Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Delight your taste buds with this Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun gathering, these baked burritos are stuffed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and mild chilies. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or a casual lunch, this dish is sure to impress. With its quick preparation and mouthwatering flavors, this recipe stands out as both convenient and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a taste sensation that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner; serve them with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sides.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this easy-to-eat meal that’s fun to customize.
- Baked Not Fried: A healthier twist on traditional chimichangas without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Forks or hands (for shredding chicken)
- Brush (for butter)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and browning of chimichangas for that perfect crispy texture.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients seamlessly without mess.
Ingredients
Delicious Chicken Chimichanga Recipe – it is a baked burrito, stuffed with chicken, cheese and mild chilies.
For the Filling
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (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
How to Make Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400F. Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook on medium heat until they are no longer pink inside. Drain the water and let the chicken cool before shredding it into small pieces using your hands or two forks.
Step 2: Warm Tortillas
Warm the tortillas on top of the stove for a few seconds. This will make them soft and flexible for easier rolling.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ground cumin, shredded cheese, diced chiles, Mexican White Sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Roll Chimichangas
Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides first, then roll up from the bottom to create chimichangas.
Step 5: Bake
Brush each chimichanga lightly with butter. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Serve warm with leftover Mexican White Sauce or your favorite toppings like guacamole or cabbage salad.
Enjoy your homemade Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichangas!
How to Serve Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Serving your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichangas can elevate the meal experience. These flavorful baked burritos are versatile and can be paired with various sides and toppings to enhance their taste.
Salsa
- Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick and complements the flavors of the chimichangas perfectly.
Guacamole
- Creamy guacamole offers a smooth contrast to the crispy chimichangas, making each bite delightful.
Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream brings richness and balances the spices in the filling.
Cabbage Salad
- A refreshing cabbage salad provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with the softness of the chimichangas.
Mexican White Sauce
- Drizzling extra Mexican White Sauce over the chimichangas enhances their flavor and adds moisture.
Lime Wedges
- Squeezing fresh lime juice over your chimichangas brightens up the dish with citrusy notes.
How to Perfect Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
To ensure your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichangas turn out great every time, follow these handy tips for perfection.
- Use freshly cooked chicken – Shredding freshly cooked chicken enhances flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Warm tortillas properly – Heating tortillas briefly before assembling makes them flexible and less likely to tear.
- Don’t overfill – Keep the filling to about 1/2 cup to prevent spills while rolling.
- Brush with butter – Brushing chimichangas with melted butter creates a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake until golden – Monitor closely while baking; remove them once they achieve a beautiful golden color for best results.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy chimichangas fresh out of the oven for optimal texture and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichangas can enhance your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some great options:
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add richness and protein that complement the chimichangas well.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices rounds out the meal beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob provides a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro offers a burst of freshness.
- Black Bean Salad – A cool black bean salad adds fiber and a refreshing taste that pairs well with warm chimichangas.
- Queso Dip – Melty cheese dip is perfect for dipping your chimichangas, adding cheesy goodness to each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
-
Skipping the Tortilla Warming: Not warming the tortillas can lead to tearing when wrapping the chimichangas. Always warm them briefly on the stove for flexibility.
-
Overstuffing: Adding too much filling makes it difficult to seal the chimichangas. Stick to about 1/2 cup of filling for each tortilla.
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Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season your chicken and mixture can result in bland chimichangas. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices like cumin.
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Underbaking: Pulling chimichangas out of the oven too early may leave them soggy rather than crispy. Bake until golden brown for the best texture.
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Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can affect how well they mix and melt together. Allow your ingredients, especially cheese, to come to room temperature before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes; check frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this easy recipe:
How Long Does It Take To Make The Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe?
This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Chicken?
Yes! You can substitute shredded beef or turkey if you prefer a different protein option.
What Can I Serve With The Easy Chicken Chimichanga Recipe?
Pair these chimichangas with guacamole, salsa, or a fresh cabbage salad for a complete meal.
How Do I Customize My Chimichangas?
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or experiment with different cheeses according to your taste!
Final Thoughts
The Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe is not just quick but also incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize fillings based on what you have at home. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty dinner or a fun lunch, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and discover your favorite variation!
Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Mexico with this Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe. These baked burritos are filled with juicy, shredded chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty mild chilies, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you can serve up a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike. Top them off with fresh salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy these delightful chimichangas in under half an hour!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked & shredded)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz. diced mild chiles
- 1 cup Mexican White Sauce
- 6 flour tortillas
- Butter (for brushing)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- Boil chicken breasts in water until cooked through; let cool before shredding.
- Warm tortillas briefly on the stove for flexibility.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, chiles, Mexican White Sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling onto each tortilla; fold in sides and roll up tightly.
- Brush chimichangas with melted butter and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga (150g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
