Ingredients
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
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, or any of your favorite toppings
1 to 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) or non-stick spray (for baking)
Instructions
- For the fried version, pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to fill it about 2 inches full. Heat the oil over low heat until it reaches 375°F.
- For the baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until slightly softened.
- Add garlic, chili powder, oregano, and cumin, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and add the green chilies. Continue stirring for 5 more minutes, or until everything is thoroughly heated. Set aside.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave. On each tortilla, place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center and top with 3 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- 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.
- For the fried version, carefully lower each chimichanga one at a time into the hot oil, seam side down. Hold them gently with tongs to prevent them from unrolling. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For the baked version, place the wrapped chimichangas on the greased baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick spray. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the chimichangas warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with black beans or seasoned vegetables.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar or a cheese blend if desired.
- Try different sauces like hot sauce or cilantro-lime dressing for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Mexican
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg