Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Baked Chicken Chimichanga is a delicious twist on your favorite Mexican restaurant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty refried beans, and zesty salsa, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these chimichangas are sure to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these chimichangas in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken, beans, and spices creates a mouthwatering filling that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or switch up the cheese for variety.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy meal whenever you need it.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty treats, making mealtime fun!

Tools and Preparation

To make Baked Chicken Chimichanga successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Brush (for butter)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and crispiness of the chimichangas.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all the filling ingredients without spills.
• Brush: Helps coat the chimichangas with melted butter for that golden finish.

Ingredients

Baked Chicken Chimichanga is made with the following ingredients:

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 1/3 cup refried beans
• 1 1/3 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
• 2 teaspoon coriander (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 6 green onions (chopped or regular onion)
• 2-3 jalapeños (diced with seeds, adjust to your spice preference)

For Assembly

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 6-8 large taco-sized flour tortillas (8 inches)

How to Make Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chimichangas get perfectly crispy when baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the shredded chicken, refried beans, salsa, coriander (if using), chili powder, cheese, green onions, and diced jalapeños.
2. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

For each tortilla:
1. Spread a generous amount of filling in the center.
2. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling.
3. Fold in both sides and then roll it tightly into a burrito shape. Be careful not to overfill.

Step 4: Bake the Chimichangas

1. Place each chimichanga seam-side down on a large baking sheet.
2. Brush the tops generously with melted butter.
3. Bake for 15 minutes; then carefully flip each one over and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let your chimichangas cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Serving your Baked Chicken Chimichangas can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will add a delightful touch.

Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze some lime juice over the chimichanga for a zesty kick.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices complement the dish perfectly.

Dipping Sauces

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the warm chimichanga.
• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip enhances the Mexican flavors of the meal.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños adds crunch and freshness.

Salad Accompaniments

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A colorful salad with corn, lime, and cheese that pairs well with the chimichanga.
• Cabbage Slaw: A light slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Creating the perfect Baked Chicken Chimichanga requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. With these suggestions, you can achieve crispy, flavorful results every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before adding it to the filling. This will enhance the overall flavor of your chimichangas.
• Properly Fill Tortillas: Don’t overfill your tortillas; this prevents them from rolling up securely and may lead to spills during baking.
• Even Baking: Flip your chimichangas halfway through baking for an evenly crispy texture on all sides.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh ingredients for your fillings, such as ripe tomatoes for salsa or flavorful cheese for melting.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika to customize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Chicken Chimichangas can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dish beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a classic side that pairs well with any Mexican dish.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a traditional accompaniment that adds richness to your meal.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a crunchy contrast to the soft chimichangas.
4. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad featuring black beans, corn, and peppers offers a nutritious addition.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and fiber while enhancing the meal’s overall healthiness.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a delightful side that complements many Mexican flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Chicken Chimichangas can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results.

• Bold filling: Overfilling the tortilla can cause it to burst during baking. Be sure to use just enough filling to allow for easy rolling.
• Bold tortilla choice: Using the wrong type of tortilla may lead to a soggy chimichanga. Opt for large taco-sized flour tortillas for the best results.
• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to season your filling can result in bland flavors. Always taste your mixture before rolling it up and adjust spices as needed.
• Bold baking time: Not baking long enough can leave your chimichangas soft instead of crispy. Ensure you bake them until golden brown for that perfect crunch.
• Bold cooling: Cutting into the chimichangas too soon might result in a mess. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors set.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Chicken Chimichanga

• Wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Chicken Chimichanga

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. This method may not keep them crispy.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy on all sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Baked Chicken Chimichanga?

A Baked Chicken Chimichanga is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish filled with shredded chicken, beans, cheese, and spices, baked until golden and crispy.

How can I customize my Baked Chicken Chimichanga?

You can customize by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or corn, using various types of cheese, or adjusting spice levels according to your preference.

Can I make Baked Chicken Chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What toppings go well with Baked Chicken Chimichanga?

Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for added flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

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