Chicken Chimichangas are a delicious and indulgent dish that features a crispy, deep-fried tortilla filled with tender chicken, cheese, and a variety of flavorful ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a fun weeknight meal, these chimichangas are sure to impress.
Chicken Chimichangas
Why These Chicken Chimichangas Are the Best
- Crispy Exterior: The chimichangas are deep-fried to a golden brown, giving them a satisfying crunch.
- Tender and Flavorful Filling: The filling is made with tender chicken, cheese, and a blend of spices, creating a delicious and flavorful combination.
- Creamy Sauce: Topped with a creamy white sauce, these chimichangas are rich and indulgent.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with lime wedges and chopped green onions, these chimichangas are visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a fun and flavorful dinner option, Chicken Chimichangas are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy exterior, tender filling, and creamy sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: The heart of the filling, providing protein and a savory base for the chimichangas.
- Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and hearty texture, complementing the chicken filling.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: A combination of cheeses that melt beautifully, adding richness and a gooey interior.
- Tomato Sauce & Salsa: Create a flavorful, slightly tangy base for the chicken mixture.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, and Coriander: Infuse the filling with bold, smoky, and earthy flavors typical of Mexican cuisine.
- Flour Tortillas: Serve as the perfect vehicle for wrapping the filling and crisping to golden perfection during frying.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Chimichangas
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables.
- Season Generously: Season the chicken with your favorite spices and herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Fry Evenly: Ensure the chimichangas are fried evenly to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Top Generously: Top the chimichangas with plenty of creamy sauce and fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Mexican Rice: Serve Chicken Chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Refried Beans: Pair with refried beans for a hearty and nutritious accompaniment.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Guacamole: Serve with a side of guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into these crispy Chicken Chimichangas—each bite filled with tender chicken, melted cheese, and a blend of spices, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla. Topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with fresh lime and green onions, these chimichangas are a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them on your own, these chimichangas are sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious culinary adventure!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Chimichangas
These Chicken Chimichangas are a crispy, golden delight packed with a flavorful chicken and refried bean filling, infused with spices and gooey cheese. Serve them topped with sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes for a satisfying, restaurant-style dish.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts
- 6 burrito size flour tortillas
- 5 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend 1 1/4 cups
- Vegetable oil for frying plus 2 teaspoon for sautéing
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoon sour cream plus more for topping
- 1 3/4 cups refried beans homemade or store bought
Instructions
- Warm 2 teaspoons of oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer.
- Stir frequently until the sauce thickens, reduces by about half, and the onions become tender, approximately 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mix in the sour cream, and toss in the chicken.
- Spread a slightly rounded 1/4 cup of refried beans onto the center of each tortilla, leaving about a 2 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Add 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture on top, followed by 3 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides, then fold up the bottom edge tightly and roll to enclose. Secure the ends with toothpicks.
- Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a pot and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 360–365°F.
- Once the oil is hot, place two filled tortillas in the pot and fry until the bottom is golden brown. Use metal tongs to carefully flip them over and cook the other side until golden brown as well.
- Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels, then take out the toothpicks. Repeat the frying process in two more batches with the remaining chimichangas.
- Serve warm and garnish with guacamole, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Notes
- A large rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe, but you can also use 1 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—cook them first, then shred.
- If using canned salsa, consider adding a few tablespoons of water to thin it out. I used homemade salsa, but canned is a fine alternative.
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends!
Chicken Chimichangas