When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals, baked chicken chimichangas are a fan favorite. These crispy, golden-brown tortillas stuffed with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a taco night, or preparing for a festive gathering, baked chicken chimichangas are guaranteed to impress.
In this article, we will guide you through every step of preparing this mouthwatering recipe. From choosing the right ingredients to achieving that perfect golden crunch, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible Mexican-inspired dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What Makes Baked Chicken Chimichangas So Special?
Baked chimichangas are a lighter alternative to the traditional deep-fried version but still offer that signature crispy texture and flavor. Chicken chimichangas are made with tender, shredded chicken enveloped in soft, warm tortillas and baked to perfection. The creamy filling, made with cream cheese and Pepperjack cheese, gives each bite a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Another reason why these chimichangas stand out is the ease of preparation. Unlike the fried version, which requires a deep fryer and extra oil, baked chimichangas can be made in the oven, cutting down on calories and simplifying the cooking process. They are just as crispy on the outside and delicious on the inside, making them a great option for a weeknight dinner or a fun party snack
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Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Chicken Chimichangas
The ingredients for baked chicken chimichangas are simple, yet packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
8 oz cream cheese: This will add richness and creaminess to the chicken filling.
8 oz Pepperjack cheese, shredded: The Pepperjack cheese will bring a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the chimichangas.
1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning: Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that infuses the chicken mixture with bold, savory flavor.
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs.
8 flour tortillas: Choose large flour tortillas to comfortably hold the filling and roll up easily.
Cooking spray: To prevent the chimichangas from sticking to the baking dish and ensure a crispy exterior.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For sprinkling on top after baking, adding more cheese flavor and richness.
Green onions, for garnish: Green onions will add a fresh, crisp touch to the finished chimichangas.
Sour cream: For dipping, giving the dish a creamy contrast to the crispy chimichangas.
Salsa: A perfect pairing to add some tang and flavor to each bite.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to assemble and bake your chicken chimichangas. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by preparing the chicken mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded Pepperjack cheese, and taco seasoning. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cream cheese has softened. Next, add the shredded cooked chicken to the bowl and fold it into the cheese mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy seasoning blend. This will be the flavorful filling for your chimichangas.
Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas
Once the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the chimichangas. Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. If the tortillas are too large for your baking dish, you can trim them slightly to fit. Place an even portion of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
To roll the chimichangas, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla, then carefully roll it up from the bottom, tucking the filling in as you go. This will help keep the filling intact while baking. Once each tortilla is rolled, place it seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 3: Bake the Chimichangas
After you’ve arranged all the chimichangas in the baking dish, spray the tops of the tortillas lightly with cooking spray. This step will help the tortillas crisp up as they bake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chimichangas for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully turn each chimichanga over so that the other side crisps up as well. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the chimichangas are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the chimichangas are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the top of each chimichanga with shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the chimichangas will melt the cheese, adding extra flavor and richness to each bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish off your baked chicken chimichangas, garnish them with chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve the chimichangas with a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping. The cool, creamy sour cream and tangy salsa will complement the warm, cheesy chicken filling perfectly.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Now, your delicious, crispy baked chicken chimichangas are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a meal or appetizer, and watch them disappear quickly as everyone enjoys the irresistible flavor and texture. The combination of creamy chicken, spicy cheese, and crispy tortillas makes for an unforgettable dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Tips for Making Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Use rotisserie chicken: For extra convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapeños to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Make them ahead: You can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Use a high-quality cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, so use good-quality cheese like Pepperjack and cheddar for the best flavor.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Baked chicken chimichangas are the perfect meal or snack for any occasion. With their creamy, cheesy filling and crispy exterior, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving up something special for guests, these chimichangas are a guaranteed hit.
Don’t forget to pair them with sour cream and salsa for that extra burst of flavor. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be making mouthwatering chicken chimichangas in no time.
