Oh, the joy of discovering a dish that brings the whole family together! These Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a delightful twist on a classic, like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Picture this: golden, crispy parcels filled with savory goodness, and the aroma—oh, it’s like a fiesta in your kitchen.
Steps
- Cook chicken breasts in a frying pan until they are fully cooked and tender. Allow them to rest before chopping or shredding.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine refried beans, chopped chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, spices, and chopped green onions. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Place about ½ cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each flour tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly, similar to a burrito.
- For baked chimichangas, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the chimichangas with oil and bake them for approximately 25 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
- For pan-fried chimichangas, heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Place the chimichangas seam-side down and turn them every 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Serve the chimichangas warm, topped with salsa and sour cream, and accompanied by a side of Mexican rice if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 can refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa, your preferred type
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1578kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 108g | Fat: 102g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 300mg | Sodium: 3342mg | Potassium: 1182mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2640IU | Vitamin C: 7.2mg | Calcium: 774mg | Iron: 9.6mg
FAQ
- What exactly is a chimichanga?
- A chimichanga is a Mexican dish that involves a tortilla filled with a combination of meat or beans and is typically deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior. Essentially, it is a deep-fried burrito, often served with toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, and accompanied by a side of Mexican rice.
- How do chimichangas differ from burritos?
- The primary distinction between chimichangas and burritos is that chimichangas are fried, whereas burritos are not. Additionally, while burritos can have a wide range of fillings, chimichangas traditionally contain meat, beans, and cheese.
- Can I make chimichangas without deep frying them?
- Yes, instead of deep frying, you can bake or pan fry chimichangas. Baking or lightly frying them in a skillet with a bit of oil can make them healthier while still achieving the desired crispy texture.
- What are some alternatives to chicken in chimichangas?
- If you prefer not to use chicken, you can substitute it with cooked ground beef, ground turkey, steak, or make it vegetarian by adding rice, corn, or sautéed vegetables.
- What are some popular toppings for chimichangas?
- Common toppings for chimichangas include salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. These toppings add flavor and complement the crispy texture of the chimichangas.
Tips
- For a healthier option, consider baking the chimichangas instead of deep frying. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes until they achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
- Customize the filling by substituting chicken with cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or steak. For a vegetarian version, add ingredients like rice, corn, or sautéed vegetables.
- Ensure the filling is well combined and seasoned before assembling. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference to enhance the overall flavor of the chimichangas.
- When pan-frying the chimichangas, make sure to place them seam side down in the skillet and turn them gently every 20-30 seconds. This helps achieve an even, golden crisp on all sides.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Skillet (suitable for frying)
- Basting Brush (for brushing oil on chimichangas if baking)
- Baking Sheet (if choosing to bake the chimichangas)
- Tongs (for turning chimichangas while pan-frying)
