Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Suizas: An Easy Mexican Comfort Food Classic

Enchiladas Suizas may sound fancy, but this beloved Mexican dish is all about creamy comfort and approachable ingredients. “Suizas” means “Swiss,” referring to the creamy dairy-based sauce that sets this enchilada variation apart from the rest. While traditional enchiladas rely heavily on spicy tomato or chili sauces, Suizas are smothered in a rich, tangy green sauce blended with sour cream. This particular recipe features tender shredded chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with a smooth green salsa-based sauce, and covered in melted cheese. The result is a bubbling, satisfying tray of enchiladas that delivers mild spice, creaminess, and just the right touch of zest. This dish is ideal for beginners because it uses pantry staples, simple techniques, and flexible ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, trying to expand your home-cooked repertoire, or looking for a dish that works for make-ahead meal prep, Chicken Enchiladas Suizas are the perfect place to start. Plus, you can customize it to your preferences with different proteins, spice levels, or cheese blends.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this recipe as simple and practical as possible, here’s a breakdown of everything you need, including alternatives to suit your taste or pantry stock.

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached breast)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Cream Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup green salsa (tomatillo salsa or salsa verde)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 8 to 10 corn tortillas (or small flour tortillas if preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

Preparation Notes

• If using raw chicken, boil or bake chicken breast until cooked through, then shred
• For beef lovers, substitute chicken with cooked and shredded beef or ground beef
• Homemade green salsa can be made with canned tomatillos, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro blended together
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor
• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the green salsa, sour cream, and heavy cream. Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat until slightly thickened. Blend if a smoother sauce is desired.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
8. Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
9. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of chicken filling into each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
10. Repeat until all the filling and tortillas are used.
11. Pour the prepared green sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Use a spatula to spread if needed.
12. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the sauced tortillas.
13. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
15. Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce prep
• Always warm tortillas before rolling to prevent them from tearing or cracking
• If the sauce seems too thick, thin it slightly with a splash of milk
• For more texture, add a few tablespoons of cooked corn or black beans to the filling
• Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are hard to work with or if you prefer a softer texture
• The dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking
• To reduce spice, choose mild green salsa or add extra sour cream to mellow the flavor
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice for a complete meal
• Add a side of refried beans or black beans with lime for extra protein and fiber
• A simple salad with crisp greens, avocado, and lime vinaigrette adds balance
• Fresh tomato salsa or guacamole makes excellent accompaniments
• Garnish with green onions, jalapeño slices, or lime wedges for extra flavor
• For a family dinner, set up a toppings bar with sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes
• Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a light citrus-flavored drink to complement the creaminess
• Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture

Engagement Features

Have you made enchiladas at home before? If not, this creamy Chicken Enchiladas Suizas recipe is a great introduction to Mexican cooking. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking to expand your skills or a home cook exploring new flavors, this dish is designed to build confidence in the kitchen. What changes would you make? Would you add vegetables, use beef instead of chicken, or try a spicier salsa? Let us know how your version turned out. Your feedback, tips, and tweaks help other home cooks too. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider sharing it with someone who loves creamy comfort food. Save it for your weekly rotation or experiment with different toppings next time. Cooking should be fun, rewarding, and most of all, delicious.