Enchiladas Suizas Recipe
Servings: 4-6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or Mexican crema
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère can also be used)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños or avocado (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream or Mexican crema and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the salsa verde and shredded Swiss cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To soften the corn tortillas and make them more pliable, you have two options:
- Option 1: Heat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Option 2: Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
- This step will prevent the tortillas from breaking when you roll them.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce and Bake
- Pour the creamy Swiss cheese sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and, if desired, sliced jalapeños or avocado.
- Serve the Enchiladas Suizas hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Substitution: Substitute the chicken with shredded beef, pork, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Sauce Variation: For a spicier kick, add a tablespoon of diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the enchiladas up to the baking step and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply bake them as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Enchiladas Suizas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful, tomato-based rice dish that complements the creamy enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy, seasoned beans add extra heartiness to the meal.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh and vibrant toppings that balance the richness of the dish.
These Enchiladas Suizas are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—a true comfort food that’s sure to impress at your next dinner gathering.