Chilaquiles, a common Mexican breakfast dish, has become a popular food around the world because of its delicious taste and comforting recipe. This dish is prepared by lightly frying corn tortillas that are later simmered in some flavored sauce.
It is then garnished with various things to make it an all-around meal that can satisfy anyone’s taste buds. In this post we will be celebrating chilaquiles as one of the cultural foods and learning about preparing chilaquiles.
Key Ingredients and Variations in Chilaquiles Recipe
To prepare this recipe you require corn tortillas, salsa and toppings such as cheese, crema and onions.
However, every chef has made changes here and there to suit their own unique tastes while addressing regional variations of each individual Chilaquiles recipe.
Here are some common variations:
- Salsa Roja (Red Sauce) Chilaquiles: This version uses a red sauce made from tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and onions. It has a slightly spicy and tangy flavor.
- Salsa Verde (Green Sauce) Chilaquiles: Made with tomatillos, green chili peppers, and cilantro, this sauce has a fresh, tangy taste.
- Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo (Green Chilaquiles with Chicken): This variation includes shredded chicken for added protein and heartiness.
- Chilaquiles Rojos con Huevos (Red Chilaquiles with Eggs): Topped with fried or scrambled eggs, this version is a popular choice for breakfast.
- Chilaquiles con Frijoles (Chilaquiles with Beans): Refried beans are often added to the dish for extra richness and flavor.
Easy Chilaquiles Recipe

Here is an easy chilaquiles recipe that you can prepare at home. This version uses salsa roja, but you can easily substitute salsa verde if you prefer.
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups salsa roja (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 eggs (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Fry the Tortillas
- Put vegetable oil in a big frying pan and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Wait until the oil gets hot, then add a few slices of triangular tortilla at a time.
- Cook them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crunchy.
- Using a slotted spoon transfer the fried tortillas to a paper towel lined plate so as to get rid of excess oils. Season with salt.
Prepare the Sauce
- In another pan, heat up salsa roja on medium heat. If you want slightly thin sauce, add chicken broth and stir evenly.
- Bring sauce to a simmer then reduce heat to low.
Combine Tortillas and Sauce
- Add the fried tortilla chips into the pan with simmering sauce.
- Gently mix them together so that they will be covered by it without breaking them.
- Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes until they have softened a little but still crispy.
Optional Eggs
- If you prefer having eggs, cook them separately using another frying pan either scrambled or fried according to your taste preferences.
- Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Chilaquiles
- Place these saucy tortilla chips on top of serving tray,
- Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top then drizzle some Mexican crema; add chopped onions and fresh coriander leaves just before serving.
- The cooked eggs can be added on top or served alongside.
Serve
- Serve the chilaquiles immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
This easy chilaquiles recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast or brunch. The combination of crunchy tortillas, delicious sauce and fresh toppings make it a delightful meal that can be enjoyed anytime.
Tips for Perfect Chilaquiles
- Old Tortillas: If possible, use day-old tortillas instead. They stand up better to frying and give it an additional crispiness.
- Create Your Own Sauce: You can also control the heat in your salsa by adding more or less chili peppers as per your wish.
- Try Different Toppings: There are numerous variations of chilaquiles. Some people put slices of avocado while others include radishes, pickled jalapenos or other items to enhance flavor and texture.
- Chilaquiles Can Be Made Ahead: It is possible to prepare the sauce and fry the tortillas in advance. Keep them separate until you are ready to eat so that the tortilla chips will not become soft again.
Celebrating Chilaquiles Recipe in Modern Cuisine
While chilaquiles remain a beloved traditional dish in Mexico, they have also found a place in modern cuisine.
Various cooks have given these dishes their own unique twists thus making them their own. There are various variations of Chilaquiles made by using ingredients borrowed from different food cultures as well as adopting methods outside Mexico’s boundaries.
These include smoking meat or grilling vegetables or even using exotic cheese variations among other things.
Similarly, restaurants throughout the world have included chilaquiles on their brunch menus due to its adaptability towards any taste buds and dietary concerns.
Conclusion
Chilaquiles are not only meant for breakfast but also have come to represent Mexican culinary tradition and ingenuity at large. This simple recipe demonstrates how versatile this dish can be over time.
Whether one prefers salsa roja or salsa verde, with eggs or with chicken, chilaquiles are a tasty yet comforting meal that brings friends closer.
By experimenting with different ingredients and variations, you can make this classic dish your own. So gather all the ingredients, light up the stove and celebrate the flavors and traditions of chilaquiles.
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