Enchiladas

Enchiladas Suizas

Name: Enchiladas Suizas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 4-6 dried chiles, such as arbol or guajillo; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (250ml) Mexican crema; 1/2 cup (120g) queso fresco, crumbled; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Marisol Vega · June 18, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I had Enchiladas Suizas at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and toasted tortillas was love at first bite. As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I've always been passionate about sharing the flavors and traditions of my heritage with others.

Enchiladas Suizas, which translates to 'Swiss-style enchiladas,' is a classic Mexican dish that originated in the 1950s. The name 'Suizas' refers to the creamy sauce, which is reminiscent of Swiss cuisine. This recipe is a staple in many Mexican households, and for good reason - it's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of flavors and textures. The toasted chiles and onions add a deep, smoky flavor, while the Mexican crema and queso fresco provide a rich and creamy element. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the tortillas are toasted just right to add a nice crunch. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine, and it's also a great option for those looking to try something new.

As a home cook, I believe that the key to making great Enchiladas Suizas is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to prepare each component with care. From toasting the chiles to cooking the chicken, every step is important in creating a dish that's both delicious and authentic. In this recipe, I'll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks along the way to ensure that your Enchiladas Suizas turn out perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients or spices
It's a great option for those looking to try something new and exciting
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients
It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress your friends and family

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Enchiladas Suizas is to understand the cooking science behind the dish. The first step is to toast the chiles and onions, which adds a deep, smoky flavor to the sauce. This process, called 'dry-heat charring,' is a fundamental technique in Mexican cuisine, and it's essential for creating a rich and complex flavor profile.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth, which is then used to make the sauce. The sauce is layered with the toasted chiles, onions, and Mexican crema, creating a deep and creamy flavor profile. This layering technique is what sets Enchiladas Suizas apart from other enchilada recipes, and it's what makes the dish so delicious.

The type of cheese used is also crucial. Queso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that's made from cow's milk, and it has a crumbly texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It's the perfect cheese for Enchiladas Suizas, as it adds a nice depth of flavor and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas Suizas, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken breasts, dried chiles, onions, garlic, Mexican crema, and queso fresco. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper. When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality items, such as fresh produce and authentic Mexican spices.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the dried chiles. These chiles are the foundation of the sauce, and they add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. You can find dried chiles at most Mexican markets or online. If you can't find dried chiles, you can substitute with dried ancho or guajillo chiles.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts with no added hormones or preservatives. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
4-6 dried chiles, such as arbol or guajilloDried chiles are the foundation of the sauce, and they add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. You can find dried chiles at most Mexican markets or online.
1 large onion, thinly slicedLook for a sweet, flavorful onion, such as a Vidalia or a yellow onion. You can also use a combination of onions and shallots for added depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the sauce, and it's essential for creating a rich and complex flavor profile. You can also use roasted garlic for added depth of flavor.
1 cup (250ml) Mexican cremaMexican crema is a type of sour cream that's made from cow's milk. It's the perfect addition to Enchiladas Suizas, as it adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.
1/2 cup (120g) queso fresco, crumbledQueso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that's made from cow's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor, and it's the perfect cheese for Enchiladas Suizas.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminCumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce, and it's essential for creating a rich and complex flavor profile. You can also use smoked cumin for added depth of flavor.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce, and it's essential for creating a deep and complex flavor profile. You can also use smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper, to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish. Use high-quality salt and pepper, such as kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8-10 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the traditional choice for Enchiladas Suizas, and they add a nice crunch and texture to the dish. You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is the perfect choice for cooking the chicken and the onions, as it adds a rich and flavorful element to the dish. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for added depth of flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Enchiladas Suizas

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing it into thin strips.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they're translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the dried chiles to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Then, add 1 cup of water to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chiles are rehydrated and the liquid has reduced slightly.
6
Using a blender or food processor, blend the chile mixture until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids.
7
In a large saucepan, combine the blended chile mixture, Mexican crema, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
8
To assemble the enchiladas, dip each tortilla in the sauce for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make the tortillas more pliable and easier to roll.
9
To fill the tortillas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the shredded chicken down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle some of the crumbled queso fresco on top of the chicken, then roll the tortilla up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10
Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining queso fresco.
11
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.

Expert Tips

To toast the chiles, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and slightly puffed.
To prevent the tortillas from tearing, make sure to dip them in the sauce for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or scallions on top of the enchiladas before baking.
To make the dish more substantial, serve the enchiladas with some Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
To freeze the enchiladas, simply assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Then, bake the frozen enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To reheat the enchiladas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles properly, which can result in a bitter flavor.
Not cooking the onions long enough, which can result in a raw flavor.
Not blending the sauce until smooth, which can result in a chunky texture.
Not dipping the tortillas in the sauce, which can result in dry and brittle tortillas.
Not covering the dish with foil, which can result in a dry and overcooked top.
Not letting the chicken rest before shredding or slicing, which can result in a tough and dry texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as Oaxaca or Cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quick and easy meal.
Add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor.
Serve the enchiladas with a side of sour cream or Mexican crema for a creamy and tangy contrast.

What to Serve With Enchiladas Suizas

Enchiladas Suizas are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include Mexican rice, beans, roasted vegetables, and salads. You can also serve the enchiladas with some warm tortillas, sour cream, or salsa for a fun and interactive meal.

For a special occasion, consider serving the enchiladas with some grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, or with some sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to the dish for a bright and fresh flavor.

Mexican riceBeansRoasted vegetablesSaladsSour cream or Mexican cremaWarm tortillas

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the enchiladas, simply let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the enchiladas for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.

To reheat the enchiladas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the enchiladas in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

To make the dish ahead of time, simply assemble the enchiladas, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Then, bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Enchiladas Suizas?

Queso fresco is the traditional choice for Enchiladas Suizas, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Oaxaca or Cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken for this recipe. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the filling.

How do I toast the chiles?

To toast the chiles, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and slightly puffed.

Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.

How do I reheat the enchiladas?

To reheat the enchiladas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time. Simply assemble the enchiladas, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Then, bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What type of tortillas are best for Enchiladas Suizas?

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for Enchiladas Suizas, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced onions or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture.

The Full Recipe

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