If you’ve ever longed for a dish that is layered with fresh, zesty flavors and wrapped in a cozy, cheesy blanket, then this Enchiladas Suizas Recipe is absolutely for you. Picture tender chicken nestled inside warm corn tortillas, all smothered in a luscious salsa verde and sour cream sauce that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just a touch of heat. This recipe is truly a celebration of Mexican comfort food that feels special enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Whether you’re a seasoned enchilada enthusiast or just diving into this delicious tradition, you’re about to discover a new favorite that sings with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Enchiladas Suizas Recipe relies on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that combine beautifully to create incredible depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the bright salsa verde to the gooey Monterey Jack cheese that melts beautifully on top.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Small onion (chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and texture, softening perfectly when cooked.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a savory, aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Can of diced green chiles (4-ounce): Offers a mild heat and authentic Southwestern flavor profile.
- Salsa verde (1½ cups): The star of the sauce; it provides tangy brightness and a fresh green color.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Gives silkiness and richness that balances the acidity of the salsa verde.
- Shredded cooked chicken (1 cup): The hearty protein filling, tender and comforting.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts into gooey, creamy pockets both inside and on top of the enchiladas.
- Corn tortillas (8): Traditional and naturally gluten-free, they provide the perfect wrap that soaks up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients into harmony.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional): Bright garnishes that add fresh herbaceous notes and an optional kick.
How to Make Enchiladas Suizas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step is key to unlocking the sweet, savory foundation of your sauce. Following this, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
Step 2: Simmer the Green Chile Salsa
Next, add the diced green chiles and salsa verde to the skillet. Lower the heat and allow this mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes. Simmering helps the bright salsa verde mellow and lets the flavors combine beautifully. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or burns, creating a smooth and vibrant sauce.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. This addition transforms the salsa verde into a creamy, luscious sauce that beautifully balances tang and richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this simple seasoning tweak makes all the difference.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cheese
In a separate bowl, mix your shredded cooked chicken with half a cup of Monterey Jack cheese and a few spoonfuls of the prepared sauce. This mixture will create a cohesive and cheesy filling that stays moist and flavorful once rolled into the tortillas.
Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm your corn tortillas briefly to make them pliable. You can do this in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them up, ensuring your enchiladas stay intact and beautiful.
Step 6: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon an even amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then carefully roll them up. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This arrangement ensures they hold their shape while baking.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Pour the remaining creamy salsa verde sauce all over the enchiladas, then sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese generously on top. Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly sauce and a gently golden cheese crust. This final baking step melds everything together into a comfort food masterpiece.
How to Serve Enchiladas Suizas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing enchiladas isn’t just about looks—it adds delightful bursts of flavor and freshness. I love to sprinkle on chopped cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness and arrange thin slices of jalapeño to give an optional spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can also enhance those vibrant notes.
Side Dishes
Enchiladas Suizas are hearty, so pair them with lighter companions. A crisp Mexican-style slaw or simple refried beans can cool and complement the richness. For something fresh, a citrusy avocado salad or a bowl of black beans simmered with cumin fits perfectly, rounding out the meal with textures and flavors that sing alongside the enchiladas.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow your guests or just jazz up your dinner routine, try layering two enchiladas in a shallow bowl and topping them with avocado slices, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a drizzle of chipotle crema. Serving them in individual casserole dishes also looks adorable and keeps portions neat and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this Enchiladas Suizas Recipe is how well it keeps. Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal that feels just as comforting.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, these enchiladas freeze wonderfully. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe container, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method keeps them moist and prevents the cheese from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too, but the oven method gives you that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Enchiladas Suizas vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, or use black beans for protein. The creamy salsa verde sauce pairs beautifully with plant-based fillings, making it just as satisfying.
What kind of cheese works best?
Monterey Jack cheese is traditional and beloved for its smooth melting quality and mild flavor. However, you can also try white cheddar or Oaxaca cheese for slight variations. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well or are too salty.
Are corn tortillas necessary?
Corn tortillas are classic and provide a great texture and flavor in this recipe. They’re naturally gluten-free too. That said, flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer, chewier wrap, but the dish will have a slightly different texture.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep or prepping for a gathering.
How spicy are Enchiladas Suizas?
These enchiladas have a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the green chiles and optional jalapeño garnish. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Enchiladas Suizas Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it blends traditional Mexican flavors with creamy comfort in a way that’s both approachable and impressive. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one serving. So gather your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and bring a little warm Mexican magic to your table tonight!
Print
Enchiladas Suizas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enchiladas Suizas are a classic Mexican dish featuring tender corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, all smothered in a rich, tangy salsa verde sauce blended with sour cream. Baked until bubbly and golden, they’re garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a perfect balance of flavors and spice.
Ingredients
Sauce & Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1½ cups salsa verde
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8 corn tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced green chiles and salsa verde, reduce heat, and simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in sour cream, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a few tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.
- Warm Tortillas: Briefly warm the corn tortillas until pliable, either in a microwave wrapped in a damp towel or in a dry skillet over medium heat. This prevents them from cracking when rolled.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon an even amount of the chicken and cheese filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining salsa verde sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they’re well coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables or black beans.
- While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas can be used based on preference.
- Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating the enchiladas before baking for easy meal prep.
