Delicious Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

 

Quick Overview

If you are looking for a delightful dish that combines crispy tortillas with a savory filling, look no further than the best chicken chimichangas. This recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare at home. With tender shredded chicken enveloped in a golden-brown tortilla and served with your favorite toppings, these chimichangas will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible meal that packs a punch of flavor!

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breast

For this recipe, you will need about 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own. The key is to ensure it’s moist and flavorful to create the perfect filling.

Flour Tortillas

You will need 6 large flour tortillas for wrapping the chimichangas. The size is important; larger tortillas can hold more filling and allow for better folding.

Cheese

One cup of shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully here; choose according to your taste preference.

Onion

A medium onion, finely chopped, provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor in the filling. Sautéing the onion before adding it to the mix enhances its natural sweetness.

Spices

Include one teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder for an authentic Mexican flavor profile. These spices add warmth and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

Oil

You will need about 1 cup of oil for frying the chimichangas. Choose vegetable oil or canola oil as they have high smoke points, which are ideal for frying until golden brown.

Toppings

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro are excellent garnishes that complement the best chicken chimichangas beautifully. These add freshness and additional layers of flavor.

Step By Step Recipe: The Best Chicken Chimichangas

Prepare the Filling

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Next, add the shredded chicken along with cumin and chili powder. Stir everything together until heated through, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Assemble the Chimichangas

Take one flour tortilla and place approximately 1/3 cup of the filling in the center. Fold in both sides over the filling, then roll from bottom to top to form a secure package. Make sure there are no gaps; this helps prevent leaking during frying.

Heat Oil

In a large frying pan or deep skillet, heat about one cup of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. To test if it’s ready, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry Chimichangas

Carefully place two or three chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly.

Drain Excess Oil

Once fried to perfection, remove each chimichanga from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil while you fry the remaining ones.

Serve Hot

Serve your delicious homemade chicken chimichangas hot from the fryer! Garnish with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro as desired for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your best chicken chimichangas alongside rice or beans for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with fresh salads or corn on the cob for added color and nutrition on your plate.

Storage Guidelines

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage options, consider wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freezing them.

Reheating Tips

To reheat leftover chimichangas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

By following these steps closely, you’ll master making some of the best chicken chimichangas right at home! Enjoy cooking this delightful dish that brings joy to any meal occasion!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making The Best Chicken Chimichangas is using the wrong type of tortillas. Always select flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable. Stale or corn tortillas can break easily, ruining your chimichangas’ texture.

Another mistake is overfilling the chimichangas. While it may be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, doing so can lead to tearing and messy frying. Aim for a balanced amount of filling that allows you to roll them securely without spilling.

Failing to seal the edges properly is another pitfall. Use water or egg wash to moisten the edges before rolling to ensure they stick together during cooking. Unsealed chimichangas can result in filling leakage and soggy results.

Overcooking the chimichangas can lead to dry, tough bites. Monitor your frying time closely; ideal chimichangas should be golden brown and crispy outside while remaining moist inside.

Finally, not allowing the oil to heat adequately before frying can ruin your dish. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chimichangas may absorb too much oil, leaving them greasy instead of crispy.

Tips and tricks

To create The Best Chicken Chimichangas, start by seasoning your chicken well. Marinate it with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step intensifies flavor and ensures each bite delivers a delicious taste experience.

When assembling your chimichangas, lay out all ingredients in an organized manner. This will streamline the process and help you assemble them quickly without haste. Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface, add filling in the center, then carefully fold them to prevent spillage.

For frying, use a deep skillet filled with vegetable oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Frying at this temperature creates a perfectly crispy exterior while cooking the insides thoroughly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary for even cooking.

Consider baking as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush each rolled chimichanga with oil, and bake until golden brown for about 20-25 minutes. This method reduces grease while still achieving a satisfying crunch.

Lastly, serve these delightful chimichangas with fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. These toppings not only enhance flavor but also add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chimichanga.

Suggestions for The Best Chicken Chimichangas

For The Best Chicken Chimichangas, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor depth. It saves time on cooking while providing tender meat that blends well with spices.

Experiment with different cheeses in your filling for added richness. Cheddar adds sharpness while Monterey Jack contributes creaminess—mix them for a balanced flavor profile that satisfies cheese lovers.

Additionally, incorporate vegetables into your filling mix such as sautéed bell peppers or onions for extra nutrition and texture. They complement the chicken beautifully while enhancing flavors through caramelization during cooking.

For those who prefer spice, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers into your filling mix for an extra kick that elevates each bite of your chimichangas.

Finally, don’t forget garnishing! Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions sprinkled on top provides color and freshness that brightens up this hearty dish.

FAQs

What is a chimichanga?

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito typically filled with meat, beans, cheese, and various spices. Originating from Mexican-American cuisine, these crispy delights are often served with toppings like salsa or guacamole that elevate their flavor profiles significantly.

Can I make chicken chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare The Best Chicken Chimichangas ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before frying or baking when you’re ready to enjoy them.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken works exceptionally well due to its tenderness and flavor infusion from herbs and spices used during roasting. Alternatively, you can poach or grill chicken breasts seasoned with spices if you prefer homemade options instead of store-bought ones.

How do I keep my chimichangas crispy?

To maintain their crispiness after cooking The Best Chicken Chimichangas, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying or baking. This technique allows air circulation around each piece without trapping moisture which can lead to sogginess over time.

Can I freeze cooked chimichangas?

Yes! Once cooled completely after cooking The Best Chicken Chimichangas, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They will last up to three months frozen!

What sauces pair well with chicken chimichangas?

Sour cream serves as a classic pairing alongside fresh salsa or pico de gallo which provide contrasting textures that enhance flavors perfectly! For those who enjoy heat levels higher than average consider serving with spicy ranch dressing or chipotle sauce too!

Summary

In summary, creating The Best Chicken Chimichangas involves avoiding common mistakes such as using stale tortillas or overfilling them. Use tips like seasoning well and considering healthier baking methods for better texture without compromising taste. Additionally, remember suggestions like adding vegetables or spices enhance flavors significantly while garnishing adds freshness visually appealing contrast overall! Enjoying this delightful dish becomes easier when equipped with knowledge from FAQs addressing popular concerns regarding preparation methods too!

 

Print