Green Chili Breakfast Tacos

Start your morning with these easy Green Chili Breakfast Tacos! Warm toasted flour tortillas are filled with smoky, roasted Hatch green chilis, lacy crisped cotija cheese, protein-rich eggs, and perfectly crispy potatoes. Enjoy these spicy and flavorful tacos for breakfast or brunch any day of the week!

Jump to:

• Ingredients Needed to Make the Best Green Chili Breakfast Tacos
• How to Make Easy Green Chili Breakfast Tacos Step-by-Step
• Tips for Perfect Hatch Chili Breakfast Tacos
• Variations and Substitutions for Green Chili Breakfast Tacos
• Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Green Chili Breakfast Tacos
• Essential Tools for Making These Easy Breakfast Tacos
• Explore More Tasty Breakfast & Brunch Recipes!
• Green Chili Breakfast Tacos

Ingredients Needed to Make the Best Green Chili Breakfast Tacos

• Green Chilis: These add a smoky, spicy kick to these southwest breakfast tacos. While I generally prefer to make these breakfast tacos with Hatch chilis when in season, you can also use Anaheim chilis as a good alternative, or Poblano peppers for a different flavor and heat profile.
• Potatoes: Dice up some potatoes if you prefer traditionally roasted breakfast potatoes—gold potatoes are my go-to for their rich flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, for a convenient option, frozen shredded hashbrowns or hashbrown patties are also excellent choices.
• Cotija Cheese: I think the best cheese for breakfast tacos is Cotija. Finely grated and pan-toasted, this cheese adds a deliciously crispy and salty element to the tacos.
• Flour Tortillas: Warmed and lightly toasted, these tortillas provide a soft, pliable base for the tacos, perfect for holding all the flavorful fillings.
• Eggs: Scrambled or fried, they add a flavorful protein-rich component that ties the flavor of the tacos together.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Used to roast the potatoes, this adds a subtle richness and helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the spices and enhances the overall taste of the tacos.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky sweetness that pairs well with the green chilis and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to taste. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is a staple in my pantry.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complements the other spices. Adjust to taste.
• Optional Toppings: Customize your tacos with sour cream, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, avocado, or red onion for added flavor and texture.

How to Make Easy Green Chili Breakfast Tacos Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Preheat your broiler to high. Optionally line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
   • Place the green chilis on the sheet and broil for 6 minutes. Use kitchen tongs to flip the chilis, and continue broiling for another 4-6 minutes until they are blistered and blackened.
   • Transfer the peppers to a heatproof bowl and cover with a lid or plate. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes.
   • Once cooled, peel off the skins, then remove and discard the seeds, ribs, and stems. Halve the peppers lengthwise and set aside. (Pro Tip: Wear kitchen gloves to avoid the burning sensation from the capsaicin.)
2. Roast the Potatoes:
   • While the peppers are steaming, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
   • On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss the diced potatoes with avocado oil, kosher salt, cumin, paprika, and cracked black pepper until well coated.
   • Spread the potatoes evenly on the pan and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
   • Alternative: Instead of diced potatoes, you can use traditional hashbrowns or hashbrown patties. Cook according to the package instructions until crispy, then use as you would the roasted potatoes in the tacos.
3. Brown the Tortillas:
   • When the potatoes are about 15 minutes from being done, heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
   • Place the tortillas in the skillet, one at a time, without overlapping. Toast for about 1 minute on each side, until warm and with light brown spots. The tortillas should remain soft but slightly toasted.
   • Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel or place them in a tortilla warmer to keep warm.
4. Cook the Eggs and Toast the Peppers and Cheese:
   • For efficiency, use two skillets: one for cooking the eggs and another for toasting the peppers and cheese. If using one skillet, cook the eggs first, then set them aside and use the same skillet for the peppers and cheese.
   • In the first skillet, add a small amount of cooking oil or butter, and cook the eggs to your preference—scrambled or fried.
   • In a second skillet, over medium heat, add a generous handful of finely grated cotija cheese. Lay one of the reserved green chili halves over the top. Once the cheese starts to brown at the edges, flip it and toast the other side until crispy and golden.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Place a toasted pepper and cheese slice into each warm tortilla.
   • Add a portion of the roasted potatoes on top of the cheese and pepper.
   • Finish by adding the cooked eggs.
   • Top with optional ingredients like sour cream, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or avocado as desired.

Tips for Perfect Hatch Chili Breakfast Tacos

• Make Peeling Chilis Easy: After broiling the chilis, don’t skip the steaming step! Allowing them to steam for a few minutes in a sealed bowl helps makes the skins super easy to remove and also gives them a chance to cool slightly so you don’t burn your hands.
• Control the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, remove all the seeds and ribs from the chilis, as these are the parts that contain the most heat. Alternatively, leave some in for extra kick.
• Wear Gloves: Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilis their heat, can irritate your skin and eyes. To prevent any unwanted burning sensations, it's a good idea to wear gloves when handling the chilis, especially when peeling and seeding them.
• Prep Peppers and Potatoes in Advance: To save time in the morning, you can roast the potatoes and broil the chilis the night before. Store them in the fridge and use as needed for up to 4 days. Rewarm in a pan when cooking the remaining ingredients.
• Toast Tortillas Carefully: Warm the tortillas just enough to get a few light brown spots. This ensures they remain soft and pliable while adding a slight toasty flavor.
• Use a Tortilla Warmer: If you’re making these tacos for a crowd, a tortilla warmer can keep your tortillas soft and warm until you’re ready to serve. If you do not have a tortilla warmer you can help keep the tortillas warm by reserving on a plate with a clean kitchen towel placed over top of them.

Variations and Substitutions for Green Chili Breakfast Tacos

• Chili Varieties: For the best flavor and heat in these spicy breakfast tacos, use Hatch chilis when they are in season. If they’re unavailable, Anaheim or Poblano chilis are excellent alternatives, offering great taste with a slightly milder heat compared to Hatch chilis.
• Cheese Options: If cotija isn’t your favorite, substitute with other cheeses like crumbled feta for a tangy twist or shredded Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
• Tortilla Choices: Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
• Potato Options: While gold potatoes bring a rich, buttery profile to these tacos, red potatoes offer a slightly sweeter taste, and russets provide a fluffier bite. For a unique twist, sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness that balances the spicy elements. If you're short on time, consider using pre-shredded hashbrowns or hashbrown patties for convenience without sacrificing taste.
• Egg Preparation: Customize your eggs to your liking. Opt for scrambled eggs for a soft, creamy texture or fried eggs with runny yolks for a rich addition.
• Breakfast Meat: Add cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or chorizo to your tacos for an extra protein boost and additional flavor.
• Additional Toppings: I love serving these breakfast tacos with sour cream, cilantro, and green hot sauce. But you can also add other toppings such as avocado, red onion, pickled onions, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Spice Level Adjustments: The majority of capsaicin in a chili pepper is contained in this rib and pith of the pepper (the white part) and to a lesser degree in the seeds. Adjust the heat by keeping or reducing the amount of ribs, piths, and seeds as desired.

Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Green Chili Breakfast Tacos

Green Chili Breakfast Tacos are a complete meal by themselves, but if you’re looking to make breakfast a bit more substantial, these easy breakfast side dishes will do the trick:

• Coleslaw: Adds a fresh and crisp contrast that is a quick side dish for tacos. Try this easy recipe for Spicy Cabbage Slaw!
• Roasted Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchinis, and onions echo the earthy flavors in the tacos. Or, try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Sauce!
• Seasoned Black Beans: Simple, hearty, and a great complement.
• Corn Salad: A light, zesty side that balances out the meal. Try this recipe for Grilled Corn Salad with Spicy Honey Lime Dressing!
• Fresh Fruit: Try this Chili Lime Watermelon with Labneh and Honey!
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: A classic breakfast addition that fits right in. Or, try these Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce or these Roasted Cinnamon Garlic Sweet Potatoes!

Essential Tools for Making These Easy Breakfast Tacos

• Baker’s half-sheet
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Kitchen tongs
• A heatproof bowl with a lid or plate
• A skillet (two is better)
• A silicone turner
• A chef’s knife
• A Kitchen scale
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Fine grater
• Tortilla warmer (optional) or a plate with a clean kitchen towel

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Explore More Tasty Breakfast & Brunch Recipes!

Love this recipe for Green Chili Breakfast Tacos? Here are some more of my favorite easy savory breakfast and brunch recipes for a flavorful morning meal:

• Ham, Apple, and Potato Frittata with Gruyère
• Corned Beef Hash
• Eggs Benedict Pizza
• Savory Buttermilk Herb Dutch Baby
• Fall Frittata with Sausage, Butternut Squash, and Kale
• Kitchen Sink Frittata
• Shakshuka

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