Mexican Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl

Chilaquiles is a vibrant Mexican breakfast featuring crispy tortilla chips tossed in zesty salsa, topped with a perfectly runny egg, fresh garnishes, and a touch of crumbled cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to energize your morning with its authentic taste and satisfying textures.

Save

This classic dish is a staple of Mexican home cooking, offering a beautiful balance between the crunch of freshly fried tortilla triangles and the richness of a runny egg yolk. Whether you choose salsa verde for a tangy kick or salsa roja for a deeper savory flavor, these chilaquiles are a true celebration of Mexican cuisine.

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

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, you can use high-quality store-bought tortilla chips. Ensure you toss the chips in the salsa only briefly to keep them from becoming too soggy. If you are watching your salt intake, season the fried tortillas sparingly before adding them to the salsa.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To add extra protein, consider adding shredded chicken, black beans, or chorizo. For a vegan version of chilaquiles, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative, omit the egg, and use vegan sour cream or crema. You can also experiment with different types of salsa to find your preferred spice level.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this hearty breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice or a warm cup of café de olla. For added texture and color, serve with sliced radishes or extra jalapeños on the side. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the chips still have a slight crunch and the eggs are warm.

Save

Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or looking for a comforting morning meal, these chilaquiles provide a flavorful and energizing start to your day. Enjoy the vibrant combination of fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes chilaquiles authentic?

Traditional chilaquiles use freshly fried corn tortillas rather than store-bought chips, simmered briefly in salsa until softened but still retaining crunch. The addition of runny fried eggs, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro creates the classic Mexican breakfast combination.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Chilaquiles are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the tortillas continue to soften in the salsa. However, you can fry the tortilla chips and prepare the salsa up to a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble just before serving for optimal texture.

→ What salsa works best?

Both salsa verde (green tomatillo) and salsa roja (red tomato) work beautifully. Verde offers bright, tangy notes that complement the rich egg yolk, while roja provides deeper, earthier flavors. Use homemade for the freshest taste or high-quality store-bought for convenience.

→ How do I keep the chips crunchy?

Fry tortilla triangles until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. When adding to salsa, toss gently and cook only 1-2 minutes—just enough to coat. The chips should remain textured, not soggy. Serve immediately after topping with eggs and garnishes.

→ Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

For vegetarian, omit any meat toppings and ensure your salsa contains no chicken broth. To make vegan, skip the eggs and dairy, using plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. Add black beans or avocado slices for extra protein and creaminess.

→ What proteins can I add?

Shredded chicken, chorizo, black beans, or pinto beans make excellent protein additions. Cook meats separately and layer them between the salsa-coated chips and fried egg. Beans can be warmed and added directly to the salsa mixture.