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Home » Knowledge

Migas vs Chilaquiles - Battle of the Mexican Breakfasts

Nate TeagueWritten by Nate Teague · Updated on January 24, 2023

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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. 

migas vs chilaquiles tex mex breakfasts

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.

Chilaquiles verdes in a pan next to tortillas and vegetables
Migas and chilaquiles both allow the home cook to get creative with flavors.

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!

Tex Mex Migas Recipe

Tex-Mex Migas Recipe

You can make your own Tex-Mex migas at home either for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don't have Cotija cheese at home? Use Parmesan, Romano, Padano or Feta.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ onion diced
  • 1 chili diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 green pepper diced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 small bag of corn chips
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese shredded
  • ½ avocado diced
  • cilantro to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the onion, chili, garlic, tomato, and green pepper in a deep fry pan until they are golden brown and aromatic.
  • Whisk the eggs together in a separate bowl, then pour over the sautéed mix in the fry pan. Stir until scrambled.
  • Toss in the corn chips and cheese, stirring until combined. Cook until you’re happy with the consistency of the eggs.
  • Remove from heat and add avocado and cilantro to garnish, then scoop onto a plate of your choice. Enjoy the perfect Tex-Mex breakfast migas!

Notes

Quick Tip:
If you don't have any authentic Cotija cheese at home, choose one of these alternatives.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 197mgSodium: 509mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1154IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 244mgIron: 2mg
Keyword migas, Tex-Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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:
What do nopales taste like?
Fajita vs taco seasoning - what is the difference?
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.

Breakfast burritos on a table with fresh vegetables
Burritos make a delicious meal for breakfast.

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.

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Nate Teague

Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook.

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