Craving a fiesta of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than Chicken Chimichangas! These crispy, golden pockets of goodness are packed with juicy, seasoned chicken and all your favorite toppings. They're quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and burst with deliciousness. I remember when I first tried a Chicken Chimichanga – it was love at first bite! Now, let's bring that joy to your table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Abuela Elena, always made the best Chicken Chimichangas for our family gatherings. They were a symbol of love and togetherness. She taught me the secret was in the simple, fresh ingredients and the care she put into every fold. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic and share it with you! Each bite is a little piece of Abuela Elena's love.
Ingredients
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For the Filling:
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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For the Wraps:
- 8 large flour tortillas
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For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or cooking spray
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Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well until combined.
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Assemble the Chimichangas: Warm a tortilla slightly in a dry pan or microwave to make it more pliable. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling into the center of the tortilla.
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Fold: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, and then fold the bottom flap over the filling. Roll tightly towards the top, like a burrito. Secure very tightly, and repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
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Cook the Chimichangas (Pan): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If using cooking spray, spray generously. Place the Chicken Chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil/pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Bake the Chimichangas (Baking): Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the prepared Chicken Chimichangas with cooking spray. Place the seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, or shredded lettuce. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Chicken Chimichangas.
Chicken Chimichangas
Crispy, golden pockets of goodness packed with juicy, seasoned chicken and your favorite toppings. Quick to make and burst with flavor!Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well until combined.1 pound cooked chicken, shredded, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Warm a tortilla slightly in a dry pan or microwave to make it more pliable. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling into the center of the tortilla.8 large flour tortillas, 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, and then fold the bottom flap over the filling. Roll tightly towards the top, like a burrito. Secure very tightly, and repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.8 large flour tortillas, 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the Chicken Chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil/pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the prepared Chicken Chimichangas with cooking spray. Place the seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Top with sour cream, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, or shredded lettuce. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Chicken Chimichangas.Sour cream, Guacamole, Pico de gallo, Shredded lettuce
Notes
This recipe is an attempt to recreate Abuela Elena’s Chicken Chimichangas. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference.