Chilaquiles with Hatch Salsa Verde is a classic Mexican dish with a twist, as this salsa is made with pellet grill roasted hatch peppers and jalapenos. It is green, has some heat, and is way easier to make than you might think.

Chilaquiles with Hatch Salsa Verde

Mexican food is one of my favorite global cuisines, even though I grew up about as far away from Mexico as one can get.

What I’m telling you here is that my experience with Mexican food as a kid was Taco Johns. And if we were REALLY going fancy and “authentic”, we’d drive over to Duluth for some Chi-Chi’s. 

You probably haven’t even heard of Chi-Chi’s beacuse evidently they “exited” the US and Canadian markets wayyy back in 2004. 

Fortunately, I’ve expanded my experience substantially in the ensuing years since I left Northern Minnesota, and while I haven’t made it down to Mexico as of yet, I have traveled all over the states and have eaten at some amazing Mexican restaurants. 

Even with all of that going for me, I didn’t know the joy that is chilaquiles. Thank goodness for husbands with more life experience than I’ve got. He’s the one who whipped this up, and you’re going to be happier for it, I promise.

See more of my Mexican (inspired) Recipes here!

What are chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles verdes are essentially almost like nachos, but typically are served for breakfast. They are made with old corn tortillas that are given a second life. Typically prepared with leftovers of chicken or pork and some beans, and then a chili salsa is poured over the top.

In the US, you will probably find them topped with an egg, but in Mexico they don’t usually have an egg. Just a slightly softened corn tortilla gets topped with shredded chicken, some beans, and of course the salsa. Very simple.

However, there are vast regional differences in chilaquiles.

In some places, the salsa is red, in others it is green, and some do a white crema sauce. All are delicious, but I had to try the green version to take advantage of the smoked and grilled hatch chilis.

Also, chilaquiles can be topped with any kind of meat, beans, or even veggies like corn and broccoli.

Chilaquiles comes from a Nauhatl word, which is the ancient language of the indigenous people of Mexico.. So, this dish is more related to ancient Aztec cuisine than it is to Mexican, which has more European Spanish influences.

Once you taste it, you will understand why this recipe has been around so long!

Make my Instant Pot Mexican Rice with these!

Why Hatch Chilies?

Hatch chilis come from New Mexico. Originally, they were cultivated and grown in the Hatch Valley region of New Mexico. So hatch chilis are the chilis most associated with the food of New Mexico, as well as with Tex-Mex.

Usually they are sold seasonally. Oftentimes you will find someone grilling them right outside the grocery store as part of a promotion! Not surprising, for the smell of hatch chilis smoking and cooking on a hot grill will make your mouth water and your nose tingle!

You find yourself heading to the display to pick up a few bags of them almost instantly.

Hatch chilis are long and narrow and bright green. They have some heat, but they are not packing the fire power of a typical jalapeno, and they are way less hot than a habanero, for example.

A Classic Margarita would be perfect with this!

How do you make salsa verde from scratch?

For this recipe, we decided to go with a pre-made green salsa. If you want to make one yourself, I’ve got a great recipe here on my Smoked Salsa Verde recipe. 

A good store-bought version will do just as well though!

Get our 75 ESSENTIAL Traeger Recipes here!

Do fried eggs go with chilaquilies?

Some folks just need an egg for it to feel like breakfast. Since chilaquiles are typically served for breakfast, they assume you should fry an egg for the top. You don’t HAVE to, but you’d probably really enjoy it if you did. Just like chilaquiles, which can be served for any meal. The options are many.

They work as an appetizer or main course, and for breakfast, brunch, lunch, comida, or dinner. (Comida is known as the “second lunch” and is like the dinner version of brunch, a big meal in the late afternoon.)

The hatch chilaquiles sauce on top makes the dish, so to egg or not to egg isn’t really the issue here as long as they are smothered in this salsa. OMGOSH.

More South-of-the-Border Inspired Recipes here!

What if you can’t handle the heat?

If you have concerns about the chilaquiles verdes being too spicy, then you can bring the heat down a few different ways. First, make sure to remove the seeds and the pith inside the chilies. You can omit the jalapeno as well if you are sensitive to spice.

Also, always remember to wash your hands when you handle chilies or wear latex or similar gloves.

Follow me on Instagram!

How to store the leftovers so they don’t suck the next day.

Chilaquiles verdes not only make leftovers into beautifully tasty make-overs, they make great leftovers themselves. They will keep for a week in the fridge because of the chili. Just make sure to cover them tightly. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

What else should you serve with this dish?

I like this dish for brunch or comida especially. So this is what I would recommend along those lines:

• Grilled crab cakes
• Chicken and chanterelle crostini
• Pressure cooker Mexican rice

Check out these great recipes too!

• Smoked Shotgun Shells
• French Onion Soup (on the smoker)
• Smoked Beef Ribs
• Birria Tacos
• Shrimp Yakisoba
• Grape Jelly Meatballs on the smoker
• Grilled Salmon
• Chicken Marsala
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Hanger Steak
• Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry