Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Indulge in the crispy and flavorful delight that is Chicken Chimichangas! This recipe takes shredded chicken, aromatic spices, green chilies, and gooey cheese, encased in a warm tortilla and cooked to golden perfection. Whether you opt for frying or baking, the result is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table.

Transform ordinary leftover chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with these golden, crispy chicken chimichangas. In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also customizable with your favorite toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, these chimichangas are sure to become a family favorite, just like they have in my home.

The aroma of the sizzling spices hitting the hot oil is a moment of pure joy, signaling the start of a culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing. And with make-ahead options for the filling and the ability to freeze extras, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the magic of homemade Chicken Chimichangas!

Quick Benefits

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Offers both fried and baked cooking options
• Works beautifully with leftover rotisserie chicken
• Customizable with your favorite toppings

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Convenient:
• Versatile and Customizable:
• Delicious and Flavorful:
• Family Favorite:
• Culinary Experience:
• Cooking Tips:

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Chicken Filling

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 to 2 cups vegetable oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed

Toppings

• Guacamole
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Pico de gallo

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

For the perfect crispy exterior, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chimichangas. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles and floats to the top, it’s ready. Fry the chimichangas in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in a soggy texture.

To save time on busy nights, prep the filling ahead of time or assemble the chimichangas the day before cooking. This allows for quick and easy assembly when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, consider making a double batch and freezing the extras for future meals. To reheat frozen chimichangas, bake them in a 375°F oven until heated through for a quick and convenient meal option.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

In a large, heavy-bottom skillet, add enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over low heat until it reaches 375°F.

Step 2: Step 02

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a large baking sheet with nonstick spray.

Step 3: Step 03

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, chili powder, oregano, and cumin; cook for 1 minute. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and diced green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Set aside.

Step 4: Step 04

Microwave tortillas until warm. Add 1/2 cup of chicken mixture to each tortilla. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Fold sides over filling, then fold bottom over sides and roll up. Repeat with remaining tortillas, placing seam side down.

Step 5: Step 05

Carefully place one chimichanga at a time into the hot oil, seam side down. Fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Step 06

Arrange chimichangas on a greased baking sheet. Spray tops with nonstick spray and bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Step 07

Serve chimichangas warm with a variety of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or shredded lettuce.

Storage Tips

Once your chicken chimichangas are cooked and ready to store, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the chimichangas.

If you want to freeze your chicken chimichangas for later enjoyment, individually wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated thoroughly. This make-ahead option is perfect for quick and convenient meals whenever you’re craving these delicious chimichangas.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make this chicken chimichanga recipe a bit healthier, you can opt for olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for frying or baking. These oils bring their own distinct flavors and offer health benefits compared to vegetable oil.

If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend in place of Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring its own unique taste and melting properties to the dish, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

If you don’t have green chilies on hand, you can substitute them with diced jalapeños or even roasted red peppers for a different twist on the filling. These alternatives will still provide a bit of heat and a pop of color to the chimichangas.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your chicken chimichangas, consider serving them with a zesty mango salsa on the side. The sweet and tangy flavors of the salsa will complement the savory and crispy chimichangas beautifully, adding a refreshing twist to each bite. You can also drizzle a chipotle crema sauce over the chimichangas for a smoky and creamy finish that will take this dish to the next level.

For a fun and interactive serving idea, create a build-your-own chimichanga bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of various toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, and different types of cheese. Let your guests customize their chimichangas with their favorite toppings, making it a personalized and memorable dining experience. This interactive setup is not only visually appealing but also allows everyone to tailor their chimichangas to their liking, catering to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

FAQs for Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?

Yes, preheat the oven to 375°F, place the wrapped chimichangas seam side down on a greased baking sheet, spray with nonstick spray, and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

What are some suggested toppings to serve with the chimichangas?

Serve chimichangas with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or any additional toppings of your choice.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredding store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.

How can I make the chimichangas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, use a hotter variety of chili powder, or include some crushed red pepper flakes in the filling for an extra kick.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Chicken Chimichangas becomes a staple in your household, bringing joy and delicious flavors to your table every time you make it. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, the golden, crispy perfection of these chimichangas will always be a hit. The flexibility to customize with your favorite toppings and the convenience of using leftover rotisserie chicken make this dish a winning choice for any occasion.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or spice levels to make these Chicken Chimichangas your own. Embrace the fusion of flavors and the rich history behind this dish, adding your own twist to create memories around the dinner table. From the tantalizing aroma of the spices hitting the hot oil to the satisfying crunch as you bite into them, these chimichangas are sure to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Enjoy making and savoring these Chicken Chimichangas time and time again!