Tortilla chips simmered in red chili sauce and topped with a fried egg — Red Chilaquiles is a warm, flavorful breakfast that’s perfect for using leftover homemade tortilla chips.
If you want a quick, flexible breakfast, chilaquiles are a must-try. With basic pantry items like tortilla chips and enchilada-style red chili sauce, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in about 10 minutes.
What are chilaquiles?
Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican breakfast made by simmering tortillas or tortilla chips in a sauce — typically a red chili sauce or salsa verde — until they’re softened but still slightly textured. Adding an egg on top is optional, but it elevates the dish and makes it more substantial.
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips — fresh corn tortilla chips work best. Making your own is quick if you don’t have any.
- Red chili sauce — also called enchilada sauce. Use store-bought for convenience or make a simple homemade version.
- Eggs — optional but recommended. Serve fried, scrambled, or poached according to preference.
- Cotija cheese — if unavailable, crumbled feta is a good substitute.
- Crema — if you can’t find crema, thin sour cream or crème fraîche with a little water to the right consistency.
- Cilantro — a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the flavors.
How to make it
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the red chili sauce. When it’s hot, add the tortilla chips and gently toss so the chips are evenly coated and heated through.
In a separate nonstick skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolks reach your desired doneness.
To serve, divide the sauced chips between plates, top each portion with an egg, drizzle with crema, and sprinkle with cotija (or feta) and chopped cilantro.
Tips for the best chilaquiles
Serve them fresh. Chilaquiles are best when they keep a balance between crisp and saucy, so serve immediately after assembling.
Add more toppings. The dish is a great canvas — consider diced avocado, pico de gallo, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime.
Round out the meal with a side. Black beans or a simple salad make a great accompaniment.
If you enjoy this recipe, share it on social media or save it for later. Try pairing the chilaquiles with beans or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
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If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram and leave a rating below.
Print Recipe
Red Chilaquiles with Egg
5 mins
10 mins
Equipment
Ingredients:
- 5 oz tortilla chips
- 1.5 cups red chili sauce
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (or crumbled feta)
- 3 Tablespoons crema
- 1 cup Mexican black beans (optional)
Instructions
- Add the red chili sauce to a skillet and heat over medium. Place the tortilla chips on top and gently stir until the chips are coated and warmed through.
- Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium and add a splash of oil. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the whites are set and the yolks reach your preferred doneness.
- Divide the sauced chips between two plates, top with the fried eggs, drizzle with crema, and sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with cilantro if you like.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 84 g
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 29 g
* Nutritional information is an estimate and may not be 100% accurate.
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