Sopes de Pollo

These Chicken Sopes are a delightful mix of tender, shredded chicken, crispy corn dough bases, and fresh, tangy toppings. The combination of flavors makes this dish a perfect balance of savory and refreshing.

Perfect for a cozy family meal, these sopes offer a quick and easy option for a filling dinner. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste, whether you prefer more salsa, extra cheese, or an abundance of fresh veggies. They are also a fantastic way to serve a crowd, as everyone can add their own favorite toppings!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 sopes (corn dough base)

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1/2 cup cooked black beans

• 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded

• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons salsa verde

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the shredded chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned.

4. Stir in chopped tomato and cooked black beans. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. While the chicken mixture cooks, heat the sopes on a skillet or griddle for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly crispy.

6. To assemble the sopes, place the sopes on a serving plate and top with the chicken mixture.

7. Garnish with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa verde.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What are Sopes?

Sopes are traditional Mexican dishes made from thick, small rounds of corn dough. They are similar to tortillas but thicker, which allows them to hold a variety of toppings. The dough is typically fried or griddled until slightly crispy and golden brown on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. The edges are pinched up to form a raised border, which serves as a vessel for the delicious toppings that go on top.

While sopes can be topped with a variety of ingredients, they are often filled with proteins like shredded chicken, beef, or pork. In addition to the protein, sopes typically include a selection of fresh vegetables, cheeses, salsa, and sour cream. These ingredients work together to provide a satisfying and flavorful bite in every mouthful.

The versatility of sopes allows for creativity in the kitchen, making them adaptable for different dietary preferences. They can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting the meat with beans, mushrooms, or tofu, and they can be made gluten-free since the base is made from corn flour.

Origins of Sopes de Pollo

The dish known as Sopes de Pollo has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where corn has been a staple food for centuries. Corn is considered sacred in many Indigenous Mexican cultures, and it is an essential part of the Mexican diet. Sopes, like many other Mexican dishes, originated in the central region of Mexico, particularly in rural areas where fresh corn is abundant.

Over time, the dish evolved and spread throughout the country, with regional variations. While sopes de pollo (chicken sopes) are common, other varieties feature different proteins, including beef or pork. In some regions, sopes are made with additional ingredients such as potatoes, nopales (cactus), or even seafood.

Sopes are considered comfort food in Mexican households, and they are often served during family gatherings or celebrations. This dish is particularly popular for its ability to feed a crowd and for its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Why You Should Try Sopes de Pollo

There are many reasons to try making Sopes de Pollo in your kitchen. Here are just a few of the reasons why this dish should be on your radar:

1. Flavorful and Satisfying – The combination of savory chicken, crispy corn dough, and fresh toppings provides a complex and satisfying flavor profile in every bite. Each ingredient complements the other, making for a harmonious and delicious dish.

2. Customizable – Sopes de Pollo can be made to suit any taste. You can change the toppings to suit your preferences — whether you want to add extra spice with jalapeños, switch out the sour cream for guacamole, or top them with your favorite cheese, the possibilities are endless.

3. Perfect for Gatherings – Sopes de Pollo are perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Their versatility makes them an ideal option for a variety of dietary needs. Plus, they’re easy to serve and eat with your hands, making them a fun dish for all ages.

4. Quick and Easy to Make – Despite being a traditional dish, sopes are relatively simple to prepare. The chicken filling comes together quickly, and the sopes dough can be made and cooked in advance. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

5. Authentic Mexican Flavor – If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in your home, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey. The combination of tender, shredded chicken, crispy corn sopes, and zesty salsa verde delivers a burst of traditional Mexican taste with every bite.

How to Customize Your Sopes de Pollo

One of the best things about sopes de pollo is how easily they can be customized to fit different tastes. Here are a few ways you can make this dish your own:

• Change the Protein: If you don’t have chicken or want to try something different, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian option. For a smoky flavor, add some grilled or roasted pork carnitas for a more traditional twist.

• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to your sopes. The mild heat will complement the freshness of the salsa and sour cream.

• Add Extra Veggies: You can enhance the flavors of your sopes by adding extra vegetables such as diced avocado, grilled peppers, or sautéed mushrooms. The more vegetables you add, the more flavor and nutrition you’ll pack into your dish.

• Cheese Options: While queso fresco is the most common cheese used for sopes, you can also experiment with different cheeses such as cotija, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

• Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein like soy crumbles, jackfruit, or mushrooms. You can also use vegan sour cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the dish completely plant-based.

Serving Sopes de Pollo

Sopes de Pollo can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to serve this dish:

1. Family Dinner: Serve the sopes with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal. The sopes can be plated individually, allowing each person to top their sopes with their preferred toppings.

2. Party Appetizers: Sopes de Pollo make great finger food for parties. You can make mini versions of the sopes and serve them as appetizers with a variety of toppings on the side, allowing guests to build their own sopes.

3. Street Food Style: If you want to recreate the street food experience at home, serve the sopes in a casual setting with simple toppings and a side of refreshing agua fresca (fruit-flavored water) or a cold Mexican beer.

Conclusion

Sopes de Pollo are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken with crispy corn sopes and fresh, vibrant toppings. Whether you are looking to enjoy a satisfying weeknight dinner or impress guests at a party, this dish is sure to deliver a mouthwatering experience. The ability to customize the sopes with different toppings and proteins makes it a fun and adaptable recipe, perfect for any occasion. Try making Sopes de Pollo in your kitchen, and you’ll quickly understand why this dish is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine. Whether served with spicy salsa, creamy sour cream, or tangy cheese, this dish is packed with authentic flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.