Oh, let me tell you about chicken chimichangas! These crispy, golden delights are filled with seasoned chicken and gooey cheese, making them an absolute favorite in my kitchen. Just imagine biting into that crunchy exterior and discovering a warm, flavorful filling inside—it’s pure bliss! I love making these for friends and family because they’re not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Seriously, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, chicken chimichangas are always a crowd-pleaser! Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, like salsa or guacamole, to really make them shine. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 flour tortillas (make sure they’re big enough to hold all that delicious filling!)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great!)
How to Prepare Chicken Chimichangas
Get ready to dive into the delightful world of chicken chimichangas! This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of creating these crispy, savory treats. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Mix the Filling
First things first, let’s make that scrumptious filling! In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. You want those flavors to meld together beautifully—so don’t be shy!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Next up, let’s get those tortillas ready. Warm them slightly in the microwave or on a skillet for just a few seconds—this makes them soft and pliable, which is crucial for rolling! Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step; it helps prevent any tearing when you’re filling them up.
Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas
Now comes the fun part—assembling the chimichangas! Take one tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Make sure to seal the edges well; you don’t want that delicious filling escaping during frying! You can use a dab of water or a little bit of the filling to help seal it shut.
Step 4: Fry the Chimichangas
Time to bring on the heat! In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a little bit of filling—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!), carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell is divine!
Step 5: Drain and Serve
When they’re perfectly crispy, carefully remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps get rid of any excess oil. Now, it’s time to serve! I love pairing mine with fresh salsa or creamy guacamole. They make the perfect dipping companions. Enjoy every bite of these heavenly chicken chimichangas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously crispy exterior with a mouthwatering, cheesy filling.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings for a personal touch.
- Satisfying texture that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings—everyone loves them!
Tips for Success
To really nail those chicken chimichangas, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t overfill the tortillas—about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla is perfect. This way, they roll up easily without bursting at the seams. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this ensures they get that beautiful golden color and stay crispy. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Trust me, they’ll still be delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each chicken chimichanga, so you know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
These chicken chimichangas are a satisfying treat, and knowing the nutrition can help you enjoy them even more! Whether you’re indulging for a special occasion or just because, they’re definitely worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I bake chicken chimichangas instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just brush the assembled chimichangas with a little oil and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crispy. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch without all the frying oil!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any chicken chimichangas left over (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them nice and crispy again. Yum!
Can I use different proteins?
You bet! Feel free to get creative with proteins—shredded beef, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist work wonderfully. Just remember to season them well, just like you would with the chicken, to keep that flavor punch intact. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover chicken chimichangas is super easy! Just let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them later! When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven to keep that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll be nice and warm without losing their crunch. Trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as when they were freshly made!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out chicken quesadillas or chicken tamale pie. You can also learn about the health benefits of chicken here.
Print
Chicken Chimichangas: 5 Crispy Secrets to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken chimichangas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Spoon filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chimichangas until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the edges of the tortillas well.
- You can bake them for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken chimichangas, Mexican food, fried tortillas
