Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (2024)

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The ultimate comforting breakfast food.

By

J. Kenji López-Alt

Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (1)

J. Kenji López-Alt

Culinary Consultant

Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.

Learn about Serious Eats'Editorial Process

Updated November 08, 2022

Why It Works

  • Freshly-fried tortilla chips provide the heft and crunch required to stand up to being simmered in salsa.
  • Cut wedges of soft corn tortillas are deep-fried until puffy and crisp, yet still pale golden.
  • Frying the chips just before adding them to the salsa yields the best results.

There are some words you don't normally associate with good food. Wet. Limp. Soggy. These are not descriptors you generally want to be putting in your mouth. But there are exceptions to every rule, and it just happens that one of the most delicious dishes of all time fits all three of those definitions.Chilaquilesjust happen to sound a whole lot better than "wet, limp, soggy nachos."

Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (2)

Ok, I'm being a little bit unfair here. The best chilaquiles (the kind we're after) aren't so much wet as moist, and aren't so much limp as "gently softened until the chips retain just a bit of crunch but dissolve in your mouth into a mix of comforting starch and hot salsa." But still, when it comes down to it,chilaquiles are essentially soggy nachos—an excuse to eat chips and salsa for breakfast.

It's a super-simple dish to make once you have the basic ingredients ready. All you've got to do is heat up some salsa in a pan, thin it out with a little water or chicken stock, fold in some chips, and top it all with a few garnishes: Mexicancrema, crumbled cheese, sliced onions, chopped cilantro, and fried or scrambled eggs are my go-to. But there's some finesse in perfecting them.

First and foremost, youmustuse freshly-fried tortilla chips. I've yet to find a brand of store-bought chips that have the heft and crunch required to stand up to being simmered in salsa. I make my chips by cutting whole soft corn tortillas into wedges, then deep frying them in a wok until they're puffy and crisp but not yet deeply browned. Frying the chips just before adding them to the salsa will give you the best possible results.

Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (3)

As for the salsa, you can use a doctored-up store-bought salsa verde or even a couple of cans of enchilada sauce with some fresh cilantro and lime juice if you'd like. But if you go through the troubleof making your own, you'll be rewarded with a breakfast fit for ajefe. Especially when it's topped with a runny egg.

September 2013

Recipe Details

Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe

Active15 mins

Total15 mins

Serves4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 quartsvegetable, canola, or peanut oil

  • 16 soft corn tortillas, cut into 6 wedges each

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 cups salsa verde

  • 1 cuphomemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth or water

  • 4 eggs

  • 1/2 cupMexicancremaor sour cream

  • 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1/4 cup crumbledcotija cheese

Directions

  1. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (191°C) in a large wok, Dutch oven, or deep fryer. Adjust flame to maintain temperature. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Fry 1/3 of tortilla wedges, using a metal spider to agitate them as they cook. Cook until bubbling slows to a trickle, chips are pale golden brown, and are very crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet and immediately season with kosher salt. Repeat with remaining batches.

    Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (4)

  2. Heat salsa verde and chicken broth (or water, if using) in a large straight-sided sauté over medium heat until simmering. Add chips and turn to coat. Cover and set aside.

    Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (5)

  3. Transfer 2 tablespoons of oil to a large non-stick or cast iron skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 eggs and cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. Transfer to a large plate.

    Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (6)

  4. Stir tortilla chips again and season to taste with salt if necessary. Divide between 4 warmed serving plates. Top each with a fried egg. Drizzle with crema, sprinkle with onions, cilantro, and cheese, and serve immediately.

    Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (7)

Special Equipment

Blender, wok or deep fryer, rimmed baking sheet, wire mesh spider,probeorinstant-read thermometer

Read More

  • Basic Salsa Verde (Mexican Tomatillo Salsa)
  • Mexican
  • Fried Eggs
  • Eggs
  • Quick Breakfast
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
656Calories
38g Fat
64g Carbs
18g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories656
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 11g57%
Cholesterol 219mg73%
Sodium 1360mg59%
Total Carbohydrate 64g23%
Dietary Fiber 10g36%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 16mg78%
Calcium 225mg17%
Iron 3mg18%
Potassium 714mg15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Chilaquiles Verdes With Fried Eggs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should chilaquiles be crunchy or soft? ›

The best chilaquiles (the kind we're after) aren't so much wet as moist, and aren't so much limp as "gently softened until the chips retain just a bit of crunch but dissolve in your mouth into a mix of comforting starch and hot salsa." But still, when it comes down to it, chilaquiles are essentially soggy nachos—an ...

How do you keep chilaquiles from getting soggy? ›

How do you prevent chilaquiles from getting soggy? The beauty of Chilaquiles is that they do get a bit soggy. But you can prevent them being TOO soggy by just adding a bit of salsa at a time until every chip is just lightly coated!

Does chilaquiles contain eggs? ›

Chilaquiles (pronounced “chee-lah-keel-ehs”) is a Mexican dish made up of fried crispy tortilla chips, a red or green sauce, fried eggs and various toppings and garnishes.

What are chilaquiles made of? ›

Chilaquiles are basically corn tortilla pieces that are fried, cooked in salsa, and sprinkled with cheese. They are often served for breakfast with eggs and a side of beans or nopalitos.

Why do Mexicans eat chilaquiles? ›

Chilaquiles have deep historical roots, with origins dating back to the Aztec civilization. It's believed that the dish was developed as a practical way to use leftover tortillas and salsas, demonstrating the traditional Mexican ethos of minimizing waste and utilizing available resources.

What is the difference between migas and chilaquiles? ›

But there's a difference in that regard: migas usually feature short strips of fried tortilla, while chilaquiles use what are essentially tortilla chips. There are other distinctions too. The tortillas in migas are mixed with scrambled eggs; chilaquiles' are drenched in salsa.

What to eat with chilaquiles? ›

Serve with a scrambled or fried egg on top, or with cheese, shredded chicken, or roasted veggies — the options are endless.

How to warm corn tortillas and keep them soft? ›

Cover the tortilla stacks with the towel, then put the lid in place and bring the water to a boil. Let the water boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes. To keep the tortillas warm, either put the basket in a low oven or reheat the water.

What to do with leftover chilaquiles? ›

Reheating Chilaquiles in the Oven

The most common way to reheat chilaquiles is by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread your leftover chilaquiles evenly on a baking tray. Cover the tray with a piece of aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Place the tray in the oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes.

Can you eat chilaquiles for dinner? ›

Crema, onions, and cheese are common, and some versions feature beans or a meat like shredded chicken, beef, or pork. Depending on what toppings you use, chilaquiles can easily transcend breakfast to pass for lunch or dinner.

What country eats chilaquiles for breakfast? ›

Chilaquiles is an authentic Mexican meal that originated in 1898 and is still a staple for many families today. In its most basic form, Chilaquiles consist of fried tortilla strips that are simmered in salsa or mole to soften them up. It is a very versatile dish but it is most commonly served for breakfast or brunch.

How to keep chilaquiles crunchy? ›

Don't crowd the pan—When frying the tortillas, make sure not to crowd the pan. If the oil begins to smoke or if the tortillas are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Clean plate club—Serve prepared chilaquiles immediately to maintain a slightly crunchy texture and keep them from becoming soggy.

Are chilaquiles crispy or soft? ›

In fact, it's perfectly possible to prefer your chilaquiles crunchy for breakfast and soft if you are having them for dinner. So, whether you prefer your chilaquiles crunchy or soft, don't let anyone tell you that there's a “right” way to eat or serve chilaquiles.

What ethnicity is chilaquiles? ›

chilaquiles, a Mexican dish consisting of strips or pieces of corn tortillas that are fried, then sautéed with green or red salsa, and topped with cheese, crema (a sweet, thin cream sauce), and onion.

Should a quesadilla be crunchy or soft? ›

The quesadilla is crispy on the outside without being hard, and it's moist on the inside, the melted cheese providing a contrast. You need really good melting cheese and good tortillas. Aside from the flavors, you've got to pay attention to the mouthfeel: it's crispy then creamy then soft then crispy-crunchy.

Are tacos supposed to be crunchy or soft? ›

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the deliciousness of hardshell and softshell. Both are easy to eat and offer tremendous health benefits due to the minerals and nutrients found in their vegetables and meats. Stop by and try our crunchy and soft taco and let us know which team you're on!

Are tortillas soft or crispy? ›

Freshly made tortillas are never hard and crispy whether they are made from corn or wheat flour. They are moist and very flexible when they are fresh. When tortillas get old, they harden up but they're not very crispy.

Why are my tortillas crispy and not soft? ›

If your tortillas are not soft there can be several reasons: You did not use all purpose flour. You did not use a cast iron pan. Your pan was not hot enough.

References

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