Quick & EASY Chilaquiles Recipe Anyone Can Make

Quick & EASY Chilaquiles Recipe Anyone Can Make is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $6.34 total, $2.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces Corn Tortillas (store-bought, preferably slightly stale for crisping)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (light coating for crisping)
  • 1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce (store-bought) (canned or jarred, such as salsa para enchiladas)
  • 1/4 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin (freshly toasted for aroma)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (adds depth of flavor; optional for vegetarian version)
  • 2 tablespoons Crema (Mexican sour cream, for drizzling)
  • 1/4 cup Queso Fresco (crumbled)
  • 1/2 small Avocado (sliced or fanned)
  • 1 large Egg (fried sunny‑side up)

Instructions

  1. Cut Tortillas

    Place the corn tortillas on a cutting board and cut them into bite‑size pieces or quarters.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Crisp the Tortilla Pieces

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑low heat. Add the tortilla pieces in batches, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 10‑15 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium-low

  3. Sauté Onion & Cumin

    In the same skillet (remove excess oil if needed), add the sliced onion and a pinch of ground cumin. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Garlic

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-low

  5. Create the Sauce

    Stir in the cup of red enchilada sauce and the 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, adjusting salt if needed.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Combine Tortillas with Sauce

    Return the crispy tortilla pieces to the skillet, quickly toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1 minute just to heat the chips through.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Plate and Garnish

    Transfer the chilaquiles to a serving plate. Top with a drizzle of crema, crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, and a fried sunny‑side‑up egg.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
18g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Contains Dairy, Contains Egg

Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Corn

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Quick & EASY Chilaquiles Recipe Anyone Can Make

Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks

A fast, flavorful Mexican classic made with crispy tortilla pieces tossed in a zesty red enchilada sauce, topped with crema, queso fresco, avocado, and a fried egg. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner using pantry staples.

EasyMexicanServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.34
Total cost
$2.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Crisp the tortilla pieces without burning them.
  • Avoid over‑cooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
  • Toss the chips with sauce quickly to retain crunch.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • Do not leave garlic unattended; it can burn quickly and become bitter.
  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chilaquiles in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican comfort food that dates back to pre‑colonial times, originally made to use stale tortillas by soaking them in salsa and topping them with cheese and eggs. They are a staple breakfast dish but are enjoyed any time of day across Mexico.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chilaquiles in Mexico?

A

In central Mexico, chilaquiles are often served with red salsa, while in the south they may use green tomatillo salsa. Some regions add shredded chicken, crema, or queso fresco, and others top them with fried eggs or beans.

cultural
Q

How is chilaquiles traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, chilaquiles are plated hot, drizzled with crema, sprinkled with crumbled queso fresco, and topped with a fried egg. They are often accompanied by refried beans and a side of fresh avocado or sliced radishes.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chilaquiles associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Chilaquiles are a beloved weekend breakfast and are commonly served at family gatherings, after‑church brunches, and festive occasions like Día de los Muertos when leftovers are turned into a hearty meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this quick and easy red chilaquiles recipe special in Mexican cuisine?

A

This version uses store‑bought enchilada sauce that’s “doctor‑ed” with garlic, cumin, and a pinch of chicken bouillon, delivering authentic flavor in minutes while still delivering the crunchy‑soft texture that defines classic chilaquiles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making quick and easy red chilaquiles?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the garlic (which turns bitter), letting the chips sit in sauce too long (making them soggy), and using too much oil, which can make the dish greasy. Follow the quick‑toss method and keep heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a pan‑toasting method instead of an oven or air fryer for the tortillas?

A

Pan‑toasting allows you to control the crispness and coat the tortillas with a thin layer of oil, giving a richer flavor and quicker turnaround (10‑15 minutes) compared to the longer pre‑heat and bake time of an oven.

technical
Q

Can I make this chilaquiles recipe ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Toast the tortilla pieces and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce, then quickly toss with the chips just before serving to retain crunch.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making quick and easy red chilaquiles?

A

The tortilla pieces should be golden‑brown and crisp on the outside, then lightly coated with a glossy red sauce that clings without soaking the chips. The dish should look vibrant with red sauce, white crema, green avocado, and a bright yellow yolk on top.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specializes in approachable Latin American home cooking, focusing on quick, family‑friendly recipes that use everyday pantry ingredients while preserving authentic flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Simply Mamá Cooks emphasizes speed and convenience, often “doctoring” store‑bought products to achieve authentic taste, whereas many other Mexican channels focus on making every component from scratch. This makes the channel ideal for busy home cooks.

channel

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