Migas vs Chilaquiles - Battle of the Mexican Breakfasts

The main difference between migas and chilaquiles is that migas have tortilla bread, while chilaquiles use corn or tortilla chips. Migas has a softer texture mixed with the scramble, while chilaquiles have fried corn chips, making them crunchy. 

While both dishes contain a handful of savory ingredients like cheese, onion, tomato, chili, and egg, they are fully customizable depending on your family tradition and your liking. This article will tell you the main differences between these two Mexican dishes, give you a quick recipe for migas, and talk about other things related to this topic.

Table of Contents

• How Migas and Chilaquiles Differ
• Fast Facts
• 4 Must-Try Mexican snacks
• Final Thoughts

How Migas and Chilaquiles Differ

Ok, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of it. Migas and chilaquiles are the Tex-Mex version of an English bubble and squeak. Both contain a handful of the same base ingredients: cheese, onion, tomato, chili, egg, and tortillas or corn chips, usually leftover from dinners prior. Depending on family recipes and regional differences, these ingredients can vary slightly; some of the more adventurous recipes may even call for additional, non-traditional ingredients. But all in all, the similarities are noticeable.

Migas will generally involve the base tortilla bread or corn chips roughly crushed and scrambled with a mix of egg, chili, and tomato, topped with salsa, refried beans, and cheese (or a similar variation of this). Chilaquiles, however, tend to have their corn chips soaked and fried in salsa (to achieve that crunchy goodness) before being topped with more salsa, chili, refried beans, fried eggs, and chicken or beef to complete the dish.

You’re going to find that migas will have a softer texture than chilaquiles. They call for fried corn chips, rather than mixing them in with the scramble. However, the taste will generally remain similar if the same base ingredients are used (chili, tortillas, or corn chips and eggs). The dish will vary according to whatever ingredients you choose to add in.

Have you ever wondered where these breakfast dishes originated? Somebody, a long time ago, decided they were going to be super thrifty and take some of their leftover ingredients, throw ‘em in a pan, and create a delectable breakfast feast. Honestly, we’re not sure what came first, the migas or the chilaquiles. Many do speculate that it was chilaquiles, though. If you do know, shout it out in the comments.

Useful reading: Huarache vs. Sope: What's the difference?

No article explaining the difference between migas and chilaquiles would be complete without a recipe for either one of them. On that, we deliver!

Fast Facts

• Migas means "crumbs" in Spanish. This refers to the fact that migas are a mix of leftover ingredients, including potentially stale crushed tortilla bread and/or corn chips.
• Chilaquiles were introduced to America in 1898 via "The Spanish Cook" by Encarnación Pinedo.
• Both migas and chilaquiles are highly significant to Mexican culture and cuisine. Their staple ingredients tortillas and chili are both two of the most prominent ingredients used in Mexican meals. They signify the vast versatility of Mexican foods and the adaptability of Mexican people and their culture.

Related articles you might enjoy:
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Need a substitute for hominy? We've got four of the best.
How to replace epazote in cooking.

4 Must-Try Mexican snacks

1. Chili

Chili beans and rice is the perfect dish for a cold, winter’s night! The chili sure packs a punch, but you can turn down the heat by reducing the amount of chili included if your taste buds aren’t up to the challenge.

2. Tamales

Tamales are a type of Mexican wrap, similar to tortillas, tacos or burritos. Instead of a bread-based wrap, tamales use corn husks to give a nice warm hug to the delicious fillings of ground beef, vegetables, cheese, or whatever you so desire. Got leftover tamales? Check out how to reheat them here.

3. Tortillas

Tortillas are a super versatile, super simple Mexican recipe that can be whatever you want them to be. Stuff these bread wraps with vegetarian or vegan options or create a full-on meat fiesta! The power rests completely in your hands (or your hungry belly).

4. Tacos

Tacos are one of the most well-loved Mexican foods in history, and it’s easy to see why. They’re easy to make, versatile, and just plain delicious! It doesn’t matter if you’re a hard or soft taco fan, what matters most is simply that you love them! Find out more about tacos and burritos here.

Final Thoughts

We’re just about finished up here with this article highlighting two of the greatest breakfast food options to come out of Mexico. Regardless of the differences and similarities between migas and chilaquiles, I think we can all agree that they are a delicious breakfast mix and match, perfect for sharing with friends and family wherever you may be!

Migas will usually have the bread or chips crushed and scrambled while chilaquiles have the corn chips soaked and fried for extra crunchiness. Their flavors for either of these dishes will vary depending on the region of Mexico that the food is made, and also what's leftover from the previous night's meal. The beauty of making either dish is that there are few rules - creative ingredients are perfectly okay.

So, which of these two Mexican breakfasts do you prefer? Honestly, I’m with the Old El Paso girl on this: “¿Por qué no los dos?” (“Why not both?”).

Let us know your thoughts about migas and chilaquiles in the comments below.