Homemade Chimichangas with Chicken

Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than homemade chimichangas with chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a crispy shell for a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that originated in Arizona. Traditionally, they are deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture, but this homemade version gives you the same delicious results without the extra oil. By baking the chimichangas in the oven, you can enjoy a healthier and lighter version of this classic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you’ll love making homemade chimichangas with chicken:

1. Easy and Quick

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something tasty without the hassle.

2. Crispy and Flavorful

The combination of baking and a well-seasoned chicken filling gives these chimichangas a crispy and flavorful exterior. Every bite is filled with a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness.

3. Homemade Goodness

By making chimichangas from scratch, you have control over the ingredients and can customize the flavors to your liking. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and jalapenos.

4. Versatile and Family-Friendly

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your family’s preferences. You can swap the chicken for beef or beans if you prefer a vegetarian option. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Ingredients

To make homemade chimichangas with chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 large flour tortillas

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1/2 cup corn kernels

– 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

– 1/4 cup diced onion

– 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (optional)

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

– Salsa

– Guacamole

– Sour cream

– Shredded lettuce

– Diced tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make homemade chimichangas with chicken:

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced onion, diced jalapenos (if using), chopped fresh cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Assemble the chimichangas

Place a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, creating a burrito-like shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

4. Bake the chimichangas

Place the chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each chimichanga with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chimichangas are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and enjoy

Remove the chimichangas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Enjoy your homemade chimichangas with chicken!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips to ensure your chimichangas turn out perfectly:

1. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken

If you have leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken, it’s a great way to save time and add flavor to your chimichangas. Simply shred the chicken and use it in the filling.

2. Customize the filling

Feel free to get creative with the filling ingredients. You can add diced bell peppers, sliced olives, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist.

3. Crisp up the tortillas

If you prefer an extra crispy texture, you can lightly fry the chimichangas in a skillet with a little oil before baking them in the oven. This step is optional but adds an extra crunch.

4. Freeze for later

If you have leftover chimichangas, you can freeze them for later. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try with this recipe:

1. Beef Chimichangas

If you prefer beef over chicken, you can substitute cooked ground beef or shredded beef for the chicken in the filling. Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the filling mixture.

2. Vegetarian Chimichangas

For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra black beans or cooked quinoa to the filling. You can also add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Chimichangas

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the spices and toppings, are also gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade chimichangas with chicken are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the meal by serving them with the following:

– Mexican rice

– Refried beans

– Corn salad

– Freshly made salsa

– Guacamole

– Sour cream

– A side of mixed greens

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about homemade chimichangas with chicken:

1. Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. This is a great option for meal prep or when you have guests coming over.

2. How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

3. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and saves you time on cooking and shredding the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Homemade chimichangas with chicken are a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to Mexico. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these chimichangas are a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a homemade Tex-Mex delight!

Don’t forget to share your chimichanga-making adventures with us. We’d love to hear about your variations and how your family enjoyed this recipe!