Chilaquiles Verdes Recipe

Chilaquiles Verdes make the perfect Mexican breakfast or brunch, but are delicious any time of day! And don't let the long ingredient list fool you. It's mostly just for the homemade green salsa. Assembling the chilaquiles is super quick and easy, and the end result is one of the most delicious dishes there is!

To make this recipe, you'll simmer the tomatillos, jalapeno, white onion, and garlic until soft, then blend to make the salsa. Then, you'll cut up the corn tortillas and bake them to make homemade tortilla chips!

These chips are tossed in the salsa mixture and then topped with whatever you like! I topped mine with white onion, queso fresco, and Mexican cream, but feel free to get creative. If you want to get a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine right in your own kitchen, you have to make these chilaquiles verdes!

What's in Chilaquiles Verdes?

Here are some of the most important ingredients in this recipe:

• Tomatillos: They bring a tangy, slightly tart kick to your green salsa. Look for firm, bright ones for the best flavor.
• Jalapeno peppers: These add a gentle heat; remove the seeds if you prefer a milder salsa. Add a serrano pepper if you like things spicy.
• Corn tortillas: These form the crispy base for your chilaquiles. You can  swap in store-bought tortilla chips as well.
• Queso fresco: This mild, crumbly cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast to the tangy salsa. You could also use cotija cheese if you like or melted mozzarella, Monterey jack, or queso Oaxaca,
• Mexican cream: Similar to sour cream or creme fraiche, Mexican cream or crema is found near the cheeses in the grocery store. If you prefer sour cream or Greek yogurt, that works as well!
• Optional fried eggs or meat: Adds extra protein and flavor, making it more filling and satisfying! Add plain shredded chicken, chicken tinga,  shredded Mexican beef, or cooked chorizo for extra flavor.

Can I make chilaquiles with store-bought salsa verde?

Absolutely! I find that homemade salsa tastes better, but you can totally use store-bought to make your life easier. Just swap it in. For a little extra flavor in your store-bought salsa verde, consider adding some fresh cilantro and a jalapeno. 

Can I use flour tortillas for chilaquiles?

I don't recommend it as they don't hold up as well when baked fried and tend to get soggy. If you don't want to use corn tortillas, swap in another baked tortilla made of cassava, nopal, or any other cripsy option. 

How to Make Chilaquiles Verdes

Here's a quick rundown of how to make chilaquiles verdes at home:

1. Make the Green Salsa

Simmer your tomatillos, jalapeños, white onion, and garlic until soft, then blend them with cilantro and seasonings for a fresh, tangy sauce. If you prefer using store-bought to speed things up, that's also a great option.

2. Crisp the Tortillas

Cut your corn tortillas into wedges, spray lightly, sprinkle with salt, and bake until they turn golden and crunchy.

Pro tip: If you want to be super authentic and don't care about calories, you can fry up the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil!

3. Assemble Your Chilaquiles

Toss the crispy tortilla chips with your warm green salsa in a large dish, ensuring every chip is well-coated.

Pro tip: Just toss to coat the tortilla chips. You don't want to simmer them for too long, or they may become soggy.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

Top with crumbled queso fresco, sliced white onions, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and fresh cilantro. Add fried eggs or shredded chicken if you like.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It will last for up to one week.

You can also cut up the chips, lay them out on a baking sheet, and cover them with a towel to sit out overnight. Stale chips tend to hold up better and won't get as soggy as fresh ones. Then, bake them the next day. You can bake the chips up to 3 days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag if you like.

We do not recommend making assembled chilaquiles in advance since the chips will become soggy and begin to disintegrate. They are best served immediately. 

Side Dishes for Chilaquiles

There are so many ways to serve your chilaquiles! Consider serving them with: 

• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Pico de Gallo
• Pickled Red Onions
• Refried beans
• Black beans