chilaquiles Recipe

chilaquiles Recipe

Topped with fried eggs, these chilaquiles verdes make a delicious breakfast or brunch, perfect for loading up with crema and fresh garnishes before digging in!

In my opinion, this chilaquiles recipe is the perfect choice for a Sunday brunch. After living in Austin for years, I’ve developed a preference for spicy and vibrant breakfast options, and these chilaquiles verdes definitely satisfy my cravings. Sorry pancakes, waffles, and French toast!

What are chilaquiles?

Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish, were originally created as a way to use up stale tortillas, similar to migas.They are made with fried tortillas simmered in a flavorful sauce, typically salsa verde or salsa roja.You can top chilaquiles with eggs and enjoy them for breakfast or brunch, like I do, but the topping possibilities are endless. Crema, onions, and cheese are typically included, while some versions also feature beans or meats like shredded chicken, beef, or pork.Depending on the toppings, chilaquiles can easily transition from breakfast to lunch or dinner.

My chilaquiles verdes recipe calls for my favorite fixings: eggs, avocado, fresh veggies, Cotija, and a zippy cilantro lime crema. Start by following the recipe, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own, as there’s no single right way to make chilaquiles.

Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need this to make the chilaquiles recipe.

• Salsa verde – Use your favorite store-bought green salsa or make your own with roasted tomatillos, onions, and jalapeños for the salsa verde.
• Water or vegetable broth is used to make the salsa thinner, allowing it to evenly coat the chips.
• Thick tortilla chips –Traditionally made with fried stale corn tortillas, I’ve simplified this chilaquiles recipe by using store-bought tortilla chips, opting for thicker ones to prevent them from getting soggy in the salsa.
• Fried eggs – I love how the runny yolks transform into a rich sauce for the chilaquiles.
• Avocado – Its creamy texture provides a great contrast to the crispy tortilla chips.
• Sliced radishes – For crunch.
• Jalapeño-Skip the heat if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Fresh cilantro – This adds a burst of fresh flavor to the hearty dish.
• Cotija cheese –Crumbled feta or queso fresco would add a salty, tangy kick.
• Cilantro lime crema – This zesty, creamy sauce, easily blended with Greek yogurt, mayo, fresh herbs, lime juice, garlic, onion powder, and salt, perfectly balances the tangy salsa.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make all the flavors pop!

Make chilaquiles rojos!

Prefer red salsa to green? Swap out the salsa verde in this recipe for your favorite tomato salsa or red chile sauce and enjoy chilaquiles rojos instead—my salsa roja is a perfect match!

How to Make Chilaquiles

My method for making chilaquiles is simple: here’s how it goes.

First, make the salsa verde, unless you’re using store-bought salsa.Check out my salsa verde recipe for a homemade sauce.Roast tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeños, then blend them with lime juice, cilantro, and salt to make a super straightforward salsa that can be prepared up to four days in advance.

Add the salsa and water to a large skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 5 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Next, add the tortilla chips to the pan and fold to coat them in the sauce.

Once the chips are coated, quickly top the chilaquiles with eggs, crema, Cotija, avocado, and fresh garnishes.

Season to taste and dig in!

TIP

• Wait to add the chips until right before serving to keep them crunchy.I even recommend cooking your eggs before adding the chips to the sauce to minimize their softening.

How to Serve Chilaquiles Recipe

The most fun part of making chilaquiles is dreaming up the toppings; I’ve included my favorites, but feel free to experiment! Here are a few delicious variations:

Here’s an updated version of the sentences:

1. Substitute avocado with guacamole.
2. Sprinkle pico de gallo on top.
3. Include diced white onion or pickled red onions.
4. Use scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs, or omit eggs altogether.
5. Replace the cilantro lime crema with regular Mexican crema or a dollop of sour cream.
6. Complete your meal with a side of black beans or refried beans,. Enjoy!

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