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Crispy Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

Crispy Chicken Chimichanga


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy chicken chimichanga brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with crispy tortillas packed full of savory goodness. Home cooks can quickly prepare this crowd-pleasing meal that delivers authentic flavors without complicated techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (237 ml) Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cream cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 can mild green chiles, diced
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salsa, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an ideal roasting environment for golden chimichangas.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Poach chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked, approximately 15 minutes. Cool briefly, then shred into delicate threads using two forks.
  3. Combine Filling: Merge shredded chicken with cumin, Monterrey Jack cheese, green chiles, and Mexican white sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients meld into a cohesive, flavorful mixture.
  4. Soften Tortillas: Warm flour tortillas over stovetop flames, rendering them pliable and flexible for effortless rolling.
  5. Assemble Chimichangas: Center chicken mixture on tortilla, fold edges inward, and roll into a compact cylinder with the seam facing down to secure the filling.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Brush rolled chimichangas with melted butter to encourage a crisp, burnished exterior. Arrange on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake and Serve: Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich, amber complexion. Allow brief cooling, then plate with salsa, additional Mexican white sauce, or preferred accompaniments for a tantalizing meal.

Notes

  • Chicken Cooking Tip: Boil chicken breasts precisely 15 minutes for perfect, tender shredding that ensures uniform texture and moisture.
  • Tortilla Flexibility Hack: Briefly warm tortillas over stovetop flame to enhance pliability, preventing tears during rolling and creating smoother chimichangas.
  • Sealing Technique: Always position rolled chimichanga seam-side down on baking sheet to prevent unraveling and maintain structural integrity during baking.
  • Crispy Exterior Secret: Brush melted butter before baking to achieve a golden-brown, crisp outer layer that elevates the overall texture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg