Homemade Chimichangas: A Crispy, Flavorful Mexican Delight

Craving a delicious and hearty Mexican dish that’s full of flavor? These Homemade Chimichangas are the perfect answer! Crispy on the outside with a warm, flavorful chicken filling, these chimichangas are a satisfying meal for any occasion. They’re loaded with tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and then fried to golden perfection. The addition of tomatillo salsa gives these chimichangas a tangy, zesty kick that complements the richness of the cheese and chicken. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply want to enjoy a classic Mexican favorite, this homemade chimichanga recipe will never disappoint. Serve them with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for the ultimate indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Golden

The fried tortillas give these chimichangas a crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey interior. Every bite is a delicious mix of textures.

2. Flavor-Packed Filling

The combination of seasoned chicken, tangy tomatillo salsa, and melted Monterey Jack cheese creates a filling that’s bursting with flavor. Add jalapeños for a touch of heat, or leave them out for a milder taste.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and fast to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious homemade meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily customize this recipe with different fillings like ground beef, shredded beef, or beans. Add extra veggies or even some spicy hot sauce to suit your taste.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Chimichangas can be made ahead of time, frozen, and fried when needed. They’re a fantastic option for meal prep or make-ahead meals!

Ingredients

For the Chimichanga Filling:

• Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (2-3 cups)
• Tomatillo salsa (½ cup)
• Onion, diced
• Jalapeño, seeded and diced
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
• Cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons)
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)

For the Chimichanga Assembly:

• Large flour tortillas (4)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch)
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and chili powder (to taste)

Variations

• Meat Variations: If you prefer, you can use ground beef, shredded beef, or even carnitas instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace the chicken with beans or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Options: While Monterey Jack is a great melting cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for added flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. You can also use a milder salsa if you prefer less heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, tomatillo salsa, diced onion, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and chili powder to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the chicken mixture, ensuring the filling is cheesy and well-combined. The cheese will melt as it cooks, giving the chimichangas a rich, gooey texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Fry the Chimichangas

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once the chimichangas are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overfilling: When assembling the chimichangas, don’t overstuff them to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
• Don’t Skip the Drainage: After frying, place the chimichangas on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
• Use Tongs: When frying the chimichangas, use tongs to flip them carefully to avoid tearing the tortillas.
• Frozen Chimichangas: If you want to freeze them, let the chimichangas cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze them for up to 3 months. To cook, heat them in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes until crispy and heated through.

How to Serve

Homemade chimichangas are best served hot and crispy. You can enjoy them with a variety of sides:

• Toppings: Top with sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, or shredded lettuce for a fresh contrast.
• Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of chips and salsa.
• Fresh Vegetables: A simple avocado salad or grilled veggies pairs perfectly with the rich and crispy chimichangas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to retain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though they may lose their crunch.

Freezing

Chimichangas freeze really well. Once they’re assembled and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, heat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat fried chimichangas in the oven rather than the microwave. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Yes! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and will save you time. Just shred the chicken and mix with the other ingredients.

2. Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Brush the chimichangas with a little oil and bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but be aware that they might break more easily when rolled up. To prevent this, warm them slightly before filling and rolling.

4. How can I make these chimichangas spicier?

Add more jalapeños, use a spicy salsa, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to make the filling spicier.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.

6. Can I freeze these chimichangas?

Yes, after assembling, you can freeze them before frying. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake from frozen.

7. How do I prevent the chimichangas from being too greasy?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature—if it’s too cool, the chimichangas will absorb more oil. After frying, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

8. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can give the chimichangas extra flavor and texture.

9. How long will these keep in the fridge?

Leftover chimichangas will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

10. Can I make chimichangas with beef instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute beef for chicken. Ground beef, shredded beef, or even steak can be used for a different twist on this classic dish.

Conclusion

Homemade Chimichangas are the perfect dish when you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With a simple, customizable filling of chicken, cheese, and salsa, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and fried until golden, these chimichangas are sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you enjoy them with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, these crispy delights are perfect for a family dinner or a fun Mexican-themed night. Make a batch today, and you’ll find yourself enjoying these delicious bites again and again!

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