Spicy Chicken Chilaquiles with Fried Egg, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Crema Recipe
Introduction
Chilaquiles is a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy tortilla chips simmered in a flavorful tomato and chili sauce. Topped with fried eggs, crema, and cheese, it’s a comforting and vibrant meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients
- 0.5 kilogram white corn tortillas
- Olive oil, as needed
- 5 serrano chilies
- 3 tomatoes
- ½ onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 eggs
- Mexican crema, to taste
- Queso fresco, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the tortillas into quarters. Spread them on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven for a few minutes until they start to brown and crisp up.
- Step 2: Remove seeds from the serrano chilies by breaking them in half. Toast the chilies and tomatoes on a comal or skillet until slightly charred.
- Step 3: Blend the toasted tomatoes, serrano chilies, half an onion, and garlic cloves with ¼ cup of water until smooth.
- Step 4: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pot. Add the blended sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook for several minutes until it thickens slightly. Pour the sauce over the freshly baked tortilla chips on a plate.
- Step 5: Fry the eggs to your liking and place them on top of the sauced chilaquiles.
- Step 6: Serve with Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or sliced avocado as garnish.
- Adjust the number of serrano chilies to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use a skillet to fry tortillas instead of baking for a crunchier texture.
Storage
Chilaquiles are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make the chips soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chili?
Yes, you can substitute serrano chilies with jalapeños or other mild chilies if you prefer less heat. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have Mexican crema?
Sour cream is a good substitute for Mexican crema. You can also thin sour cream with a little milk or lime juice to mimic its texture and flavor.
Print
Spicy Chicken Chilaquiles with Fried Egg, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Crema Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy baked tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant tomato and serrano chili sauce, topped with fried eggs, Mexican crema, and queso fresco. This flavorful and comforting recipe balances spicy, creamy, and tangy elements, perfect for a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients
Tortilla Chips
- 0.5 kilogram White Corn Tortillas
- Olive Oil (as needed)
Sauce
- 5 Serrano Chilies
- 3 Tomatoes
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Water
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Toppings
- 4 Eggs
- Mexican Crema (to taste)
- Queso Fresco (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Tortilla Chips: Cut the white corn tortillas into quarters and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven until they start to brown and become crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Toast Chilies and Tomatoes: Clean the serrano chilies by cutting them in half and removing seeds. Toast the chilies and tomatoes on a comal or skillet until slightly charred to enhance their flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Blend the toasted tomatoes, chilies, half an onion, garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of water until smooth to create the sauce.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot, pour in the blended sauce, and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chips and Sauce: Pour the hot sauce over the freshly baked tortilla chips, ensuring they are well-coated and slightly softened.
- Fry Eggs: Fry the eggs to your liking (sunny side up is traditional) and place them on top of the chilaquiles.
- Serve: Top the dish with Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco to add creaminess and tang, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove all seeds from the serrano chilies as they contain most of the heat.
- Use fresh tortillas for crispier chips or slightly stale tortillas for a softer texture after baking.
- Customize toppings by adding sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or refried beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t have a comal, use a dry skillet or grill pan to toast the chilies and tomatoes.
- Adjust the amount of water in the sauce for a thicker or thinner consistency based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chilaquiles, Mexican breakfast, tortilla chips, serrano chili sauce, huevos rancheros, Mexican crema, queso fresco, spicy breakfast, baked tortilla

