There’s something incredibly joyful about making chicken chimichangas! The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy filling that’s just bursting with flavor. Trust me, they’re easier to whip up than you might think. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress some friends for a game night, and wow, did they deliver! Everyone devoured them, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar! You can customize them to your taste, and they’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend feast. Seriously, once you take that first bite of these delicious chicken chimichangas, you’ll want to make them over and over again!
Ingredients for Chicken Chimichangas
To make these scrumptious chicken chimichangas, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend is my go-to)
- 1/2 cup refried beans (canned is quick and easy!)
- 1/2 cup salsa (pick your favorite kind to add flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 4 large flour tortillas (make sure they’re pliable)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
These ingredients come together to create a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Chicken Chimichangas
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious chicken chimichangas! I promise, it’s a simple and fun process that will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, refried beans, salsa, cumin, and chili powder. I like to use a fork to mix everything together, making sure the ingredients are well incorporated. You want that cheesy goodness to be evenly distributed throughout the chicken and beans. It should smell amazing already—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a bite!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Next, it’s time to warm those tortillas! Pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them nice and pliable. This step is super important because it helps prevent tearing when you fill and roll them. Just be careful when you take them out; they can be hot! Keep them covered with a clean towel to stay warm while you work.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Now, take one tortilla and place about 1/4 of the filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill—this can lead to messy chimichangas! Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, like a burrito. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas. It’s okay if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste delicious no matter what!
Step 4: Fry the Chimichangas
Heat a good amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom but not too much that it splatters everywhere—safety first! Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and use tongs to flip them. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve Your Chicken Chimichangas
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve your chicken chimichangas hot, with extra salsa or guacamole on the side. They’re perfect for sharing, but I won’t judge if you want to keep them all to yourself. Enjoy that crunch and the cheesy goodness inside—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable to suit your taste; you can add your favorite veggies or spices.
- Every bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the cheesy filling and crispy exterior.
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy meal at home.
- Leftovers (if there are any) make for delicious snacks or lunches the next day!
Tips for Success with Chicken Chimichangas
To make sure your chicken chimichangas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overfill your tortillas; it’s tempting, but too much filling can lead to messy chimichangas that won’t seal properly. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—if it’s not, they’ll soak up too much oil and become greasy. If you’re unsure, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle right away! Lastly, feel free to experiment with spices or add-ins to make the filling your own. Have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each chicken chimichanga, just to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying! Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Just remember, good food is all about balance, so enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Chicken Chimichangas
Got questions about making chicken chimichangas? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap in shredded beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s cooked and seasoned well!
What if I don’t have refried beans?
No problem! You can use black beans or pinto beans instead. Just mash them up a bit before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden. Just keep an eye on them!
How can I make them spicier?
If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mix. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep that crispy texture, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy that crunchy goodness all over again!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I love sharing tips and tricks for making the best chicken chimichangas!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any chicken chimichangas left over (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super easy. Just place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven to keep that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll come out just as delicious as the first time around—crispy and full of flavor!
quick chicken dinner ideas are perfect to pair with your chimichangas for a complete meal.
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Chicken Chimichangas: 5 Steps to Crispy Perfection
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy chicken chimichanga recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken, cheese, refried beans, salsa, cumin, and chili powder.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds to make them flexible.
- Place about 1/4 of the filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with extra salsa or guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Be careful not to overfill the tortillas.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken chimichangas, easy chimichangas, chicken recipe
