Name: Baked Chicken Chimichangas: 5 Reasons You'll Crave More
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup diced onions; 1/4 cup salsa; 4 large flour tortillas; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh, let me tell you about baked chicken chimichangas! These delightful bundles are packed with shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and all those wonderful spices, then baked to a crispy perfection that will have you coming back for more. I remember the first time I tried them at a little Mexican restaurant with my family. The aroma filled the air, and as soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked! They’re not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also a fantastic way to bring a bit of Mexican flair to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try making them at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered them out!

baked chicken chimichangas - detail 1

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Chimichangas

To make these mouthwatering baked chicken chimichangas, you’ll need a handful of simple yet delicious ingredients. Start with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken—this is a great way to use up leftovers! Then, grab 1 cup of shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey goodness). You’ll also want 1/2 cup of black beans, which should be drained and rinsed to keep things light. Toss in 1/4 cup of diced onions for a bit of crunch, and 1/4 cup of salsa for that zesty kick. Don’t forget 4 large flour tortillas, a tablespoon of olive oil for brushing, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Gather these up, and let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Preheat the Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial! Preheating ensures that when you pop those chimichangas in, they start cooking right away, giving you that perfect golden-brown crispiness on the outside while keeping the filling nice and warm. Trust me, this little detail makes a world of difference!

Prepare the Filling

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get our filling ready! Combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of drained and rinsed black beans, 1/4 cup of diced onions, and 1/4 cup of salsa. Sprinkle in that teaspoon of cumin and chili powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. The key here is to mix everything together really well—this ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. I like to use my hands for this; it’s messy but oh-so-satisfying!

Assemble the Chimichangas

Once your filling is mixed, it’s time to assemble! Take a large flour tortilla and place a generous portion of the filling in the center. Don’t overstuff—about a third of the way should do it. Fold the sides in, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Make sure the filling is secure, so it doesn’t spill out while baking. If you’re worried about spillage, you can secure the edges with a toothpick or just make sure to roll them snugly!

Bake the Chimichangas

Now, let’s get these beauties into the oven! Brush each chimichanga with a little olive oil for that crispy finish, then place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they should be crispy on the outside and the filling nice and heated through. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know they’re ready when they look just irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Full of flavor with every bite, thanks to the zesty filling.
A healthier option compared to fried chimichangas, but just as satisfying.
Great for meal prep; you can make a batch in advance and reheat throughout the week.
Customizable to suit your taste—add veggies or change up the spices!

Tips for Success

To ensure your baked chicken chimichangas turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick! Also, consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut—it’s already cooked and packed with flavor. When assembling, make sure to roll them tightly so they hold their shape while baking. And for serving, pair them with extra salsa or guacamole for dipping. They make a fantastic dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying baked chicken chimichangas, you might be curious about the nutritional side of things! Each chimichanga typically contains about 320 calories, making it a satisfying yet manageable part of your meal. You’ll also get 20g of protein to keep you feeling full, along with 12g of fat and 36g of carbohydrates. Plus, they have a little fiber—around 4g—which is always a bonus! Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to customize according to your dietary needs! Enjoy your delicious creation guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about baked chicken chimichangas? I’ve got answers! First off, yes, you can absolutely use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option—just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling. As for leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat them in the oven for that crispy texture! And if you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap each chimichanga tightly and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking, and you’re good to go!

Check out this chicken in tomato sauce recipe for a delicious pairing!

Z nadrukami

Baked Chicken Chimichangas: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave More

Autor: Julia marin
Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
Dieta: Bez Glutenu

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Opis

Baked chicken chimichangas are a delicious Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken, cheese, and spices wrapped in a tortilla and baked until crispy.

Instrukcje

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, black beans, onions, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Place a portion of the mixture in the center of each tortilla.
Fold the tortillas over the filling and roll them up tightly.
Brush the chimichangas with olive oil.
Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.