If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this easy Enchiladas Suizas recipe is exactly what you need tonight. Packed with tender chicken, rich tomatillo sauce, and loads of melted cheese, these enchiladas bring together traditional Mexican flavors with a smooth, tangy twist that’s simple to create but unforgettable to taste. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mexican cuisine or trying enchiladas for the first time, this recipe is designed to be approachable, flavorful, and perfect for any cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess: The luscious blend of sour cream and melted cheese creates a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday pantry staples that come together without fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Authentic Flavors: The classic combination of tomatillo salsa and tender chicken captures the heart of Mexican home cooking.
- Family Friendly: Mildly spiced and comforting, it’s a dish that kids and adults alike will scarf down happily.
- Customizable: It’s easy to tweak with various fillings or toppings to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating those vibrant colors, creamy textures, and balanced flavors that make Enchiladas Suizas so special.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Cooked and shredded, this forms the hearty filling of the enchiladas.
- Corn tortillas: Softened to prevent cracking, they’re the perfect vehicle for the filling and sauce.
- Tomatillos: Fresh tomatillos blended into a tangy green sauce bring brightness and acidity.
- Sour cream: Adds lush creaminess and balances the tartness of the tomatillo salsa.
- Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheeses like Oaxaca or Monterey Jack provides that signature ooey-gooey melt.
- Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics deepen the flavor base of the sauce and filling.
- Jalapeño or green chili: Optional for a gentle kick of heat, customizable based on your spice preference.
- Fresh cilantro: Added for a fresh herbal note that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Variations for Enchiladas Suizas
The beauty of Enchiladas Suizas is how effortlessly you can adapt the recipe depending on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs. Feel free to personalize this dish to make it your own.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meat-free twist.
- Spicy upgrade: Add chipotle peppers or increase jalapeños for more heat and smoky flavor.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese to keep the creaminess without dairy.
- Cheese swap: Try queso fresco or pepper jack for a different but delicious flavor.
- Green sauce alternatives: Use a store-bought salsa verde for convenience or roast the tomatillos for a deeper flavor.
How to Make Enchiladas Suizas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by cooking the chicken in boiling water with a pinch of salt until tender, then shred it using two forks. Set aside to cool while preparing the sauce. This simple step ensures your filling is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Tomatillo Cream Sauce
In a blender, combine fresh tomatillos, jalapeño, chopped onion, garlic, and cilantro with a splash of water and sour cream. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant and creamy sauce that’s the star of the dish.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas either in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel, making them pliable and less likely to tear during assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Dip each tortilla lightly in the sauce, then fill with shredded chicken and a bit of cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish close together.
Step 5: Add More Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining creamy tomatillo sauce generously over the rolled enchiladas, then top liberally with shredded Mexican cheese to create that perfect cheesy crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden spots appear, signaling that rich, comforting goodness is ready to be devoured.
Pro Tips for Making Enchiladas Suizas
- Warm the tortillas: Always heat your tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and help them absorb the sauce better.
- Balance your sauce: Adjust the sour cream quantity to keep the sauce creamy but not overly thick or runny.
- Use fresh tomatillos: Fresh tomatillos bring brightness; avoid canned or jarred for the best flavor.
- Don’t skimp on cheese: A good layer of cheese on top adds that irresistible golden crust and deep flavor.
- Add fresh herbs last: Sprinkle cilantro after baking to preserve its fresh aroma and color.
How to Serve Enchiladas Suizas
Garnishes
Brighten your enchiladas with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and thinly sliced radishes or avocado for texture contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
Enchiladas Suizas pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple crisp green salad that adds crunch and balances the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the enchiladas in individual ramekins or roll them up as smaller appetizer bites with toothpicks — perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover enchiladas covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
Enchiladas Suizas freeze well; assemble and bake them, then let cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel over the plate to prevent dryness.
FAQs
What does Suizas mean in Enchiladas Suizas?
“Suizas” translates to “Swiss” in Spanish, referring to the creamy, cheesy sauce inspired by Swiss cuisine that tops these enchiladas.
Can I make Enchiladas Suizas vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with beans, sautéed vegetables, or plant-based protein for a tasty vegetarian version.
Is it necessary to use fresh tomatillos?
Fresh tomatillos offer the best flavor and texture, but you can use canned salsa verde in a pinch, though the taste may be less vibrant.
How spicy is this dish?
Enchiladas Suizas are typically mild, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount and type of chili peppers used in the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it a convenient meal for busy days.
Final Thoughts
Enchiladas Suizas are a delightfully creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare yet so satisfying to eat. Whether for a weeknight dinner or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary traditions right to your table. So go ahead, try this recipe tonight and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!