Mexican Chilaquiles with Fried Egg

Chilaquiles is a vibrant Mexican breakfast that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful feast. Featuring crispy tortilla chips tossed in zesty salsa and topped with a perfectly runny egg, this dish is sure to energize your morning and satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Save to Pinterest

This recipe yields two servings, making it an ideal choice for a cozy brunch. Whether you prefer the tangy kick of salsa verde or the smoky depth of salsa roja, these chilaquiles provide a hearty base for a variety of fresh garnishes like avocado, radishes, and queso fresco.

Ingredients

• 6 small corn tortillas, cut into triangles
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade salsa verde or roja
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: sliced jalapeños, radishes, cooked shredded chicken or beans

Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla triangles in batches until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and lightly season with salt.

Step 2

Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Reduce heat to medium and add the salsa. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3

Add the crispy tortilla chips to the salsa, tossing gently to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the chips are well coated but still retain some crunch.

Step 4

In a separate nonstick skillet, fry the eggs to your preferred doneness (sunny side up is traditional; whites set, yolks runny). Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Divide the salsa-coated chips between two plates. Top each with a fried egg.

Step 6

Garnish with crumbled cheese, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream. Add any optional toppings as desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a quick shortcut on busy mornings, you can use high-quality store-bought tortilla chips instead of frying your own. This significantly reduces the preparation time while still maintaining a delicious crunch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To increase the protein content, consider adding shredded chicken, black beans, or chorizo. For a vegan version, simply use plant-based cheese, omit the egg, and top with vegan sour cream.

Serviervorschläge

Pair your chilaquiles with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a traditional café de olla. These drinks complement the zesty and savory flavors of the dish perfectly.

Save to Pinterest

Enjoy this classic Mexican breakfast that balances simplicity with bold, satisfying flavors. It is an easy yet impressive way to start your day with a touch of culinary flair.

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes chilaquiles authentic?

Traditional chilaquiles use freshly fried corn tortillas rather than bagged chips, salsa verde or roja, and are topped with fried eggs, queso fresco, crema, and raw onions. The tortillas should retain some crunch even after coating in salsa.

→ How do I keep tortillas from getting soggy?

Fry tortillas until very crisp, coat them in salsa just before serving, and serve immediately. The chips should still have crunch when you eat them. Avoid adding the eggs until the last minute.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Prepare components in advance: fry and store tortillas in an airtight container, chop garnishes, and have salsa ready. Cook everything just before eating for best texture and temperature.

→ What salsa works best?

Both salsa verde (tomatillo-based) and salsa roja (tomato-based) are traditional. Choose based on preference—verde offers bright tang while roja provides deeper, earthier flavor. Homemade or high-quality store-bought both work well.

→ How can I add more protein?

Shredded chicken, chorizo, or black beans are classic additions. Add cooked protein along with the salsa so it warms through, or sprinkle beans on top as a garnish.

→ What's the best way to fry the eggs?

Traditional chilaquiles feature sunny-side-up eggs with set whites and runny yolks. Cook in a separate nonstick skillet over medium heat, basting with hot oil or butter to set the whites while keeping yolks liquid.