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Home / All Recipes / By Course / Breakfast

High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles

Apr. 28, 2025

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The Ultimate High-Protein Brunch Plate!

If youโ€™re a fan of hearty, flavorful brunches, youโ€™re going to fall in love with these high protein low calorie chilaquiles. A healthier twist on the classic, these healthy chilaquiles are made with crispy tortilla chips soaked in bold enchilada sauce, topped with jammy fried eggs, and finished with a rich, savory side of refried black beans and a creamy lime cottage cheese crema.

High protein low calorie chilaquiles made with tortilla chips, black beans, fried eggs, and a creamy cottage cheese lime sauce, topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

This easy chilaquiles recipe delivers all the indulgent, satisfying flavors you crave โ€” but in a high-protein, low-calorie way thatโ€™ll keep you full and energized. Every bite is crunchy, saucy, rich, and packed with protein, giving you the ultimate brunch experience without ever having to leave your kitchen.

If you usually order chilaquiles rojos when eating out, youโ€™ll love how simple it is to recreate that restaurant-worthy flavor at home. The enchilada sauce brings the perfect smoky, tangy depth, while the combination of creamy beans and garlicky crema takes the whole plate over the top.

Whether youโ€™re fueling up for a busy day or just craving a cozy weekend brunch, these high protein low calorie chilaquiles are here to deliver major flavor, texture, and satisfactionโ€”all in a healthy, easy-to-make package.

Macros Per Serving

456 Cal | 34g Carbs | 18g Fat | 38g Protein

Jump To:
  • Macros Per Serving
  • Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients for these High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles
  • Substitution Options
  • Equipment and Tools
  • How to Make Your High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Storage Instructions
  • More Brunch Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board
  • Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board and share it with your family and friends!
  • Macros Per Serving
  • Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients for this โ€”
  • Substitution Options
  • Equipment and Tools
  • How to Make Your โ€”
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Storage Instructions
  • More โ€” Recipes
  • FAQs
  • Recipe Card
  • Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

If you love quick, hearty meals that feel like a treat but are secretly healthy, this dish is about to be your new favorite. Hereโ€™s why youโ€™ll want to keep this healthy chilaquiles recipe on repeat:

  • High Protein Power: Packed with a balanced mix of eggs, cottage cheese, and refried black beans, these chilaquiles clock in with an impressive amount of protein to keep you full and fueled.
  • Low Calorie Brunch Favorite: You get all the flavor and satisfaction of classic chilaquiles rojos, but in a lightened-up, low-calorie version perfect for mindful eating.
  • Crunchy and Creamy Perfection: Crispy tortilla chips stay delightfully crunchy under the bold enchilada sauce, while the garlicky lime cottage cheese crema adds a rich, luscious contrast.
  • Simple and Easy to Make: This easy chilaquiles recipe comes together quickly with minimal prepโ€”perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a fun breakfast-for-dinner night.
  • Customizable and Versatile: Add avocado slices, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro, or swap in different salsas to personalize your high protein low calorie chilaquiles to your taste.

Loaded with flavor, packed with nutrients, and ridiculously easy to whip up, this chilaquiles recipe proves that healthy eating never has to be boring!

high protein low calorie chilaquiles bite

Key Ingredients for these High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles

To create these bold and flavorful high protein low calorie chilaquiles, letโ€™s dive into the key ingredients that bring this healthy brunch plate to life. Each component plays an important role in giving you that perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and savory richness.

  • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: The star of the creamy lime crema, adding a high-protein, tangy base thatโ€™s both fresh and satisfying.
  • Salt & Chili Powder: Essential seasonings that bring out the savory and slightly spicy notes in the crema.
  • Garlic: A few cloves blended into the crema for that irresistible garlicky punch.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a fresh citrusy brightness to the cottage cheese crema, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
  • Water: Adjusts the crema to your desired consistency, keeping it silky and drizzle-ready.
  • Black Beans: A fiber- and protein-rich base, cooked down into a creamy, hearty side that pairs perfectly with your chilaquiles rojos.
  • Vegetable Broth: Helps simmer and soften the black beans while adding a boost of flavor.
  • Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: A trifecta of spices that give the beans a bold, smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
  • Red Onion: A bit of chopped red onion adds sweetness, freshness, and a slight crunch to the veggie sautรฉ.
  • Jalapeรฑo: Brings the perfect kick of heat to balance out the richness of the enchilada sauce.
  • Tortilla Chips: The heart of any easy chilaquiles recipeโ€”providing that irresistible crispy, crunchy texture you canโ€™t skip.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: The bold, smoky, slightly tangy sauce that soaks into the chips, creating that signature chilaquiles texture.
  • Egg Whites: A lighter protein boost that complements the whole eggs without adding extra calories.
  • Large Brown Eggs: Fried to jammy perfection, adding richness and creaminess to every bite.
  • Fat-Free Feta: Crumbled on top for a salty, tangy finish that keeps the dish feeling indulgent but still light.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Adds a final pop of freshness and herby brightness to tie everything together.

Substitution Options

Everyoneโ€™s kitchen and taste preferences are a little different, so here are some great substitution ideas to make these high protein low calorie chilaquiles truly your own! Whether youโ€™re looking for different flavors or need to use what you already have, thereโ€™s plenty of flexibility with this healthy chilaquiles recipe.

  • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Feel free to swap for Greek yogurt if you donโ€™t have cottage cheese on hand. Itโ€™ll still give you that creamy, tangy crema texture.
  • Black Beans: Pinto beans make a great alternative if you prefer a slightly sweeter, creamier bean base.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: Use green enchilada sauce or your favorite salsa verde for a tasty variation that still fits the easy chilaquiles vibe.
  • Fat-Free Feta: Crumbled queso fresco or even a light sprinkling of cotija can offer a different but equally delicious salty topping.
  • Tortilla Chips: If youโ€™re looking for an even lighter version, try using baked tortilla chips or making your own at home.

Donโ€™t be afraid to mix, match, and get creative! One of the best parts about making chilaquiles rojos at home is customizing it exactly the way you love.

**If there is a sub I havenโ€™t mentioned above, itโ€™s because I have not tested it and canโ€™t speak for how well it would work for this recipe.



Equipment and Tools

You donโ€™t need any fancy gadgets to make these high protein low calorie chilaquiles. Everything comes together easily with basic kitchen tools, making this easy chilaquiles recipe perfect even for a lazy weekend morning. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll want to have ready:

  • Countertop Blender or Food Processor: To quickly whip up the smooth, creamy cottage cheese crema.
  • Small Pot: Essential for simmering and mashing the black beans into a delicious creamy consistency.
  • Nonstick Skillet: For sautรฉing the veggies, chips, and frying the eggs to jammy perfection.
  • Mixing Bowls: Handy for prepping and organizing your crema, beans, and toppings.
  • Measuring Scale: Highly recommended for precision when measuring ingredients like chips, sauce, and cottage cheese.
  • Spatula and Spoon: For sautรฉing and assembling everything easily without breaking the chips.

Thatโ€™s it! Simple, straightforward tools for a loaded brunch that feels anything but basic. Plus, cleaning up is just as easy as making the dish itself!

How to Make Your High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles

These high protein low calorie chilaquiles are incredibly easy to make and come together in no time! Youโ€™ll have the ultimate loaded brunch plate ready before you even start missing your favorite restaurant version. Hereโ€™s how to make this healthy chilaquiles recipe from scratch:

high protein low calorie chilaquiles 01

Crema Dressing

Start by blending your cottage cheese, garlic, lime juice, salt, chili powder, and water together until smooth. You can add more water as needed to reach your preferred creamy consistency. Set the crema aside.

Black Beans

In a small pot, combine your black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.

Simmer on low heat for about 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens. Lightly mash the beans for that perfect refried texture.

Chilaquiles

Prep your chopped red onion and jalapeรฑo. Sautรฉ them in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutesโ€”you can add a little oil if you like, but itโ€™s not necessary.

Toss in the tortilla chips and pour the enchilada sauce over the top. Sautรฉ everything together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the chips to absorb all that flavorful sauce. Set aside.

Eggs

In the same pan, pour in your egg whites and carefully crack the two whole eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the whites set but the yolks stay jammy.

high protein low calorie chilaquiles 02

Assemble

Now for the best part! Pile your saucy tortilla chips into a bowl, top with the fried eggs, spoon over the creamy black beans, drizzle with the garlicky lime crema, and finish with fat-free feta and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy all the rich, savory, crunchy, creamy goodness you could ever want in a plate of healthy, high protein chilaquiles.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some valuable tips and tricks to make your preparation for these high protein low calorie chilaquiles even easier and more enjoyable. Little tweaks and attention to detail can make a big difference in the final taste and texture of your healthy chilaquiles plate!

  • Choose Quality Tortilla Chips: Start with thick, sturdy tortilla chips so they donโ€™t get too soggy when mixed with the enchilada sauce.
  • Donโ€™t Over-Saturate the Chips: Pour just enough enchilada sauce to coat the chips. Too much can lead to a mushy texture, and you want to keep some crunch!
  • Cook Eggs to Preference: Whether you love a jammy yolk or prefer your eggs fully cooked, adjust the egg cooking time to your taste for the perfect topping.
  • Mash Beans Gently: For the best refried texture, mash the black beans enough to create creaminess but leave a few whole for added texture.
  • Adjust Crema Consistency: Add water to your crema little by little until you get the perfect drizzle-able texture for easy topping.

With just a few easy tweaks, your high protein low calorie chilaquiles will come out bold, flavorful, and completely irresistible every time!



Storage Instructions

Here are some helpful storage instructions to keep your high protein low calorie chilaquiles fresh and delicious for later! A few simple steps can make sure your healthy chilaquiles taste just as amazing the next day.

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover chilaquiles in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly within two hours of preparing.
  • Separate Components: If possible, store the black beans, crema, and tortilla chips separately. This will help preserve the crispness of the chips and the freshness of the toppings.
  • Reheating Tips: Warm the black beans and chilaquiles gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before reassembling. Add a fresh drizzle of crema just before serving.
  • Avoid Freezing: Due to the dairy-based crema and the tortilla chips, freezing is not recommended. It may drastically alter the textures of the dish.

By following these easy storage instructions, you can enjoy leftover high protein low calorie chilaquiles without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for a next-day brunch or a quick, satisfying lunch!

high protein low calorie chilaquiles final

More Brunch Recipes

Iโ€™m always down for a hearty, flavorful brunchโ€”especially when itโ€™s easy to make at home! If youโ€™re looking for even more healthy brunch ideas like these high protein low calorie chilaquiles, here are a few of my favorites:

  • Turkish Egg Toasts
  • Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
  • Pistachio Turkish Eggs

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these high protein low calorie chilaquiles! Iโ€™ve got you covered with helpful answers to make sure your healthy brunch comes out perfect every time.

  1. Can I make these chilaquiles ahead of time?

    Itโ€™s best to prepare and enjoy them fresh for maximum crunch! However, you can prep the crema and black beans in advance, then quickly assemble everything when youโ€™re ready to eat.

  2. What if I donโ€™t have enchilada sauce?

    No worries! You can substitute with salsa roja or your favorite red salsa to still capture that smoky, spicy flavor typical of chilaquiles rojos. Just adjust the amount based on how thin or thick your salsa is.

  3. Are these chilaquiles spicy?

    The recipe has a mild spice level thanks to the jalapeรฑo and enchilada sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat. Skip the jalapeรฑo for a milder version or add extra cayenne for more kick!

  4. Can I add other toppings to these chilaquiles?

    Absolutely! Avocado slices, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese would be delicious additions. Chilaquiles are super customizable, so feel free to build your perfect brunch plate!



Recipe Card

high protein low calorie chilaquiles final
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High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles

If youโ€™re a fan of hearty, flavorful brunches, youโ€™re going to fall in love with these high protein low calorie chilaquiles. A healthier twist on the classic, these healthy chilaquiles are made with crispy tortilla chips soaked in bold enchilada sauce, topped with jammy fried eggs, and finished with a rich, savory side of refried black beans and a creamy lime cottage cheese crema.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Author: Ritisha
Course: Breakfast | brunch
Cuisine: American | Mexican
Servings: 1
Calories: 456kcal
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Ingredients

Crema:

  • 55 g Low-fat Cottage Cheese (Good Culture)
  • Salt & Chili Powder (to taste)
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic
  • ยฝ small Lime (juiced)
  • 2-3 tbsp Water

Black Beans:

  • 75 g Black Beans
  • Splash of Vegetable Broth
  • Chili Powder (Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, to taste)

Chilaquiles:

  • ยผ small Red Onion (chopped)
  • ยฝ Jalapeรฑo (chopped)
  • 42 g Tortilla Chips (Hโ€‘Eโ€‘B)
  • 80 g Red Enchilada Sauce (H-E-B Mi Tienda)
  • 46 g Egg White
  • 100 g Large Brown Eggs (Vital Farms)
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 28 g Fat Free Feta (Athenos)
  • Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
InstacartGet Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Crema:

  • Blend all your ingredients together until smooth. Add more water for desired consistency.
    55 g (0.25 cups) Low-fat Cottage Cheese, Salt & Chili Powder, 2-3 cloves Garlic, 1/2 small Lime, 2-3 tbsp Water

Black Beans:

  • Add your ingredients to a small pot and cook on low heat until it starts to thicken. Should take about 5-6 minutes.
    75 g (0.5 cups) Black Beans, Splash of Vegetable Broth, Chili Powder
  • Mash down the beans so itโ€™s a nice refried beans consistency.

Tortilla Chips:

  • Prep your veggies and then add to a pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. I donโ€™t add any oil but you can if desired.
    1/4 small Red Onion, 1/2 Jalapeรฑo
  • Then add in your tortilla chips and pour over the enchilada sauce. Sautรฉ together for 3-4 minutes and then set aside.
    42 g (0.33 cups) Tortilla Chips, 80 g (0.33 cups) Red Enchilada Sauce

Eggs:

  • In the same pan, pour in the egg whites and then crack in the two whole eggs. Season with salt & pepper.
    46 g (3 tbsp) Egg White, 100 g (2) Large Brown Eggs, Salt & Pepper
  • Cook your preferred way. I like to cook them over medium or until the whites set.

Assemble:

  • Add everything together to a bowl and top with your fat free feta and cilantro!
    28 g (2 tbsp) Fat Free Feta, Fresh Cilantro

Video Tutorial

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A post shared by Ritisha Gupta (@tishasveggieeats)

Nutrition Information

High Protein Low Calorie Chilaquiles
Serving Size
ย 
1 Serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
456
% Daily Value*
Fat
ย 
18
g
28
%
Carbohydrates
ย 
34
g
11
%
Protein
ย 
38
g
76
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe.

Keyword: chilaquiles, high protein chilaquiles, loaded chilaquiles, low calorie chilaquiles


Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board and share it with your family and friends!

High protein low calorie chilaquiles made with tortilla chips, black beans, fried eggs, and a creamy cottage cheese lime sauce, topped with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

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Hi, I'm Ritisha Gupta aka Tisha's Veggie Eats! I'm 29 years old and currently live in Houston, TX. I am a full-time Senior Designer and a part-time food blogger. I started my food blog as a way to showcase healthy living & share my delicious meals. Click the button below to learn more!
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