Chilaquiles
Crispy fried tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant, spicy red salsa, then loaded with cheese, crema, and a perfectly fried egg. A beloved Mexican breakfast that turns leftover tortillas into a masterpiece.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Red Salsa
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the roma tomatoes, white onion, garlic cloves, and jalapeño. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- c.Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until all vegetables are very tender.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled vegetables to a blender. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and salt.
- e.Blend on high until completely smooth. Use caution when blending hot liquids; vent the lid to allow steam to escape.
- f.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the now-empty saucepan over medium heat. Carefully pour the blended salsa into the pan (it may splatter).
- g.Simmer the salsa for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens in color and thickens slightly. Keep warm on low heat.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Tortillas
- b.While the salsa simmers, cut the corn tortillas into 6 or 8 wedges each.
- c.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1.5 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F or 175°C).
- d.Working in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the tortilla wedges to the hot oil.
- e.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. They should not be flimsy.
- f.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt while they are still hot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Cook Chilaquiles
- b.Add all the fried tortilla chips to the pan with the simmering salsa.
- c.Gently fold the chips into the salsa until they are evenly coated. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes, just long enough to soften slightly but still retain some bite. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Eggs
- b.While the chilaquiles are briefly simmering, heat a separate non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the 4 eggs to your liking (sunny-side up is traditional).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Immediately divide the chilaquiles among four plates.
- c.Top each serving with a fried egg. Garnish generously with a drizzle of Mexican crema, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- d.Serve at once with avocado slices and lime wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use stale corn tortillas. They have less moisture and will fry up much crispier.
- 2To save time, you can use about 8 ounces (225g) of high-quality, thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips.
- 3Serve chilaquiles immediately after combining with the salsa. They will become soggy if they sit for too long.
- 4For a smokier, deeper flavor, char the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño on a dry comal or under a broiler before boiling.
- 5The final texture is a personal preference. Cook the chips in the salsa for less time (30-60 seconds) for a crispier result, or longer (2-3 minutes) for a softer, more casserole-like texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chilaquiles Verdes
Replace the roma tomatoes with 1 pound (450g) of husked and rinsed tomatillos and use cilantro in the salsa for a tangy green version.
Protein PackedProtein-Packed
Fold in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, carnitas, or cooked chorizo into the salsa along with the chips for a heartier meal.
Baked ChilaquilesBaked Chilaquiles
For a lighter version, arrange store-bought tortilla chips in a baking dish, pour the salsa over them, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. Then add toppings.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Source of High-Quality Protein
The eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall satiety, helping you stay full longer.
Contains Healthy Fats
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Metabolism Support
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound that can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these chilaquiles is estimated to have between 650-750 calories, primarily from the fried tortillas, cheese, crema, and avocado. This can vary based on the exact amount of oil absorbed and toppings used.