Chicken Enchilada Suiza, often referred to as Enchiladas Suizas, is a delightful dish that combines the rich, creamy textures of Swiss-style sauces with the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is a heartwarming blend of tender chicken, tangy tomatillo salsa, creamy cheese, and soft corn tortillas, baked to perfection to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe for making Chicken Enchilada Suiza at home.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Swiss or Mexican blend cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying tortillas
For the Salsa Verde:
1 lb tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
2 serrano peppers (adjust to taste)
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt to taste
For Garnishing:
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced red onions
Sour cream
Sliced avocados
Instructions
Preparing the Salsa Verde
Cook the Tomatillos: In a saucepan, cover the tomatillos and serrano peppers with water.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatillos are soft.
Blend the Salsa: Drain the tomatillos and peppers and transfer them to a blender. Add garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Pour the salsa into a bowl and mix in the sour cream. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Preparing the Enchiladas
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the Tortillas: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortillas for about 10 seconds per side or until they become pliable. Drain them on paper towels.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Dip each tortilla in the salsa verde, fill with shredded chicken, a sprinkle of chopped onion, and a handful of cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
Cover with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, cover them with the remaining salsa verde and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Baking
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before garnishing with cilantro, red onions, sour cream, and slices of avocado.
Tips and Variations
Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors and textures. Traditional Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar can also be used.
Protein: This recipe uses chicken, but you can substitute it with shredded beef, pork, or even a vegetarian filling like sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of serrano peppers in the salsa to control the spice level according to your preference.
Chicken Enchilada Suiza is a versatile dish that invites experimentation. It’s a celebration of flavors that meld together to create a comforting, satisfying meal. Serve it on a quiet weeknight dinner or as part of a festive feast; it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking and buen provecho!
Accompanying Dishes
To round out your Chicken Enchilada Suiza meal, consider serving it with a few complementary sides. A simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the enchiladas. Rice and beans, staple sides in Mexican cuisine, also pair wonderfully, adding both substance and variety to your plate. For a lighter option, a corn and avocado salad could provide a crisp, fresh element to the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Chicken Enchilada Suiza makes for excellent leftovers, allowing the flavors to meld together even more overnight. To store, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, individual servings can be microwaved for a quick and easy meal.
Making Ahead and Freezing
For those busy days when you want a homemade meal without the effort, Chicken Enchilada Suiza can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-to-oven safe dish without baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, removing the plastic wrap and replacing the foil, at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Nutritional Considerations
While Chicken Enchilada Suiza is undeniably delicious, it’s also rich in calories and fat due to the cheese and sour cream. For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese and sour cream or substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the salsa verde. Adding more vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, can increase the dish’s nutritional value and fiber content without compromising flavor.
Chicken Enchilada Suiza is a dish that beautifully represents the fusion of Swiss and Mexican culinary traditions, offering a creamy, comforting, and satisfying meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or opt for a lighter version, this dish is sure to please a wide range of palates. It’s a testament to the versatility and adaptability of Mexican cuisine, proving that even classic dishes can be tailored to fit modern tastes and dietary preferences. So next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and flavorful, give Chicken Enchilada Suiza a try—it might just become your new favorite comfort food.
