Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if baking) or more for frying
- Sour cream or crema, guacamole, and additional salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
2. Assemble Chimichangas:
- Spoon an equal amount of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each flour tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you roll, to form a chimichanga.
- Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake:
- Brush the tops of the chimichangas with vegetable oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chimichangas are golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve the baked chimichangas hot.
- Serve with sour cream or crema, guacamole, and extra salsa on the side.
For Frying (Alternative Method):
1. Prepare for Frying:
- Follow the same steps to prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas as described above.
2. Fry:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain and Serve:
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chimichangas from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the fried chimichangas hot with sour cream or crema, guacamole, and extra salsa on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Chimichangas, either baked or fried, with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal!
Here are some tips to make your Chicken Chimichangas even more delightful:
- Seasoning the Chicken Mixture: Before mixing the ingredients together, season the shredded chicken with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds layers of flavor to the filling.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. This will give your chimichangas a nice kick.
- Cheese Variation: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and freshly grated cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients often elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- Warm Tortillas Before Rolling: To make the tortillas more pliable and easier to roll, warm them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them up.
- Crispy Texture: For baked chimichangas, ensure they are brushed generously with oil before baking to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. You can even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Frying Tips: When frying chimichangas, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 375°F / 190°C) so that they cook quickly and evenly without becoming greasy. Drain them well on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
- Serve with Fresh Salsa: A homemade salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt will add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chimichangas.
- Accompaniments: Serve with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad to create a balanced meal.
- Customization: Allow your diners to customize their chimichangas with toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca.
By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavors and textures of your Chicken Chimichangas, making them even more delightful and enjoyable for everyone at the table!
Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
- Moisture Balance: Ensure your chicken mixture is well-seasoned and moist but not overly wet. Excess moisture can make the chimichangas soggy. Drain ingredients like canned corn and black beans well before mixing.
- Cheese Distribution: Distribute the shredded cheese evenly throughout the chicken mixture. This ensures every bite has a cheesy goodness without clumps of unmelted cheese.
- Tortilla Technique: Warm the tortillas slightly before filling and rolling to make them more pliable. This prevents cracking and allows for easier rolling without tearing.
- Seam Side Down: When rolling the chimichangas, ensure they are tightly wrapped with the seam side down. This helps prevent them from unraveling during baking or frying.
- Oil Application: Whether baking or frying, brush the chimichangas generously with oil. This promotes even browning and crisping of the tortilla.
- Temperature Control (for frying): If frying, maintain the oil temperature around 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chimichangas cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior.
- Resting Time: Allow the assembled chimichangas to rest for a few minutes before baking or frying. This helps the tortilla seal and holds its shape better during cooking.
- Baking Technique: If baking, use a preheated oven at a high temperature (around 400°F / 200°C) to ensure the chimichangas cook through while becoming crispy on the outside.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like cilantro and freshly grated cheese. Fresh flavors can significantly enhance the overall taste of the chimichangas.
- Serve Immediately: Chimichangas are best served immediately after cooking while they are still hot and crispy. Serve with fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal experience.
By following these secrets and tips, you can create Chicken Chimichangas that are perfectly crispy on the outside, flavorful and moist on the inside, and thoroughly satisfying for your family or guests!
Here are 40 popular questions and answers related to Chicken Chimichangas:
- What is a Chicken Chimichanga?
- A Chicken Chimichanga is a Mexican-American dish consisting of a tortilla filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and sometimes beans, then deep-fried until crispy.
- How do you pronounce Chimichanga?
- It’s pronounced “chee-mee-CHAHN-guh.”
- What does Chimichanga mean?
- The origin of the word is debated, but it roughly translates to “thingamajig” or “whatchamacallit” in Spanish.
- Is a Chimichanga the same as a burrito?
- No, a Chimichanga is deep-fried, while a burrito is typically grilled or steamed.
- What’s inside a Chicken Chimichanga?
- It typically contains shredded chicken, cheese, onions, and sometimes beans or other fillings, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
- How do you make Chicken Chimichangas?
- You fill a large flour tortilla with cooked chicken, cheese, and other fillings, fold it into a rectangular shape, then deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Can you bake Chimichangas instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake Chimichangas in the oven for a healthier option. Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy.
- What sauce goes with Chicken Chimichangas?
- Common sauces include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy chipotle sauce.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas spicy?
- They can be, depending on how they’re seasoned and what sauces are used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
- What sides go well with Chicken Chimichangas?
- Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, or a side salad are popular choices.
- Can you freeze Chicken Chimichangas?
- Yes, you can freeze them before or after frying. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
- How do you reheat Chicken Chimichangas?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, or microwave for a quicker option.
- What’s the difference between a Chimichanga and a flauta?
- A Chimichanga is larger and deep-fried, while a flauta is smaller, usually rolled tightly, and also fried.
- Can you make Chicken Chimichangas ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas gluten-free?
- They are not typically gluten-free due to the flour tortilla. However, you can use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Where did Chimichangas originate?
- Their exact origin is debated, but they are believed to have originated in Arizona or Sonora, Mexico.
- What’s the best oil for frying Chimichangas?
- Vegetable oil or canola oil are good choices for frying Chimichangas due to their high smoke point.
- Are Chimichangas healthy?
- They are often considered indulgent due to being deep-fried, but you can make healthier versions by baking them or using less oil.
- Can you make Chimichangas with other meats besides chicken?
- Yes, you can use beef, pork, shrimp, or even vegetarian fillings like beans and vegetables.
- What’s the history of Chicken Chimichangas?
- They are thought to have been invented by accident when a burrito was dropped into a deep fryer in Arizona.
- What’s the difference between a Chimichanga and a burrito?
- A Chimichanga is deep-fried, making it crispy, while a burrito is not fried and is typically softer.
- What’s a good drink to pair with Chicken Chimichangas?
- Margaritas, Mexican beer, or a refreshing lemonade are popular choices.
- Can you make Chimichangas without meat?
- Yes, you can make vegetarian Chimichangas using beans, cheese, and vegetables as fillings.
- How many calories are in a Chicken Chimichanga?
- The calorie count can vary widely based on size and ingredients, but it’s typically around 400-600 calories per Chimichanga.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas spicy?
- They can be, depending on how they’re seasoned and what sauces are used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Can you make Chicken Chimichangas in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can air fry Chimichangas for a healthier cooking method. Brush them with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
- What’s the best cheese for Chicken Chimichangas?
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese melts well and adds great flavor.
- How do you seal a Chimichanga?
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up and roll tightly to seal.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas spicy?
- They can be, depending on how they’re seasoned and what sauces are used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
- What’s the difference between a Chimichanga and an enchilada?
- A Chimichanga is deep-fried and typically larger, while an enchilada is baked in sauce and usually smaller.
- Can you make Chimichangas without frying them?
- Yes, you can bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying.
- What kind of tortilla is used for Chicken Chimichangas?
- Large flour tortillas are traditionally used for Chimichangas.
- Can you make Chimichangas with leftover chicken?
- Yes, Chimichangas are a great way to use up leftover chicken.
- What’s a good dipping sauce for Chicken Chimichangas?
- Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a creamy chipotle sauce are delicious options.
- Can you make Chicken Chimichangas with pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, using pre-cooked chicken makes assembling Chimichangas quicker.
- Can you make Chimichangas without cheese?
- Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if desired.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas traditional Mexican food?
- They are considered more of a Tex-Mex or Mexican-American dish rather than traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Can you make Chimichangas in a skillet?
- Yes, you can pan-fry Chimichangas in a skillet with a small amount of oil until crispy on both sides.
- Can you make Chimichangas with corn tortillas?
- While less common, you can make Chimichangas with corn tortillas if you prefer.
- Are Chicken Chimichangas spicy?
- They can be, depending on how they’re seasoned and what sauces are used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.