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! 🥑
I don’t really get why you cook the salsa after—couldn’t you just pour it over? Might save time.
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.
Chilaquiles are supposed to be messy and delicious, but I think 1 cup salsa is kinda low if you like them saucier. Mine dried out a bit.
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 recipe is AMAZING! I added some chicken and it was a hit. Thanks!
This is not authentic! Chilaquiles should have more toppings like meats or beans. Disappointed.