Start your day with a hearty and satisfying breakfast that combines the rich flavors of chili with the simplicity of eggs. This dish is perfect for using up leftover chili and is sure to keep you full and energized throughout the morning. The melted cheese on top adds a creamy finish that ties everything together.
If you don't already have leftover chili at home, you can easily find canned chili in the soup or canned goods aisle of your supermarket. Make sure to choose a variety that suits your taste, whether it's mild, medium, or spicy. The shredded cheese can be any type you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Ingredients For Chili And Eggs For Breakfast
Eggs: Essential for this breakfast dish, providing protein and a rich, runny yolk.
Chili: Adds a hearty and flavorful base; can be leftover or canned.
Shredded cheese: Melts over the top, adding a creamy texture and extra flavor.
Butter: Used to cook the eggs, giving them a rich taste and preventing sticking.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking eggs, make sure to use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor. To achieve perfectly runny yolks, cook the eggs on medium heat and avoid flipping them. If you prefer firmer yolks, cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be scrambled and seasoned to mimic the texture and taste of eggs, making it a great vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour mixed with water and spices can create a batter that cooks up similar to scrambled eggs.
leftover or canned chili - Substitute with black beans and salsa: Black beans and salsa can provide a similar texture and flavor profile, and are often more readily available.
leftover or canned chili - Substitute with vegetable stew: A hearty vegetable stew can offer a similar comforting and savory experience.
shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a popular vegan alternative.
shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: There are many plant-based cheese options available that melt and taste similar to dairy cheese.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to cook the eggs and provides a healthy fat alternative.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is another great alternative that adds a subtle flavor and is suitable for high-heat cooking.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Breakfast Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Breakfast Dish
Allow the chili and eggs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the dish from becoming soggy.
Transfer the chili and eggs into separate airtight containers. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each component.
Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you use them within a safe timeframe.
Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The eggs should be consumed within 2 days for the best quality.
For freezing, place the chili in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Avoid freezing the eggs as they can become rubbery and lose their desirable texture.
When ready to reheat, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Reheat the eggs in a non-stick skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of butter to prevent sticking and to enhance flavor.
Assemble the dish by placing the reheated chili on a plate, topping it with the reheated eggs, and sprinkling with fresh shredded cheese.
For added freshness, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
How To Reheat Leftovers
For the stovetop method:
- Place the leftover chili in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- In a separate non-stick pan, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat.
- Gently reheat the eggs by placing them in the pan and covering with a lid. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until warmed but not overcooked.
- Serve the reheated chili and eggs on a plate, and sprinkle with fresh shredded cheese.
For the microwave method:
- Place the leftover chili in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chili is hot.
- Place the eggs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until the eggs are warmed through, being careful not to overcook them.
- Combine the chili and eggs on a plate and top with shredded cheese.
For the oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is hot.
- Place the eggs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with foil.
- Warm the eggs in the oven for the last 5-7 minutes of the chili's reheating time.
- Serve the reheated chili and eggs together, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
For the air fryer method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover chili in an air fryer-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Heat for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chili is hot.
- Place the eggs on a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket and cover loosely with foil.
- Warm the eggs for the last 3-4 minutes of the chili's reheating time.
- Combine the chili and eggs on a plate and top with shredded cheese.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pan: Used to heat the chili over medium heat until warmed through.
Another pan: Used to melt the butter and cook the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
Spatula: Useful for handling the eggs and ensuring they don't stick to the pan.
Plate: For serving the chili and eggs.
Measuring cup: To measure out 1 cup of leftover or canned chili.
Measuring spoon: To measure out 1 tablespoon of butter.
Cheese grater: To shred the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Knife: To crack the eggs into the pan.
Salt shaker: For seasoning the eggs with salt.
Pepper grinder: For seasoning the eggs with pepper.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use pre-cooked eggs: Cook the eggs the night before and store them in the fridge. Reheat them quickly in the morning.
Microwave the chili: Instead of heating the chili on the stove, use the microwave to save time.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to avoid the time-consuming task of shredding it yourself.
One-pan method: Cook the chili and eggs in the same pan to reduce cleanup time.
Meal prep: Prepare all ingredients the night before, so you just need to assemble and heat in the morning.

Chili And Eggs For Breakfast Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup chili leftover or canned
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the chili in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
- In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Divide the chili between two plates.
- Place two eggs on top of each plate of chili.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Nutritional Value
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