Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a perfect way to start the day with its combination of crispy tortillas, savory sauce, and a variety of toppings. Whether served mild or spicy, chilaquiles are an incredibly versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making them a popular choice for brunch or a hearty breakfast.
Chilaquiles are not just a breakfast item—they are also a great way to use up leftover tortillas or ingredients, making them a practical and delicious option. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or serving them at a gathering, chilaquiles are sure to please everyone with their bold, vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients.
Classic Mexican breakfast dish made from tortilla chips simmered in a salsa (green or red), topped with cheese, sour cream, onions, cilantro, and often fried eggs or shredded chicken.
This dish can be made with either red salsa (salsa roja) or green salsa (salsa verde), each offering a different flavor profile. You can also find versions with sour cream, cheese, avocado, or even meat like chicken or beef.
Yes! You can use store-bought tortilla chips, but for an even more authentic taste, fried homemade chips are recommended. You can cut corn tortillas into triangles and fry them until crispy.
Chilaquiles are often topped with fried or scrambled eggs, and optionally shredded chicken, avocado slices, cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using vegan cheese, plant-based sour cream, and tofu scramble instead of eggs or meat.
Traditionally, they are served with refried beans, rice, or a side of guacamole for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces corn tortillas cut into wedges
- 1 cup green salsa or red, as preferred
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema for topping
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla wedges until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the green or red salsa. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fried tortillas to the skillet and gently toss them in the salsa until coated and tender.
- Serve the chilaquiles immediately, topped with crumbled cotija cheese, Mexican crema, sliced red onion, and avocado. Enjoy!
Notes
Fresh tortillas can be too soft. Day-old or slightly dried corn tortillas fry up crispier and hold up better to the salsa. 🔸 Fry or Bake the Chips:
You can deep-fry, pan-fry, or even bake your tortilla chips. Frying gives the most authentic flavor, but baking is a healthier option. 🔸 Control the Salsa:
Add salsa gradually to the chips. You want them coated but still a little crispy—not completely soggy. 🔸 Choose Your Salsa Wisely:
Salsa verde gives a fresh, tangy taste, while salsa roja adds a deeper, sometimes spicier flavor. Pick based on your preference! 🔸 Prep Toppings Beforehand:
Have your eggs, shredded chicken, avocado, sour cream, and cheese ready so you can quickly assemble and serve while the chilaquiles are hot. 🔸 Serve Immediately:
Chilaquiles are best fresh off the stove. The longer they sit, the soggier they get. 🔸 Customize Your Protein:
Top with a fried egg for a traditional breakfast version, or add shredded chicken or beef for a heartier meal. 🔸 Fresh Garnishes Are Key:
Finish with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of lime to brighten up the dish. 🔸 Adjust Spice Levels:
If you’re sensitive to heat, make or choose a mild salsa. You can always add hot sauce at the table. 🔸 Don’t Overcook the Chips:
Once you add salsa, just toss to coat and warm through—overcooking will make the chips overly mushy.
Nutrition
I don’t get why people like chilaquiles. They were kind of soggy and just not my thing. 2 stars.
OMG this is the best chilaquiles recipe ever! I added some fried eggs on top, so good!
I totally agree! Adding fried eggs is a game changer! Thanks for sharing this awesome tip!
Super easy and fast! I used leftover salsa and it worked out great! Will make again for sure.
Yum! But why do they call it chilaquiles? Sounds kinda funny lol.
Yum! I’m definetly making these again! 😋
I can’t wait to try these, they look so good! Just a question, do you think I could use store-bought salsa?
Are you sure about that? I once made chilaquiles and they turned out mushy. Maybe too much salsa?
It was okay, but I felt like I needed more layers for flavor. Perhaps adding beans next time?
Um, what are those onions for? I don’t usually mix my sweets with savory! 🤔
Not bad, but I think I used too much salsa. Not for me next time.
I think you’re right about the salsa! It can really overpower the dish if you use too much. Next time, maybe start with less and add more if you need it.
Too much salsa? Nah! Just mix it with more tortillas, it balances it out. I like mine extra zesty!
This is a classic! Love it! 😍 Just be careful frying the tortillas, they could burn fast.
Delicious! I added chicken to make it more filling. Will definitely make again! 🥑
This recipe is too simple for chilaquiles. Real ones are way more complicated. Disappointed.
My family loved it! I didn’t have cotija, so I used feta. Still good!
Where’s the protein? I think it needs chicken or something for it to be a full meal.
Omg, I added scrambled eggs on top and it was awesome!!!
Really? Eggs on chilaquiles? Seems weird to me. Isn’t it supposed to be just salsa and cheese?
Scrambled eggs?! That sounds really good! I’m definitely gonna try that next time!
These chilaquiles are the best thing I’ve ever tried! So flavorful!
The avocado on top is the best part 🥑! Will definitely make again!
I agree! The avocado adds such a creamy texture! 🥑 Can’t wait to make this again too!
Really? I thought the salsa was the best part. Avocado is overrated. 😒
Chilaquiles? Sounds weird. I don’t get it. Why not just make tacos?
These chilaquiles are AMAZING! I used green salsa and they turned out perfect!
Chilaquiles? Never heard of them. Is this Mexican food? Sounds interesting though.
These chilaquiles are AMAZING! I added some eggs on top and it was perfection! 🌟
I love chilaquiles! Have you tried them with a fried egg? It makes it even better! 😊
Don’t you think it’s a bit too soggy with all that salsa? I prefer mine crunchy.
Simple and quick to make! But I had to burn down my house to fry the tortillas right, lol.
Haha, that’s one way to heat things up! Glad you enjoyed it, but maybe use a pan next time? 😅
These chilaquiles are amazing! I used red salsa and added extra avocado. Yum!
Sounds delicious! I might try it with green salsa next time. Thanks for the suggestion!
Isn’t chilaquiles supposed to be made with red sauce? 🤔 Just a thought.
These chilaquiles were a hit at breakfast! Super easy and so delicious. Will definitely make again.
I’m glad to hear that! Chilaquiles are one of my favorite breakfasts too. Did you use green salsa or red?
They were good but mine turned a bit soggy. Maybe I cooked them too long? Anyone else have that problem?
I kinda messed up the salsa part. Is it supposed to be thick? Mine was runny.
Don’t worry! Salsa can be tricky. If it’s too runny, just cook it a bit longer to thicken it up. Next time, try using less liquid salsa or add some tomato paste! 😊
I thought it should be thicker too! But as long as it tastes good, who cares? Just add more tortillas to soak it up!
Love chilaquiles but don’t have cotija where I live. Can I use feta instead? Anyone tried it?
This is not authentic! Chilaquiles should have more toppings like meats or beans. Disappointed.
I don’t understand why this has so many steps. Too complicate for me.
Easy to make and tasty! 😋
Tastes good, but makes a big mess in my kitchen! 😩
Tasted just like my grandma’s! This is a keeper! 🥑❤️
Chilaquiles = love ❤
Not really feeling this dish, the textures were off… maybe I did it wrong?
why do u need cotija?? Just use cheddar like normal ppl. smh
Idk man, cheddar is just cheese. Cant compare to actual recipes! Just follow it.
Cotija adds a really nice flavor, dude. Cheddar’s just not the same! Give it a try!
Too spicy for me, my kids wouldn’t eat it. Next time I’ll use a milder salsa.
I totally understand! You could also try making your own salsa with less jalapeño or other milder peppers.
Spicy? I thought it was perfect, but I get it, kids can be picky. Maybe just add less salsa next time!
I followed the recipe but it turned out soggy. Not sure what I did wrong.
The crema made it sooo creamy! I added some chicken too and it was bomb. 10/10 would recommend!
GUD!!! Yummy in my tummy, I made it last night! Will share with friends.
So easy, my kids helped and they loved it too! Chilaquiles night is now a thing in our house!
What do you mean by ‘crispy’? Mine turned out too soft. Any tips?
This is not authentic Mexican food! You need to simulate nachos to call it chilaquiles!
What’s with the fancy cheese? Just use shredded cheese like mozzarella or something.
I added some chicken to mine for protein. Is that even traditional? Either way, it was super good!
Meh, I didn’t really like the texture of the tortillas. They got soggy too quick.
I don’t know why the salsa needs to be cooked. It taste the same to me if it’s cold. Anyone else think that?
Can you make these with flour tortillas? 🤔
I gotta say, I was skeptical at first. Tortilla wedges in sauce? But wow, I was wrong. Delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Chilaquiles are definitely a hidden gem. Did you use red or green salsa?
Really? Tortilla wedges? That sounds weird. What if they get soggy? Not sure about this recipe.
Just made this for breakfast and my kids ate it all! Even without the avocado, who needs that! Haha!
Delicious! But my kids didn’t like the cotija. Maybe I’ll use cheddar next time?
Cheddar sounds like a great idea! My kids are picky too, and sometimes it’s just about finding the right cheese they like.
Cotija is da best! But if they dont like it, go with cheddar. Just don’t expect it to taste the same.
These chilaquiles are to die for! I added some eggs on top and wow, sooo good!
These chilaquiles are amazing! The mix of flavors is just perfect. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Can u take the tortillias out before they get soggy?? I thought they were supposed to stay crunchy…
I made these for breakfast and they were AMAZING! So flavorful and filling. Will definitely make again.
I just made this and it took too long! Better off getting takeout. Very complex for a simple dish.
Chilaquiles?? More like chi-la-what??? LOL 😆
Did you really fry the tortillas or just bake them? that seems like a lot of oil.
These chilaquiles are AMAZING! I added some pulled chicken and it was a hit at our brunch. 5 stars!
Chilaquiles? What are those? I need some educashun on this dish.
simple and good! I’ll make it on weekends now.
Chilaquiles r the best!! I always put a fried egg on top, try it!
Yum! I used homemade salsa and added some eggs on top. So good! 😋
That sounds delicious! I’ve never thought to put eggs on chilaquiles. I’ll have to try it.
Too spicy for me, and I accidentally used way too much salsa. Bad idea. 😩
I totally get you! Salsa can be super tricky with spice. Maybe try a cooling yogurt or sour cream next time? 🌮
These chilaquiles were amazing! I used the red salsa and they turned out perfect. Will definitely make again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! The red salsa really gives it a nice kick. Have you tried adding a fried egg on top? It’s delish!
I don’t know, chilaquiles with red salsa? Sounds kinda weird to me. Isn’t green salsa the traditional way?
Super easy! I added some chicken to mine and it was a hit at dinner.
Why do you fry the tortillas? Can’t you just bake em? Seems healthier to me.
Chil-what? Is this even a real dish? Sounds kinda weird but my cousin loves it.
I don’t get why people love this dish. It just tasted like soggy chips to me. Disappointing. 2/5.
Delicious and quick! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again.
Chila-whats? never heard of this but gave it a shot. Was not too bad. I’ll try again. 3/5.
Glad you gave it a shot! Chilaquiles can be super tasty once you get the hang of it! What salsa did you use?
I thought this was gonna be fancy from the name but it was super easy! I added some beans too, good idea?
Meh, they were okay. I’ve had better chilaquiles at restaurants. This recipe is super basic.
I tried this recipe and it was soooo good! Just like my abuela’s! 🌮
Heard about this dish but never tried before! Now I’m a fan, it was delicious!
Did I do something wrong? My tortillas ended up soggy. Taste was good but not what I expected.
I don’t know… my tortillas got all soggy. Maybe I cooked them too long? Not the best recipe for me.
Soggy tortillas are the worst! I usually just heat the tortillas in the oven before frying, maybe try that next time? It’ll help them stay crisp.
OK but like, can you even put any topping you want? What if I used ranch dressing? 🤔
You could, but ranch dressing? That’s kinda weird for chilaquiles! 😂 Stick to the crema for sure!
I tried it but the tortillas got too soggy. Maybe I did something wrong. Not for me.
Sorry to hear that! But maybe try frying the tortillas a bit longer? They should stay crispy that way.
Soggy tortillas? Nah, they supposed to be crunchy! You probably added the sauce too early. But keep trying!
I wasn’t sure about the cotija cheese at first, but it made the dish taste sooo much better! Next time I might use mozzarella tho.
Yummy!! I love how fresh everything tastes. Just like my abuela used to make. So good! 5 stars!!!
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it. My grandma used to make something like this too, but I always mess up the tortillas. 😂
Is it supposed to taste this bland? I thought chilaquiles were spicier than this. Maybe I did it wrong?
Just okay. I prefer mine with a fried egg on top. This recipe was missing that kick.
I don’t think a fried egg belongs in chilaquiles. The recipe is perfect as it is. 🥴
Have you tried adding a fried egg? It really takes it to the next level! 😋
These chilaquiles were a hit! I added some scrambled eggs on top, yum!
I don’t get why people like this dish. Tortillas soaked in salsa? Nah, not my thing.
Super easy and delicious! My kids loved it. Thanks for sharing this recipe! ❤️
I’m so glad your kids loved it! Chilaquiles are my go-to for busy mornings. 😍
Really? I found it a bit bland. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔
Easy to make but my salsa was too spicy for the kids. Next time I’ll just use the mild stuff.
Chilaquiles are the best! So much flavor. I love the cotija cheese!
A little bland for my taste. I added jalapenos and it made a big difference.
Delicious! Just be careful not to make the tortillas too soggy. I was a bit heavy handed with the salsa.
I forgot the cotija cheese. How important is that? I just used regular cheese and it was okay.
So easy to make! My kids loved them. Will definitely add this to our routine!
That’s awesome to hear! I love how quick and kid-friendly this recipe is! 🥑
Really? My kids wouldn’t eat this. They only like pizza and chicken nuggets. 🤷♂️
I don’t know, they were okay, but not the best I’ve had. Might try with more toppings next time.
Sooo good. The flavors exploded in my mouth!!!