How to Make Chilaquiles Recipe That Turns Breakfast Into a Fiesta
Authentic Mexican chilaquiles made with crispy tortillas simmered in salsa roja or salsa verde, then topped with eggs, crema, queso fresco, avocado, onions, cilantro, and lime. Simple, flexible, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Chilaquiles Base
- 12 Corn tortillas, cut into wedges
- 2 cup Salsa roja or salsa verde (homemade or quality store-bought)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying; skip if baking)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup Queso fresco, crumbled
- 1/2 Medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Add-Ons & Swaps
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Shredded chicken or cooked chorizo for a heartier version
- Refried beans (side or layered)
- Cooked rice (side)
- Whole-grain tortillas (optional swap)
Instructions
- Cut tortillas into wedges. Fry in a little oil until golden and crisp (about 2–3 minutes total), then drain well. Or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
- Warm salsa roja or salsa verde in a skillet until gently simmering. If the salsa is thin, let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken before adding the chips.
- Add the crispy tortilla wedges to the simmering salsa and toss to coat. Simmer 30–60 seconds for crunch, or 2–3 minutes for softer chilaquiles.
- In a separate pan, fry or scramble the eggs.
- Plate the chilaquiles, topping with eggs, crema, queso fresco, onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges, beans, or rice. Add chicken or chorizo for a heartier version.
Notes
- Control texture by adjusting cook time: shorter for crunch, longer for softer chilaquiles.
- Adjust heat by changing the type of chili peppers in your salsa.
- To save time, prepare salsa and crisp tortillas ahead, then combine right before serving.
- Soggy chips: Chips weren’t crisp enough, salsa was too thin, or they simmered too long.
- Too spicy or bland: Adjust the salsa, or finish with crema, lime, and queso to balance the flavor. Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~420–500 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~38 g
Protein: ~15 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~7 g
Sugar: ~5 gf
Sodium: ~580 mg Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.