Introduction: Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than these homemade smothered chicken chimichangas! Packed with flavor and comfort, these chimichangas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re easy to make right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe!
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)
- Butter (for baking option)
- Additional green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling by combining shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, Mexican-style Rotel, Colby jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Build the chimichangas by scooping approximately 1 cup of filling onto each burrito-sized tortilla. Spread the filling out evenly over the tortilla, leaving space around the edges.
- Wrap up the chimichangas by folding in the sides of the tortilla, then rolling it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the chimichangas by brushing the tortillas with melted butter and baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the oil is hot (or if baking, once the chimichangas are golden brown), carefully place the chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil or on a baking sheet.
- Cook the chimichangas until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning them occasionally if frying, or flipping them halfway through if baking.
- Once cooked, remove the chimichangas from the oil or oven and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
- While the chimichangas are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the block queso according to the package instructions. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop.
- To serve, pour the melted cheese sauce over the chimichangas, smothering them generously.
- Garnish the chimichangas with additional chopped green onions if desired, and serve them hot.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade smothered chicken chimichangas with homemade pico de gallo and guacamole salad on the side for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: These homemade smothered chicken chimichangas are bursting with flavor thanks to the perfect blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, along with zesty Mexican-style Rotel with lime. Each bite is a delicious explosion of savory goodness.
- Comfort Food Delight: There’s something inherently comforting about a crispy chimichanga smothered in gooey cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms both the body and the soul, making it perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to cozy nights in.
- Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer spicier chimichangas, extra cheese, or want to add in your favorite veggies, the options are endless. Plus, you can easily adjust the level of heat by tweaking the amount of chili powder and other spices.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this dish is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can whip up a batch of delicious chimichangas in no time.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or a casual get-together with friends, these homemade chimichangas are sure to impress. Serve them up with some homemade pico de gallo and guacamole salad for a complete Tex-Mex feast that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love anything that involves gooey cheese and crispy tortillas, making these smothered chicken chimichangas a hit with the whole family. It’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
- Leftover Hero: Got leftover shredded chicken? This recipe is the perfect way to repurpose it into a mouthwatering meal that tastes anything but leftover. Simply mix it with the spices and cheese, wrap it up in a tortilla, and you’ve got yourself a delicious chimichanga in no time.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Why bother with takeout when you can whip up restaurant-quality chimichangas right in your own kitchen? These homemade smothered chicken chimichangas taste just as good, if not better, than anything you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
- Satisfying and Filling: Packed with protein from the shredded chicken and creamy cheese, these chimichangas are not only delicious but also satisfying and filling. They’ll keep you full and fueled for hours, making them a perfect meal option for busy weeknights.
- Pure Indulgence: Sometimes you just need to treat yourself, and these homemade chimichangas are the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something decadent, these smothered chicken chimichangas are guaranteed to hit the spot.
How to Store Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas Recipe:
Storing homemade smothered chicken chimichangas is easy and convenient, allowing you to enjoy them later without sacrificing their delicious taste and texture. Here’s how to properly store them:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover chimichangas or want to prepare them ahead of time, refrigeration is the best option. Allow the chimichangas to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. Once cooled, wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Air-Tight Container: Alternatively, you can place the wrapped chimichangas in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it to maintain freshness.
- Labeling: To help you keep track of when the chimichangas were prepared, it’s a good idea to label the container or bag with the date. This way, you’ll know how long they’ve been stored in the refrigerator and when they should be consumed by.
- Storage Duration: Smothered chicken chimichangas can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may start to deteriorate, and they may not taste as fresh.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the chimichangas, simply reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave until heated through. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chimichangas for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. If using the microwave, place the chimichangas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
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Cheese Sauce: If you’ve already smothered the chimichangas with cheese sauce, you can either store them with the sauce on top or store the sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce separately and pour it over the reheated chimichangas just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
