Craving a flavor explosion that’s also quick and relatively healthy? Then get ready to meet your new best friend: Chicken Chimichangas Recipe. These crispy, golden beauties are packed with a savory chicken filling and are guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. As a busy mom, I’m always searching for meals that satisfy both my family’s taste buds and my need for speed. Chicken Chimichangas Recipe ticks all the boxes – delicious, easy, and customizable!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My love affair with chimichangas began on a college spring break trip to Tucson. While my friends were hitting the beaches, I was off exploring the local food scene. A tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant served the most incredible chimichangas I’d ever tasted. They were crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since, tweaking recipes and experimenting until I finally created my own version of that magical taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Chimichangas:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray, for baking)
- Optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken by method of your preference. Cut into small cube size.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Combine the filling: Add the cooked chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Mix well and simmer: Stir to combine and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold and roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, burrito-style.
- Fry or bake: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Alternatively, spray the chimichangas with cooking spray and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve immediately: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Best Results
For extra crispy chimichangas when frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and turn them frequently to ensure even browning. When baking, use a baking rack to elevate the chimichangas, allowing air to circulate and crisp them up. To prevent soggy chimichangas, avoid overfilling the tortilla. A half-cup of filling is typically sufficient. If you want a creamier filling, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before assembling. Feel free to customize the filling to your liking! You can add corn, olives, different types of cheese, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or extra black beans. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Chicken Chimichangas Recipe are golden and crispy, it’s time to elevate the experience with the perfect accompaniments. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling tang, while guacamole brings a creamy, rich avocado flavor. Diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, offer a burst of freshness and vibrant colors. To complete your plate, consider a side of Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad. These sides provide additional texture and balance the richness of the chimichangas. For a casual gathering, serve the chimichangas on a platter with bowls of toppings, allowing guests to customize their own creations. Whether you choose to fry or bake, serving these alongside a colorful array of sides and toppings will undoubtedly turn even the most ordinary meal into a fiesta.
Conclusion
Chicken Chimichangas Recipe are no longer just a restaurant indulgence. This recipe empowers you to bring that bold and satisfying flavor right into your own kitchen, with a homemade touch that elevates every bite. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or venture into personalized variations, the key is to start with quality ingredients and a passion for cooking. The satisfying crunch, the savory filling, and the customizable toppings make them a dish that everyone can enjoy. The best part? Sharing the love! Gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and together, create a memorable dining experience that’s both fun and fulfilling. So crank up the music, pour a pitcher of margaritas, and get ready to enjoy the magic that is Chicken Chimichangas Recipe.
Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken by method of your preference. Cut into small cube size.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Combine the filling: Add the cooked chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Mix well and simmer: Stir to combine and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold and roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, burrito-style.
- Fry or bake: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Alternatively, spray the chimichangas with cooking spray and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve immediately: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
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