If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a hearty Mexican breakfast, you know that chilaquiles are a must-try. This classic dish combines crispy fried tortilla chips smothered in flavorful salsa, topped with cheese, crema, and eggs—or even chicken or beans for extra heartiness. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready to make the best chilaquiles recipe ever with this step-by-step guide!
What Are Chilaquiles? 🌮
Chilaquiles (pronounced chee-lah-KEE-les) are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with lightly fried corn tortillas simmered in red or green salsa. They’re often garnished with toppings like queso fresco, Mexican crema, avocado, onions, or fried eggs.
Think of it as the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, and savory—a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the tortilla chips (or you can use store-bought):
10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
For the salsa:
4 medium tomatoes (for red salsa) or 10 tomatillos (for green salsa)
2 cloves garlic
½ onion
2–3 fresh chilies (jalapeño or serrano, adjust to taste)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta as a substitute)
2 fried or scrambled eggs (optional but traditional)
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Pickled red onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions 🍳
Step 1: Make the Tortilla Chips
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry tortilla wedges in batches until golden and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
(Shortcut: Use sturdy store-bought tortilla chips if you’re in a rush.)
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa
Roast the tomatoes (or tomatillos), onion, garlic, and chilies until slightly charred.
Blend them with broth, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Simmer in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Chilaquiles
Add the tortilla chips to the salsa and toss gently until coated.
Cook for just 2–3 minutes—long enough to soften but not lose crunch.
Top with eggs, cheese, crema, avocado, and cilantro.
Variations to Try 🌟
Chilaquiles Verdes – Made with tomatillo-based green salsa.
Chilaquiles Rojos – Made with tomato-based red salsa.
Chilaquiles con Pollo – Add shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
Chilaquiles with Beans – Refried beans on the side make it extra filling.
Tips for the Best Chilaquiles 🌮✨
Use day-old tortillas if frying at home—they crisp up better.
Don’t overcook once chips are in the salsa, or they’ll get soggy.
Top with fresh garnishes right before serving for maximum flavor.
Serve with a side of refried beans or rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making them for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, chilaquiles are the ultimate comfort food. With crispy tortillas, flavorful salsa, and endless topping options, you’ll be able to make the best chilaquiles recipe ever right in your kitchen. 🌮🍳✨