Oh my goodness, let me tell you about baked chicken chimichangas! These little bundles of joy are not just any ordinary meal; they’re crispy on the outside and bursting with a flavorful filling that just makes my taste buds dance! Imagine biting into a perfectly baked tortilla, golden brown and crunchy, only to discover tender shredded chicken mingling with melty cheese and zesty taco seasoning inside. Seriously, it’s comfort food at its finest! Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch of baked chicken chimichangas any night of the week and feel like a culinary rockstar!
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and I promise it’ll all be worth it when you take that first bite of your homemade baked chicken chimichangas! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut or cook your own for that fresh flavor.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Go for sharp cheddar if you like a stronger flavor; it melts beautifully!
- 1 cup refried beans: These add creaminess and help hold everything together. You can use canned or homemade.
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- 8 large flour tortillas: Make sure they’re big enough to hold all that delicious filling. I love using whole wheat for a healthier twist!
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This gives the chimichangas that lovely golden color and crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup salsa: This is for serving, but you can also mix some into the filling for an extra kick!
That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s get cooking! You’ll love the symphony of flavors that come together in this delightful dish.
How to Prepare Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making these mouthwatering baked chicken chimichangas! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be enjoying them in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because it ensures that your chimichangas bake evenly and develop that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, a hot oven makes all the difference!
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, refried beans, and that delightful taco seasoning. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly—this way, every bite will be bursting with flavor. I like to use a fork to really get in there and combine everything well!
Assemble the Chimichangas
Now comes the fun part! Take one of your flour tortillas and place a generous portion of the chicken mixture in the center. Fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. It’s like wrapping a little present! Just make sure to seal them well to keep all that tasty goodness inside.
Brush with Olive Oil
Once all your chimichangas are rolled, brush each one lightly with olive oil. This step is key for achieving that gorgeous golden color and crispy finish. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet so they hold their shape while baking.
Bake to Perfection
Finally, pop those chimichangas in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is bursting with flavors from the seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and spicy taco seasoning. Yum!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or even jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter while still giving you that satisfying crunch.
- Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in the assembly process—it’s a great way to bond and enjoy cooking together.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These chimichangas freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these! They’re like a fun twist on a classic burrito that kids can’t resist.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your baked chicken chimichangas, here are some pro tips to ensure they turn out absolutely delicious every time!
- Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the taco seasoning based on your spice preference! If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
- Experiment with Fillings: While chicken and cheese are classic, feel free to mix it up! Try adding black beans, diced bell peppers, or even some corn for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Use Fresh Tortillas: For the best results, opt for fresh flour tortillas. They’ll roll up easier and give you a delightful chewiness that frozen ones just can’t match.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack in a lot of filling, but trust me, a little goes a long way! Overfilling can lead to messy chimichangas that won’t hold together well.
- Let Them Cool Slightly: After baking, let your chimichangas cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.
- Perfect Dipping Sauces: Pair your chimichangas with delicious dipping sauces! Think guacamole, sour cream, or even a zesty avocado crema. They’ll take your dish to the next level!
- Freeze for Later: If you want to prep ahead, freeze unbaked chimichangas. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most amazing baked chicken chimichangas ever. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the goodness packed into each baked chicken chimichanga? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one chimichanga:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but overall, you’re getting a satisfying meal that brings together protein, fiber, and big flavors! Enjoy knowing that each delicious bite also has some nutritional benefits. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about baked chicken chimichangas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my best answers:
Can I freeze baked chicken chimichangas?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with them?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving my chimichangas with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. You could also whip up a side of Mexican rice or a crisp salad to complement the meal. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that corn tortillas tend to be less flexible than flour tortillas. To make them easier to roll, you may want to warm them slightly in a skillet or microwave before adding the filling. This will help prevent them from cracking.
How do I reheat leftover chimichangas?
The best way to reheat them is in the oven! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain that crispy texture!
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the chicken for a mix of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or black beans, and you’re good to go! You can still keep the cheese for that delicious melty goodness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’ll still be tasty as leftovers!
Hope this helps clear up any questions you had! Happy cooking and enjoy those delicious chimichangas!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious baked chicken chimichangas fresh and ready for your next meal! Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying them later without losing that fantastic crispy texture.
First off, if you have any chimichangas left after dinner (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let them cool completely. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads up: they’re best enjoyed fresh, but I promise they still taste great as leftovers!
When it comes time to reheat your chimichangas, I highly recommend using the oven to maintain that crispy outer layer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chimichangas on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the outside is nice and crispy again. You’ll be amazed at how good they’ll taste, just like when they first came out of the oven!
If you’re in a pinch for time, you can use the microwave, but keep in mind that they may lose some of their crunch. If you do go this route, pop them in for about 1-2 minutes, but don’t forget to check on them to avoid overheating!
Now you’re all set! Enjoy your baked chicken chimichangas any time, knowing they’ll be just as delicious as the first time around!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chicken, check out this nutritional guide. If you’re interested in exploring more about the history of chimichangas, visit this informative article.
Print
Baked Chicken Chimichangas: 7 Simple Steps to Success
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 chimichangas 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy baked chicken chimichangas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, refried beans, and taco seasoning.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add a portion of the chicken mixture.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly.
- Brush the rolled chimichangas with olive oil.
- Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with salsa.
Notes
- Feel free to add other ingredients such as bell peppers or onions.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked chicken chimichangas, chicken chimichangas, baked chimichangas
