Enchiladas Suizas
A classic Mexican dish featuring tender shredded chicken rolled in soft corn tortillas, bathed in a creamy tomatillo and serrano chile sauce, and baked with a generous blanket of melted Swiss cheese. Originating from Mexico City, this dish is the epitome of rich, tangy comfort food.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook and Shred Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts in a medium pot with 1 tsp of salt and cover with about 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- c.Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- d.Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Reserve at least 1 cup of the cooking liquid to use as chicken broth.
- e.Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Salsa Verde
- b.In a separate saucepan, combine the tomatillos, two quarters of the onion, garlic cloves, and serrano peppers. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- c.Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatillos soften and change color to a dull olive green. Do not let them burst.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled vegetables to a blender. Add the fresh cilantro and 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth.
- e.Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finish the Creamy Sauce
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully pour the blended salsa into the skillet; it will sizzle and spatter.
- c.Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Mexican crema and 1 tsp of kosher salt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stirring off-heat prevents the crema from curdling.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Enchiladas
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- d.Using tongs, quickly fry each tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side until it's soft and pliable but not crisp. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- e.Pour about 1 cup of the creamy sauce into a shallow dish. Dip each fried tortilla into the sauce, ensuring both sides are coated.
- f.Fill each sauced tortilla with a generous amount of shredded chicken, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the dish.
- c.Combine the shredded Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses and sprinkle them evenly over the top.
- d.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.
- e.Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps them set.
- f.Garnish with thinly sliced rings from the remaining raw onion, fresh cilantro, and an extra drizzle of crema. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, smokier flavor, roast the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and peppers on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of boiling them.
- 2Don't skip flash-frying the tortillas. This crucial step creates a barrier that prevents them from becoming mushy and falling apart in the sauce.
- 3Always stir the crema or sour cream into the sauce *off the heat* to prevent it from curdling and splitting.
- 4Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
- 5For a shortcut, use a high-quality store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred the meat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit, crumbled queso fresco, or a mixture of black beans and corn for a delicious vegetarian filling.
Cheese VariationCheese Variation
While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to use other good melting cheeses like Oaxaca, Asadero, or Muenster for a different flavor profile.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add an extra serrano or a habanero pepper to the salsa when boiling the vegetables. You can also leave the seeds in for maximum heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The chicken and cheese provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Tomatillos, onions, garlic, and cilantro are excellent sources of vitamins like Vitamin C and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals that support immune health.
Frequently asked questions
The name 'Suizas' is Spanish for 'Swiss'. The dish was named this way because of its heavy use of dairy products—specifically cream and cheese—which was associated with Swiss cuisine at the time of its creation in a Mexico City restaurant in the early 20th century.
