Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Chimichangas are an irresistible combination of tender, seasoned chicken and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla. You can customize the recipe based on your preferences, opting for either a fried or baked version. This dish is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Plus, the endless topping options allow you to get creative with your presentation and flavors. Whether you’re craving a crunchy bite or something a bit lighter, this recipe delivers!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup diced white onion

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

• 8 (burrito-size) flour tortillas, warmed

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the toppings:

• Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, or any of your favorite toppings

For frying or baking:

• 1 to 2 cups vegetable oil, divided (for frying) or non-stick spray (for baking)

Directions

Fried Version

1. In a large, cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to fill it 2 inches full. Heat the oil over low heat until it reaches about 375°F.

Baked Version

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.

Chicken Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until slightly softened.

2. Add garlic, chili powder, oregano, and cumin, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Stir in the shredded chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Add the green chilies and continue stirring for 5 more minutes, or until everything is thoroughly heated. Set aside.

Assembling the Chimichangas

1. Warm the tortillas in the microwave. On each tortilla, place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center. Top with 3 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

2. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom over the sides, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled chimichangas, seam side down, on a large plate or platter and repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Fried Version

1. Using tongs, carefully lower one chimichanga at a time into the hot oil, seam side down. Hold them gently with the tongs to prevent them from unrolling.

2. Fry the chimichangas for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baked Version

1. Place the wrapped chimichangas on the greased baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick spray.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve the chimichangas warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on frying or baking)

• Total Time: 35-45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace the chicken with black beans or seasoned vegetables for a meatless version.

• Spicy Chicken: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling to spice things up.

• Cheese: Feel free to swap out the Monterey Jack for cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like hot sauce, chipotle crema, or cilantro-lime dressing for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chimichangas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For extra crispiness, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

How do I make sure my chimichangas don’t unroll while frying?

It’s helpful to use tongs to hold the chimichangas in place while frying, ensuring they stay seam-side down. You can also lightly seal the edges with a small bit of water before rolling them up.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time in the kitchen.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas for chimichangas?

You can warm tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds per tortilla, or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze chimichangas for later?

Yes, you can freeze them! After assembling, place the chimichangas on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, bake or fry from frozen.

How do I make chimichangas without a deep fryer?

You can make chimichangas in a cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet with enough oil to submerge them partially, or you can bake them as outlined in the recipe.

Can I add more spices to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more chili powder, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.

How can I make the chimichangas extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 375°F) when frying, and cook the chimichangas until they are golden brown on both sides.

Can I make these chimichangas gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas to make the chimichangas gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels for cross-contamination if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Can I prepare the chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply heat it up before assembling the chimichangas.

Are chimichangas a healthy option?

The healthiness of chimichangas depends on how you prepare them. Opting for the baked version with lighter toppings will make them a healthier choice compared to frying.

Conclusion

Chicken Chimichangas are a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to customize and packed with flavor. Whether you prefer them fried for extra crunch or baked for a lighter option, these chimichangas are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a delicious dish perfect for any occasion.

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