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Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Imagine pulling a tray of golden, crispy-edged Baked Chicken Chimichangas from your oven. 🌟 The aroma of spices, chicken, and cheese fills the air, promising a delightful meal ahead. This recipe is a treasure trove of flavors, blending tender shredded chicken with a vibrant mix of spices, nestled inside a lightly crispy tortilla. 🌯 What makes it stand apart is the addition of tangy lime rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that dance on your palate. The secret to its irresistible charm lies in baking, not frying, offering a healthier twist to a beloved classic. 🍃 Each bite is a blend of comfort and excitement, making this dish a perfect choice for any night of the week. It's more than just a meal; it's a way to create memories around the table, sharing stories and laughs with every bite.

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:16:03 GMT
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Baked Chicken Chimichangas | myhomemaderecipe.com

Welcome to a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chimichangas: Baked Chicken Chimichangas. These crispy tortillas filled with a cheesy chicken mixture are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let's dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.

Ingredients

Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Baked Chicken Chimichangas:

  • 8 oz package cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
  • 8 oz Pepperjack cheese, shredded: Provides a spicy and cheesy flavor.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning: Adds a burst of Mexican flavors.
  • 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: The main protein component, adding heartiness to the dish.
  • 8 flour tortillas: The wraps that hold the delicious filling.
  • Cooking spray: Ensures the chimichangas crisp up nicely in the oven.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant touch.
  • Sour cream (for serving): A classic accompaniment that adds creaminess.
  • Salsa (for serving): Adds a fresh and tangy flavor.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create delicious and crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas that are perfect for any meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  • Mixing the Cheeses and Seasoning: In a bowl, stir together 8 oz of cream cheese, 8 oz of shredded Pepperjack cheese, and 1 1/2 tbsp of taco seasoning until well combined.
  • Add Chicken: Fold in 1 lb of shredded cooked chicken until evenly mixed with the cheese mixture.

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

  • Fill and Roll: Divide the chicken and cheese mixture among 8 flour tortillas. Place the mixture in the center of each tortilla, tuck in the sides, and roll up each tortilla to enclose the filling, forming a neat, burrito-like wrap.

Step 3: Bake the Chimichangas

  • Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Baking: Place the rolled chimichangas seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes, turn over, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, and salsa.

Serving and Storage Tips

Enjoying your Baked Chicken Chimichangas is easy with these serving and storage tips. Proper storage ensures that you can savor this delicious meal even as leftovers.

  • Serving: Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa. Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
  • Storage: Allow the chimichangas to cool completely before wrapping individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Baked Chicken Chimichangas and make them your own:

  • Additional Fillings: Add black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
  • Spice It Up: Add more taco seasoning, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
  • Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or a plant-based meat alternative.

As chef Rick Bayless said, "Mexican food is so full of color, life, and music. It's like a piñata exploding in your mouth." Embrace this vibrant spirit when making your Baked Chicken Chimichangas and experiment with flavors to suit your taste.

Chicken Chimichangas

Embrace the comforting flavors of Baked Chicken Chimichangas, a dish where tender chicken meets a crispy golden exterior, jazzed up with a hint of lime and cilantro. Perfect for those evenings when only something heartwarming will do.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 oz package cream cheese.
02 8 oz Pepperjack cheese, shredded.
03 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning.
04 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded.
05 8 flour tortillas.
06 Cooking spray.
07 Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish).
08 Green onions, sliced (for garnish).
09 Sour cream (for serving).
10 Salsa (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, stir together the cream cheese, shredded Pepperjack cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined.

Step 02

Fold in the shredded cooked chicken until evenly mixed with the cheese mixture.

Step 03

Divide the chicken and cheese mixture among the 8 flour tortillas. Tuck in the sides and roll up each tortilla to enclose the filling.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 05

Place the rolled chimichangas seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray.

Step 06

Bake the chimichangas in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully turn the chimichangas over and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 07

Remove the baked chimichangas from the oven. Serve them hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, and salsa on the side.

Notes

  1. Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version.
  2. These crispy tortillas filled with a cheesy chicken mixture are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~