Chilaquiles Rojos Crispy Tortilla Chips in Spicy Red Sauce

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those mornings where a bowl of cereal just won't cut it? Then you gotta learn how to make chilaquiles .
Seriously, this Mexican brunch food ideas is my go-to. It's a total flavour bomb spicy, savoury, and seriously satisfying!
Brief Overview
Chilaquiles Rojos comes straight from the heart of Mexico. They are often made with day-old tortilla chips. It's basically the ultimate way to use up leftover tortillas.
This recipe is medium difficulty. It takes about 50 minutes. It makes 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Honestly, I think they are the best Breakfast Chilaquiles . The chiles give you a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
It's perfect for a weekend brunch with mates. Or a speedy weeknight dinner. What makes them special? That perfect balance of crispy chips and tangy sauce.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Alright, let's gather our bits! You'll need tortillas for chips. You can use store-bought. But, homemade tortilla chips for chilaquiles are amazing .
Then there are the chiles for the Chilaquiles Sauce . Don't be scared of dried chillies. Also, grab some onions, garlic, tinned tomatoes, and spices.
You know, the usual suspects. For serving, some chicken, cheese, eggs and sour cream. We are going to make this Easy Chilaquiles Recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chilaquiles Rojos
So, you want to know how to make chilaquiles ? Ace! Let's get down to it. Before you start channeling your inner Mexican chef, let's gather our supplies.
It's all pretty straightforward, promise. I've made this so many times even after a rough night out, that you can easily nail down easy chilaquiles recipe too.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
This is where the magic begins. Here's what you'll need, listed nice and clear.
- Tortilla Chips :
- 12 corn tortillas (15 cm diameter). Day-old are the BEST.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30 ml). For that perfect crisp.
- Salt, to taste. Obvs.
- Salsa Roja (Red Sauce) :
- 8 dried guajillo chiles, seeded.
- 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded.
- 2 cups water (475 ml). For rehydrating those beauties.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml).
- 1 medium white onion, chopped (1 cup).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't be shy!
- 1 (411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Just a pinch to balance things.
- Salt, to taste. Again, obvs.
- Toppings, Glorious Toppings :
- 2 cups shredded chicken (475 ml). Or whatever protein you fancy.
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (115 g). Cotija works too!
- 4 large eggs. Free range, if you can.
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema (120 ml). Or sour cream.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (60 ml).
- Avocado, pickled onions, hot sauce (optional). Pile it high!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up
Think of the salsa as the soul of this dish. You want depth, warmth, and a little kick. Ground cumin and dried oregano are a must have.
The guajillo and ancho chiles provide the perfect base. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a serrano pepper.
For a vegetarian twist? Skip the chicken and load up on black beans. These Mexican Food Chilaquiles are so versatile!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need a ton of fancy gear for this.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven. For making the sauce and assembling everything.
- Blender or food processor. For pureeing the salsa.
- Tongs. For wrangling those chips.
- Slotted spoon. For scooping stuff.
- Small saucepan. For frying eggs if you don't want to do it in the skillet.
If you don't have a blender, a good old-fashioned food processor will do the trick. Honestly, just a regular pan for frying.
These Breakfast Chilaquiles are amazing. Let's get started on making authentic Mexican Chilaquiles .
Cooking Method: Let's Talk Chilaquiles Rojos!
Alright, let's dive into how to make chilaquiles . Honestly, it's easier than you think. We're making red chilaquiles , which are my absolute fave.
This is totally comfort food territory, people! Like, imagine the satisfaction of crispy chips coated in spicy sauce, topped with all the good stuff.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place. It's all about getting organised! This will make your life so much easier. Chop your onion and garlic.
Get those chiles soaking. Have all your toppings ready. Seriously, doing this will save you so much stress later. And remember, be careful when you are handling hot oil later.
step-by-step: Let's Cook!
Here's how to make chilaquiles rojos with ease:
- Fry those tortilla chips until they are golden brown .
- Soak your dried chiles in hot water to soften them.
- Blend the chiles into a smooth salsa.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add the salsa, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer.
- Add the tortilla chips to the salsa and toss gently. Do not overcook!
- Fry up some eggs.
- Top with chicken, cheese, crema, and cilantro. Boom!
Keep an eye on those chips. You want them slightly soft, but still crunchy!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chilaquiles Game!
Wanna take your Mexican brunch food ideas to the next level? Here's the secret. Use day-old tortillas for crispier chips.
Authentic Mexican chilaquiles starts with good chips. Also, taste your salsa as you go. Add more spice if you are feeling brave.
A common mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying chips. Fry in batches! You can even make the chilaquiles sauce ahead of time.
Honestly, easy chilaquiles recipe like this is the best. It's perfect for a weekend brunch or even a quick dinner.
And the best part? You can customize it to your liking. So go ahead and experiment! I hope you love this breakfast chilaquiles .
Recipe Notes for the Best Chilaquiles
So, you want to learn how to make chilaquiles ? Awesome! It's way easier than you might think. Think of it like fancy nachos but for breakfast (or dinner, no judgement here).
Here are some extra tidbits to make your Mexican food chilaquiles experience top-notch.
Serving Up a Slice of Heaven
When you're plating up your breakfast chilaquiles , presentation is key. A messy pile is fine, but a little effort goes a long way.
Think colorful! Add that fried egg on top like a crown. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro? Chef's kiss! Mexican brunch food ideas never looked so good.
On the side, some creamy refried beans, some rice, or a fruit salad will make it more satisfying. A cold glass of horchata would be a perfect match.
Storing Like a Pro
Honestly, easy chilaquiles recipe doesn't always mean easy leftovers. The chips can get soggy. But if you have some left, store the salsa and chips separately.
The salsa will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . Don't even think about freezing the chips. Reheat the salsa gently on the stove.
Then, just before serving, toss it with some fresh chips.
Twist It Up
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations. For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add some black beans or sweetcorn. If you are into Chilaquiles Sauce you can always go for chilaquiles verdes.
Just swap the red salsa for a tomatillo based green one. You can get pretty creative with chiliquelies recipes !.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't exactly a health food. But everything in moderation, right? Each serving clocks in around 550 calories.
There's about 30g of protein and fat, and 45g of carbs. Plus, you get a good dose of fiber from the beans and salsa.
Alright, that’s all the extra information you need to feel like a pro in how to make chilaquiles . Now you can finally say that you can cook authentic red chilaquiles .
Making these is totally doable. Don't be scared to experiment. Have fun. Make it yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My chilaquiles are soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! The key is not letting the tortilla chips swim in the salsa for too long. Toss them gently just until coated and slightly softened, but still retaining a bit of crispness. Also, make sure your salsa isn't too watery a thicker salsa helps prevent sogginess.
Day-old tortillas help with this too!
Can I use store-bought tortilla chips when learning how to make chilaquiles?
Absolutely! Using store-bought chips is perfectly fine, especially when you're starting out. Just make sure they're good quality and not too thin, as they can get soggy faster. If you want to channel your inner Bake Off contestant, making your own is always going to be best.
You can control the crispness and salt levels.
What's the best way to store leftover chilaquiles?
Leftover chilaquiles are best enjoyed immediately, as the chips will continue to soften over time. However, if you must store them, refrigerate them in an airtight container. Be aware that they won't be as crispy when reheated. You can try reheating them in a skillet over medium heat, but the texture will be softer.
It's better to store the salsa and chips separately, then assemble them fresh.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? What are some good substitutions?
Definitely! You can easily make vegetarian chilaquiles. Just omit the shredded chicken and add plant based protein. Black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers make great additions. Make sure to use vegetarian cheese as well.
Is there a way to make the salsa roja less spicy?
Spice is a personal thing! The heat in this recipe comes from the dried chiles. To reduce the spice, make sure you remove all the seeds and veins from the chiles before rehydrating them. You can also use fewer chiles overall or substitute a milder chile like ancho for some of the guajillo.
Start small and taste as you go, adding more chile paste (a small amount at a time) to get the heat where you want it!
Chilaquiles Rojos Crispy Tortilla Chips In Spicy

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |