The Enchiladas Suizas Rojas offer a rich fusion of bold Mexican flavors and creamy indulgence. Stuffed with juicy shredded chicken and gooey cheese, each tortilla is rolled and bathed in a velvety tomato-guajillo sauce, finished with a generous topping of melty cheese.
This comforting dish comes straight from the heart of traditional Mexican cooking. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or spicing up your meal prep, these enchiladas hit all the right notes — hearty, spicy, and irresistibly creamy. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or fresh salad to complete the experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 corn tortillas
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2 cups shredded chicken
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1 cup melty cheese (Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or mozzarella)
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Oil for frying (about 1/4 cup)
For the Creamy Red Sauce:
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1 lb ripe tomatoes
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1 guajillo pepper (optional, or sub with other mild dried chile)
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1 small onion
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1 clove garlic
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1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Place the tomatoes and guajillo chile in a saucepan. Cover with water and boil until tomatoes are soft (about 10 minutes). Let cool, then remove the tomato skins and stems.
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Add cooked tomatoes, chile, garlic, bouillon, and 1 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth.
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Melt butter in a saucepan, pour in the tomato mixture, and cook over medium heat until it begins to thicken.
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Add the crema, stir well, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the sauce into the base of a baking dish.
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In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Lightly fry each tortilla on both sides until pliable. Drain on paper towels.
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Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and a bit of cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
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Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Top with the rest of the cheese.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve warm with rice or beans.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 319 kcal per enchilada | Servings: 8 enchiladas
The Role of the Sauce
The defining element of Enchiladas Suizas Rojas is the red creamy sauce. Unlike many traditional enchilada sauces that are either entirely tomato-based or chile-based, this sauce brings together roasted or boiled tomatoes, dried guajillo chile for mild heat and earthy flavor, onion, garlic, and Mexican crema. Once blended, this mixture simmers until it thickens slightly and becomes the perfect consistency to cling to every rolled tortilla.
The combination of the sweet acidity from the tomatoes and the deep, smoky notes from the guajillo chile creates a sauce that is robust yet mellow. The final addition of crema enhances the richness and helps to mellow any sharpness from the tomatoes or chile, making it smooth, luscious, and highly comforting.
Why Chicken is the Ideal Filling
The choice of shredded chicken for the filling is both practical and flavorful. Chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce well and offers a lean protein option that balances the richness of the creamy sauce and cheese topping. Typically, cooked chicken breast is shredded and used as the filling, often with a sprinkle of melty cheese such as Oaxaca or mozzarella for an added creamy texture inside.
Additionally, using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes the dish both convenient and economical. It also reduces cooking time, making it an excellent option for weeknight dinners or large gatherings when you want to serve something hearty and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tortilla Texture and Flavor
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, and for good reason. Their slight chewiness and earthy flavor perfectly complement the bold flavors of the sauce and the tender chicken filling. In Enchiladas Suizas Rojas, the tortillas are lightly fried before assembly. This not only prevents them from falling apart when rolled but also enhances their flavor and helps them absorb the sauce more effectively.
Frying also creates a barrier that allows the sauce to coat the enchiladas without completely saturating and breaking them down. This step might seem minor, but it contributes significantly to the final dish’s texture, preventing sogginess and allowing for a more satisfying bite.
Cheese: A Melting Delight
Cheese plays a starring role in Enchiladas Suizas Rojas. A generous amount is used both inside the rolled tortillas and sprinkled on top before baking. As the dish cooks in the oven, the cheese melts into the sauce, combining the two components into a unified layer of savory, creamy indulgence.
The best cheeses for this dish are those that melt well—Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or mozzarella are all excellent choices. These cheeses create that irresistible stretchy texture when you cut into the enchiladas, adding visual appeal and enhancing the eating experience. The topping becomes golden and bubbly during baking, creating a lightly crisp top layer that contrasts with the soft tortillas and gooey interior.
A Balanced Flavor Profile
One of the reasons Enchiladas Suizas Rojas are so popular is the balance of flavors they offer. The tanginess from the tomato, the slight smokiness from the chile, the richness from the crema, and the saltiness of the cheese and chicken all come together harmoniously. Nothing overpowers the other; rather, each component enhances the next.
Even the slight spice from the chile is mellowed out by the cream, making this a family-friendly dish that even those sensitive to heat can enjoy. And while indulgent, the use of fresh ingredients gives the dish a homemade authenticity that’s hard to beat.
Presentation and Garnishing
Enchiladas Suizas Rojas are often presented in a shallow baking dish, with each enchilada nestled beside the next, covered in sauce and cheese. Once baked, they are garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Some versions include a drizzle of crema on top or crumbled queso fresco for additional texture. While not always necessary, these toppings elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor. When served with a side of rice, beans, or even a simple salad, the dish becomes a complete and satisfying meal.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties for good reason. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities and can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Its comforting flavors appeal to a wide audience, and its rich, creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent and special.
Whether you’re introducing someone to Mexican cuisine for the first time or serving a seasoned aficionado, Enchiladas Suizas Rojas make a memorable impression. They also store well, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Reheating them doesn’t sacrifice flavor; in fact, some argue that they taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Dietary Adaptations and Customizations
While the traditional recipe is made with chicken, the filling can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. Vegetarians can substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a bean mixture. For a more decadent version, some cooks add a bit of cream cheese to the filling or mix the shredded chicken with sautéed onions and spices.
Gluten-free eaters can stick to certified gluten-free corn tortillas, and those who are lactose-intolerant may experiment with dairy-free cheese and coconut or plant-based cream alternatives. The sauce can also be made spicier with the addition of chipotle or arbol chiles if desired.
Conclusion
Enchiladas Suizas Rojas are a true culinary gem that exemplify the art of blending traditional Mexican flavors with European-inspired richness. From the tender shredded chicken to the creamy, tangy tomato-chile sauce and bubbly cheese topping, each bite offers comfort and complexity. They are not just a dish, but a celebration of cultural fusion and timeless flavor.
Perfect for everything from weeknight meals to festive occasions, these enchiladas invite you to savor the layers of taste and texture they provide. Whether you’re serving them to impress guests or treating yourself to a home-cooked comfort meal, Enchiladas Suizas Rojas deliver on every level—delicious, hearty, and soul-satisfying.