooked in red or green salsa.
  • Chilaquiles are among Mexico’s favorite breakfast foods, and are often served with eggs.
  • They are also said to be a great hangover food.

Are Chilaquiles Supposed To Be Crunchy?

Now that we have covered the basics, we can attempt to answer the question: Are chilaquiles supposed to be crunchy.

Cookbooks and recipe websites describe how to prepare chilaquiles without mentioning the crunchiness factor.

If experts can’t provide an answer, then the only trustworthy source left is Mexicans themselves. We scoured at least four social media platforms looking for answers, only to discover that both options have loyal supporters who swear by their favorite style of chilaquiles.

The truth is that, as with many other aspects of Mexican food, the answer comes down to personal taste. In fact, it’s perfectly possible to prefer your chilaquiles crunchy for breakfast and soft if you are having them for dinner.

So, whether you prefer your chilaquiles crunchy or soft, don’t let anyone tell you that there’s a “right” way to eat or serve chilaquiles. Mexican cuisine is flexible like that—that’s what makes it so delicious.

More Facts About Mexican Food

We love all the curious facts that surround authentic Mexican food. If you are hungry for more stories, then check out these previous posts:

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food at El Pollo Norteño

If what you want is Authentic Mexican food in Anaheim, California, El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.

Visit today any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove),order online, get in touch throughFacebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!

Are Chilaquiles Supposed To Be Crunchy? - El Pollo Norteño (2024)

FAQs

Are Chilaquiles Supposed To Be Crunchy? - El Pollo Norteño? ›

So, whether you prefer your chilaquiles crunchy or soft, don't let anyone tell you that there's a “right” way to eat or serve chilaquiles. Mexican cuisine is flexible like that—that's what makes it so delicious.

Should chilaquiles be crunchy or soft? ›

The best chilaquiles (the kind we're after) aren't so much wet as moist, and aren't so much limp as "gently softened until the chips retain just a bit of crunch but dissolve in your mouth into a mix of comforting starch and hot salsa." But still, when it comes down to it, chilaquiles are essentially soggy nachos—an ...

How to make chilaquiles not soggy? ›

Don't crowd the pan—When frying the tortillas, make sure not to crowd the pan. If the oil begins to smoke or if the tortillas are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Clean plate club—Serve prepared chilaquiles immediately to maintain a slightly crunchy texture and keep them from becoming soggy.

What is chilaquiles Nortenos? ›

This dish is found all throughout Mexico, and at its most basic, it consists of fried tortilla chips covered with a red or green salsa, which makes the chip soft. Chilaquiles are commonly served with a side of refried beans and are eaten quite regularly in most Mexican homes.

Are chilaquiles supposed to be spicy? ›

Typically, red chilaquiles are made with dried chiles such as guajillo or ancho, while green chilaquiles are made with fresh jalapeños or serranos. As a result, chilaquiles are usually mild to moderately spicy. However, not all Mexicans love spicy food.

Why are my tortillas crispy and not soft? ›

If your tortillas are not soft there can be several reasons: You did not use all purpose flour. You did not use a cast iron pan. Your pan was not hot enough.

Is Bakersfield Norteños or Sureños? ›

The statewide north–south dividing line between Norteños and Sureños has roughly been accepted as the cities of Bakersfield and Delano. Sureños' strongholds in Upstate California are usually in Santa Rosa and Modesto due to a high Mexican immigrant population in those cities.

Are Norteños 14? ›

Norteños use the number 14 which represents the fourteenth letter of the English alphabet, the letter N, in order to pay allegiance to Nuestra Familia. It is sometimes written in Roman numerals as XIV, or a hybrid of Roman and Arabic numerals, X4.

Are Norteños in Texas? ›

The term Norteños, used in reference to a group of Indian tribes in eighteenth century Texas, was popularized with the destruction in 1758 of Mission Santa Cruz de San Sabá by an alliance of tribes living north of the Spanish settlements.

How are you supposed to eat chilaquiles? ›

Chilaquiles can be topped or served with anything your little hungry heart desires. Scrambled or fried eggs, shredded chicken, sour cream, pico de gallo, queso fresco, or avocado are all great options. I like to place out bowls of toppings so my guests can choose what they like.

Did Aztecs eat chilaquiles? ›

Chilaquiles have deep historical roots, with origins dating back to the Aztec civilization. It's believed that the dish was developed as a practical way to use leftover tortillas and salsas, demonstrating the traditional Mexican ethos of minimizing waste and utilizing available resources.

What's the difference between chilaquiles and Migos? ›

But there's a difference in that regard: migas usually feature short strips of fried tortilla, while chilaquiles use what are essentially tortilla chips. There are other distinctions too. The tortillas in migas are mixed with scrambled eggs; chilaquiles' are drenched in salsa.

Should a quesadilla be crunchy or soft? ›

The quesadilla is crispy on the outside without being hard, and it's moist on the inside, the melted cheese providing a contrast. You need really good melting cheese and good tortillas. Aside from the flavors, you've got to pay attention to the mouthfeel: it's crispy then creamy then soft then crispy-crunchy.

Are tacos supposed to be crunchy or soft? ›

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the deliciousness of hardshell and softshell. Both are easy to eat and offer tremendous health benefits due to the minerals and nutrients found in their vegetables and meats. Stop by and try our crunchy and soft taco and let us know which team you're on!

Are tortillas soft or crispy? ›

Freshly made tortillas are never hard and crispy whether they are made from corn or wheat flour. They are moist and very flexible when they are fresh. When tortillas get old, they harden up but they're not very crispy.

Is corn tortilla hard or soft? ›

While corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, they don't absorb liquids from meats, sauces, and condiments like flour tortillas do. That's why corn tortillas are more commonly used to hold taco fillings. They are also found in hard and soft shell varieties.

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