Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Mexican-style Rotel with lime
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese
- 2 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Burrito-sized tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Block queso for cheese sauce
- Additional green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, Mexican-style Rotel, Colby jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions to prepare the filling.
- Build the chimichangas by scooping approximately 1 cup of filling onto each burrito-sized tortilla. Spread the filling evenly over the tortilla and then fold it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you roll.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can bake the chimichangas by brushing the tortillas with butter and baking them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam side down in the skillet or deep fryer. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- While the chimichangas are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the block queso according to the package instructions.
- Once melted, pour the cheese sauce over the cooked chimichangas, smothering them generously.
- Serve the smothered chicken chimichangas hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chimichangas with homemade pico de gallo and guacamole salad on the side for a complete meal!
Popular questions and their answers related to Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas:
Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the chimichangas? A: Yes, you can customize the cheese to your preference. While Colby jack cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Q: Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. You can also freeze assembled chimichangas for later use, just be sure to thaw them before frying or baking.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling? A: Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time and still yield delicious results. Simply shred the cooked chicken and incorporate it into the filling mixture as directed.
Q: What can I serve with homemade chimichangas? A: Chimichangas pair well with a variety of sides, such as rice and beans, Mexican street corn, avocado salad, or a side of salsa and sour cream for dipping. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Q: Can I make these chimichangas vegetarian? A: Yes, you can easily make vegetarian chimichangas by omitting the chicken and using a combination of sautéed vegetables, beans, or tofu as the filling. Adjust the seasonings and flavors to suit your taste preferences.