Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Delight your taste buds with this Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe! Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or a quick lunch, these delicious chimichangas are baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a wonderful combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and the subtle kick of mild chilies. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with your favorite dips like guacamole or salsa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Fillings – The combination of chicken, cheese, and spices ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable – Feel free to modify the fillings based on your preferences. Add beans, corn, or different cheeses for variety!
- Healthier Choice – Baking instead of frying makes these chimichangas a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at parties, family gatherings, or enjoy them as a quick lunch.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up these delightful chimichangas, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Cooking brush
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Stove
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan – Essential for boiling the chicken until it’s perfectly cooked and tender.
- Mixing bowl – Provides ample space to combine all your ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheet – Ensures even cooking and easy transfer of the chimichangas to the oven.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast (cooked & shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz. mild chiles (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 cup Mexican White Sauce
- 6 flour tortillas
- butter (for brushing)
For Serving
- salsa (for serving)
How to Make Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400F. While it’s heating up, prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook on medium heat until fully cooked through—no pink inside.
- Drain the water and let the chicken cool before shredding it into small pieces using your hands or forks.
Step 3: Prepare Tortillas
Warm each tortilla on top of the stove for a few seconds. This will make them soft and flexible for rolling.
Step 4: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Ground cumin
3. Shredded cheese
4. Diced chilies
5. Mexican White Sauce
6. Salt and pepper
Give everything a good mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble Chimichangas
- Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the sides first then roll from the bottom up to create chimichangas.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Brush each chimichanga lightly with butter.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Serve with leftover Mexican White Sauce, guacamole, or cabbage salad.
Enjoy your easy homemade chimichangas!
How to Serve Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Serving the Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga is a delightful experience. These baked burritos are not only satisfying but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
With Dipping Sauces
- Salsa: A fresh and tangy salsa complements the flavors, adding a zesty kick.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich texture that pairs well with the crispy chimichangas.
- Mexican White Sauce: Drizzling or serving this sauce alongside enhances the dish with its creaminess.
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds an aromatic touch.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling effect, balancing the spices in the chimichangas.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring in juiciness and flavor for a refreshing contrast.
On a Bed of Greens
- Cabbage Salad: Serve your chimichangas on a bed of crunchy cabbage salad for added texture and freshness.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, wrap your chimichanga in lettuce leaves for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Perfecting your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Warm tortillas properly: Softening tortillas makes them easier to roll without tearing.
- Don’t overfill: Ensure each tortilla has just enough filling to prevent bursting during baking.
- Brush generously with butter: This step helps achieve that beautiful golden color and adds richness.
- Bake until golden: Keep an eye on your chimichangas; they should be crispy and golden brown for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichangas can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the flavors of the chimichangas perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making your meal heartier.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory chimichangas.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in crema and cheese is an irresistible accompaniment.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add an interesting contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
- Chips and Queso Dip: Crispy tortilla chips served with warm queso dip make for a fun appetizer or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the Tortilla Warming: Not warming the tortillas can lead to breaks. Warm them briefly on the stove for flexibility.
- Overstuffing the Chimichangas: Adding too much filling makes rolling difficult. Stick to 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla for best results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Starting with a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat to 400F before baking.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavor. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and cumin in your mixture.
- Forgetting About Baking Time: Leaving chimichangas in the oven too long can cause burning. Keep an eye on them and remove when golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350F, place chimichangas on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add chimichangas, and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is an Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe?
The Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe is a quick dish featuring tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and chilies, baked for a crispy exterior.
Can I use other meats in this chimichanga recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
How do I customize my Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also change the type of cheese used.
What sauces pair well with chicken chimichangas?
Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream complement chicken chimichangas perfectly. Try serving with Mexican White Sauce as well!
Final Thoughts
This Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe is not only quick but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet delicious. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Delight in a quick, satisfying meal with this Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these baked burritos are filled with tender shredded chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and mild chilies, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. The best part? They come together in just half an hour! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a speedy lunch, these chimichangas are sure to impress. Serve with your favorite dips like guacamole or salsa for an added touch of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked & shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz. mild chiles (diced)
- 6 flour tortillas
- 1 cup Mexican White Sauce
- Butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- In a large saucepan, boil water and cook the chicken until fully cooked. Shred the chicken after cooling.
- Warm tortillas briefly on the stove to make them flexible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, mild chiles, cumin, salt, pepper, and Mexican White Sauce.
- Place about 1/2 cup of the mixture in each tortilla and roll them up.
- Brush each chimichanga with butter and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
