Description
Mouthwatering Baked Chicken Chimichangas provide a healthier twist on classic Mexican fare. Crispy tortillas stuffed with seasoned chicken, cheese, and spices deliver a satisfying meal that delights with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (450 g) cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (optional)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, caramelize diced onions and green bell peppers until softened and translucent, creating a fragrant base for the filling.
- Develop Flavor Profile: Add minced garlic, then incorporate shredded chicken, green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth, simmering until the liquid reduces and flavors intensify.
- Enhance Filling: Fold in melted cheese, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture that binds the ingredients with rich, velvety texture.
- Prepare Tortillas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans across each tortilla, establishing a flavorful foundation for the filling.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Strategically spoon the chicken mixture onto tortillas, folding sides inward and rolling tightly to create compact parcels that securely contain the filling.
- Cook to Perfection: Brush assembled chimichangas with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure an evenly golden, crispy exterior.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the chimichangas and adorn with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro to introduce vibrant flavors and textural contrast.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Control liquid content during simmering to prevent soggy tortillas, ensuring the filling remains concentrated and flavorful without excess wetness.
- Perfect Folding Technique: Tuck tortilla edges tightly and roll compactly to prevent filling from leaking during baking or frying, creating neat, sealed parcels.
- Optimize Crispiness: Brush tortillas with oil before baking to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior, mimicking the traditional deep-fried texture while reducing overall fat content.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based chicken substitute for vegetarian version, or adjust seasonings for low-sodium diets without compromising flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg