Chimichangas are a delightful Tex-Mex dish that brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a crispy, golden-brown tortilla. Essentially, they are deep-fried burritos, filled with a savory mixture of meat, beans, cheese, and spices. This easy homemade chimichanga recipe will guide you through the process of creating this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion that calls for a tasty, satisfying meal, these chimichangas are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Chimichangas
To make these scrumptious chimichangas, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chimichangas:
- Flour Tortillas: 8 large tortillas
- Chicken Breasts: 2, cooked and shredded
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- Mexican Blend Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salsa: 1 cup
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
For the Toppings:
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Guacamole: 1 cup
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish
- Lettuce: Shredded, for garnish
- Tomatoes: Diced, for garnish
How to Make Easy Homemade Chimichangas
Follow these steps to create delicious homemade chimichangas:
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook and Shred the Chicken:
- Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either boil, bake, or use a rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Mix the Filling Ingredients:
- In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken, black beans, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the filling has cooled slightly, stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese. The heat from the filling will begin to melt the cheese, making it easier to mix.
Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Warm the Tortillas:
- To make the tortillas more pliable and easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until they are soft.
- Fill the Tortillas:
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken and bean mixture into the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top, creating a burrito-like shape. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep it from unrolling.
Fry the Chimichangas:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chimichangas:
- Carefully place 2-3 chimichangas in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully turn them over and remove them from the oil. Place the fried chimichangas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chimichangas.
Serve the Chimichangas:
- Remove Toothpicks:
- If you used toothpicks to secure the chimichangas, remove them carefully before serving.
- Add Toppings:
- Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. You can also add extra salsa or hot sauce if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade chimichangas with your favorite sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
About the Main Ingredients
Flour Tortillas:
Flour tortillas are the base of this dish, providing the perfect vessel for the savory filling. Their soft and flexible nature makes them ideal for rolling and frying. Make sure to use large tortillas to hold the filling securely and prevent them from tearing during frying.
Chicken Breasts:
Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein that forms the main component of the filling. Shredded chicken works best for chimichangas, as it combines well with the other ingredients and absorbs the flavors of the spices and salsa. Cooking the chicken ahead of time ensures that it’s tender and easy to shred.
Black Beans:
Black beans add a hearty texture and nutritional value to the chimichangas. They are rich in protein and fiber, making the dish more filling and balanced. Make sure to drain and rinse canned black beans to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.
Mexican Blend Cheese:
This cheese blend typically includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheeses. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy and rich texture to the filling. The cheese also helps to bind the filling ingredients together.
Salsa:
Salsa adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the filling. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own at home. Choose a salsa with the level of spiciness that suits your taste. The salsa also helps to distribute the spices evenly throughout the filling.
Cumin and Chili Powder:
These spices give the filling its distinctive Tex-Mex flavor. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note, while chili powder brings a mild heat and depth of flavor. Adjust the quantities to your preference, especially if you like your chimichangas spicier.
Vegetable Oil:
Vegetable oil is used for frying the chimichangas. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for deep-frying and ensuring the chimichangas become golden and crispy. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chimichangas from becoming greasy.
Sour Cream and Guacamole:
These toppings add a cool, creamy contrast to the hot, crispy chimichangas. Sour cream provides a tangy flavor, while guacamole adds a rich, buttery taste. Both complement the spices in the filling and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh Cilantro, Lettuce, and Tomatoes:
These fresh ingredients add a burst of color and freshness to the chimichangas. Chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal note, while shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes add a crisp texture and juiciness. They also make the dish look vibrant and appetizing.
This easy homemade chimichangas recipe brings the delicious flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine right to your kitchen. With a savory chicken and bean filling, crispy fried tortillas, and a variety of fresh toppings, these chimichangas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these chimichangas are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade chimichangas!
