Introduction
Chicken Chimichangas are a mouth-watering Mexican-inspired dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Whether you prefer them fried, baked, or cooked in an air fryer, chimichangas offer a delightful crunch filled with savory goodness. In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple chicken chimichanga recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. We’ll also answer some common questions about chimichangas and provide tips for making the best mini chicken chimichangas at home.
What is a Chimichanga Made Of?
A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. It consists of a flour tortilla filled with a savory mixture of meats, beans, cheese, and sometimes rice or vegetables. In this recipe, we’ll be using shredded rotisserie chicken, refried beans, green chilies, and Cheddar cheese to create a delicious and easy-to-make chimichanga.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1-ounce taco seasoning mix
- 4 tablespoons water
- ¾ cup refried beans
- 4 ounces green chilies
- 8 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Oil spray, for greasing
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a nonstick pan over low flame and add the vegetable oil and butter.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pan and cook for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
- Pour in the water and taco seasoning mix, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to cook until the water evaporates. Turn off the heat and set the chicken aside.
- Prepare the Bean Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the refried beans and green chilies. Mix well.
- Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Lay a tortilla on your work surface.
- Spread a layer of the bean mixture in the center of the tortilla.
- Add a generous amount of the chicken mixture on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Air Fry the Chimichangas:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
- Grease the air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Place the assembled chimichangas in the basket, seam side down.
- Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Once the chimichangas are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 823
- Total Fat: 41.1g (53% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 67.3g (24% DV)
- Protein: 45.5g
Chicken Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1- ounce taco seasoning mix
- 4 tablespoons water
- ¾ cup refried beans
- 4 ouches green chilies
- 8 flour tortillas 6 inches
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 4 oz
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Oil spray for greasing
Instructions
- Take a nonstick pan and heat oil and butter over low flame.
- Then add the chicken and cook for a few minutes
- Pour in the water and taco seasoning.
- Once the water evaporates, turn off the flame.
- Now in a bowl, add beans and chilies
- Take a tortilla and add it to the work surface
- Add bean mixture and chicken to the tortilla and top with cheese.
- Fold it tightly.
- Repeat with remaining.
- Add it to air fryer basket greased with oil spray
- Cook for 6 minutes at350 degrees F, or 176 degrees C, flipping halfway
- Once it’s done, serve
Notes
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 823
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 41.1g 53%
Total Carbohydrate 67.3g 24%
Protein 45.5g
Tips for Making the Perfect Chimichangas
1. Using Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a great flavor to your chimichangas. It’s seasoned and cooked to perfection, making it an excellent choice for this recipe.
2. Cheese Sauce Option: For a creamy twist, try making a chicken chimichanga recipe with cheese sauce. Simply melt some cheese with a bit of milk and pour it over your chimichangas before serving.
3. Mini Chimichangas: If you’re hosting a party or just want smaller portions, make mini chicken chimichangas. Use smaller tortillas and reduce the filling quantity for bite-sized delights.
4. Baking Method: For a healthier option, consider baked chicken chimichangas. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
5. Authentic Chimichanga Recipe: To make an authentic chimichanga, stick to traditional ingredients and methods. Use high-quality tortillas, freshly shredded cheese, and homemade refried beans if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a chimichanga made of? A chimichanga is typically made of a flour tortilla filled with a savory mixture that can include meats (like chicken, beef, or pork), beans, cheese, and sometimes rice or vegetables. The filled tortilla is then folded and deep-fried to a golden, crispy perfection.
2. What's the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito? The primary difference between a chimichanga and a burrito is how they are cooked. A burrito is a tortilla wrapped around various fillings and served as is, while a chimichanga is a burrito that has been deep-fried until crispy.
3. What is the meaning of chicken chimichanga? A chicken chimichanga refers to a chimichanga that is specifically filled with chicken as the main protein. It combines the delicious flavors of seasoned chicken, beans, cheese, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a tortilla and fried to perfection.
4. Are chimichangas healthy? Chimichangas can be high in calories and fat due to the deep-frying process and the ingredients used. However, you can make healthier versions by baking or air frying them instead of deep frying, and by using lean meats and low-fat cheese.
Conclusion
Chicken chimichangas are a versatile and delicious dish that you can enjoy in various ways. Whether you prefer them air-fried, baked, or deep-fried, the combination of crispy tortilla and savory filling is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This simple chicken chimichanga recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering. Don’t forget to try different variations and serve them with your favorite Mexican sides like chicken quesadilla or chicken enchiladas. Enjoy your homemade chimichangas and share this authentic recipe with your friends and family!
