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Copycat Chilaquiles Recipe

Easy Chilaquiles Recipe

Tina Cooper
I remember the first time I tried chilaquiles. It was at a friendly little cafe in Mexico City. The air was fragrant with spices, and I was eager to try a traditional breakfast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

Fried Eggs:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Chilaquiles:

  • 8 ounces tortilla chips preferably baked

Red Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil
  • ½ sweet onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • cup unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version

Garnishes:

  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 2 radishes thinly sliced
  • ½ bunch fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
  • Hot sauce optional, for extra spice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice optional, for a fresh tang

Instructions
 

  • Now that you have your ingredients gathered, let’s dive into the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  • Start by heating the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for 1 more minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness.
  • Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with the chipotle peppers. These fiery little buds will warm things up! Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. If it starts to get too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 2: Mix in the Tortilla Chips

  • Once the sauce has thickened and infused with those warm, inviting flavors, it’s time to add the tortilla chips. Gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring every chip gets coated. Let this mixture absorb the flavors for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften slightly without turning to mush. I usually taste at this stage—because who can resist a little quality control?

Step 3: Fry the Eggs

  • While the chips are getting cozy in the sauce, it’s time to fry your eggs. In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs in gently, and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer your yolks cooked through, give them an extra minute.

Step 4: Assemble the Chilaquiles

  • Now comes the fun part! Take a generous scoop of the chilaquiles mixture and place it on a plate. Top it with the freshly fried eggs. Add crumbled queso fresco, radishes, and cilantro, ensuring a vibrant presentation. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to drizzle some hot sauce over the top. To cap things off, squeeze a bit of lime juice for a zesty finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Grab a fork and dig in! The balance of flavors and textures—crunchy chips, rich sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly fried eggs—is simply irresistible.

Notes

Here are a few secrets I’ve gathered in my chilaquiles-making journey:
  • Use baked tortilla chips: They are healthier and just as tasty as fried. Plus, they won’t get soggy as quickly.
  • Adjust spice levels: Not a fan of heat? Reduce the number of chipotle peppers or skip the hot sauce.
  • Get creative with garnishes: Try avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just combine it with chips and eggs when ready to serve.
  • Experiment with leftovers: Chilaquiles are just as good with leftover meats or beans tossed in!

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 16gFat: 24gCholesterol: 186mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5g
Keyword Easy Chilaquiles Recipe
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