Chicken Chimichangas: If you’ve ever craved the delightful crunch of a fried burrito with a rich, savory filling, then chicken chimichangas are exactly what you need in your life.
What are Chicken Chimichangas?
Chicken chimichangas are essentially deep-fried burritos, filled with shredded chicken, cheese, beans, and spices, wrapped in a flour tortilla. This classic Mexican dish is typically served with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce. They are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and cheesy goodness that you can customize to your taste.
Why Are They So Popular?
- Crunchy Texture: The deep-frying process gives the chimichanga its signature crunch.
- Rich Flavor: The filling is packed with seasoned chicken, cheese, and beans, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatility: You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, from spicy jalapeños to black beans.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Chimichangas
- Use Warm Tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded, so make sure to warm them before assembling.
- Don’t Overfill: Overstuffed chimichangas are harder to roll and might burst open when frying.
- Fry Seam-Side Down: Always fry the chimichanga seam-side down first to prevent them from unraveling in the oil.
- Add a Creamy Element: For a richer filling, mix in a little cream cheese or sour cream with the chicken and spices.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
Variations of Chicken Chimichangas
While the classic chicken chimichanga recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily switch things up with these delicious variations:
Buffalo Chicken Chimichangas: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a spicy, creamy twist.
Beef Chimichangas: Swap out the chicken for ground beef or shredded beef seasoned with the same spices.
Vegetarian Chimichangas: Fill the tortillas with black beans, rice, corn, and a generous amount of cheese for a meat-free option.
Green Chili Chicken Chimichangas: Add green chiles and a spoonful of salsa verde to the chicken filling for a tangy kick.
How to Serve Chicken Chimichangas
Chicken chimichangas are often served with classic Mexican sides and garnishes. Here are a few popular ways to serve them:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice complements the flavors of the chimichanga.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make for a hearty side dish.
- Fresh Salad: Lighten things up by serving with a simple lettuce and tomato salad.
- Salsa and Guacamole: These are essential toppings that add freshness and flavor to the crispy fried chimichanga.
- Drizzled Queso: For an indulgent treat, drizzle some warm queso dip over the top of your chimichanga.
How to Store Chicken Chimichangas
Storing chimichangas correctly will ensure they stay delicious for your next meal.
- In the Fridge: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
- In the Freezer: As mentioned earlier, chimichangas freeze very well. Once frozen, they can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer to avoid sogginess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chimichangas as instructed, but don’t fry them. Instead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, fry or bake them fresh for the best results.
Can I freeze chimichangas?
Absolutely. After assembling the chimichangas, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake them at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until fully heated through and crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat chimichangas?
To reheat chimichangas and keep their crispy texture, the oven or air fryer is your best bet. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving as it makes the tortillas soggy.
chicken chimichangas
Chicken Chimichangas: If you've ever craved the delightful crunch of a fried burrito with a rich, savory filling, then chicken chimichangas are exactly what you need in your life.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 can refried beans
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1/2 cup salsa (use your favorite kind)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Start by cooking your chicken breasts in a frying pan until tender and no longer pink. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before chopping or shredding them.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, refried beans, cheese, salsa, spices, and green onions until everything is well combined.
- Take about ½ cup of the chicken mixture and place it in the center of each flour tortilla. Fold the opposite sides over the filling and roll it up tightly like a burrito.
- For baked chimichangas, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly brush each chimichanga with oil and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- For pan-fried chimichangas, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and place the chimichangas seam-side down. Fry, turning every 20-30 seconds, until they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Serve these chimichangas warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 486Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 894mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 6gSugar: 2gProtein: 24g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken chimichangas are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you’re frying or baking them, these crispy delights can be easily customized to suit your taste. With a variety of serving options, storage tips, and recipe variations, chimichangas can fit seamlessly into any meal plan. So, the next time you’re looking for a satisfying, crunchy, cheesy dish, give chicken chimichangas a try — they might just become your new favorite!
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