Chicken Chimichangas are a delightful fusion of crispy golden tortillas wrapped around a flavorful, seasoned chicken filling — a true comfort food favorite that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even party meals. Traditionally deep-fried, these chimichangas can also be baked or air-fried for a lighter, but still irresistibly crunchy option.

This recipe brings together juicy shredded chicken, cheese, spices, and a few simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that's packed with bold flavors and textures. Whether you're making a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a festive gathering, these Chicken Chimichangas are guaranteed to impress!

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Ingredients (in grams)

For the Chicken Filling:

• 400 g cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 100 g cream cheese, softened
• 100 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar)
• 60 g salsa (your favorite kind, chunky or smooth)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (30 g)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (10 g)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (2 g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1 g)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (1 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chimichangas:

• 6 large flour tortillas (about 240 g total)
• 30 g melted butter (for brushing, or use oil for frying)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa

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Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

1. Mix the filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Chimichangas:

2. Fill the tortillas:
   Spoon an equal amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
3. Fold the chimichangas:
   Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito to enclose the filling completely.

Cooking the Chimichangas:

Option 1: Baking (Healthier)

4. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Option 2: Pan Frying (Traditional)

5. Pan fry:
   Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chimichangas, a few at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).

Option 3: Air Frying

6. Air fry:
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the basket, brush with a little oil or butter, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving:

7. Serve:
   Top your chimichangas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Nutritional Information (per chimichanga, approx.)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg

(Nutritional values vary based on cooking method and toppings.)

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Tips and Tricks

• Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great and saves prep time.
• Freezer friendly: Assemble the chimichangas and freeze them before baking or frying. They can go straight from freezer to oven — just add 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or hot salsa to the filling if you love extra heat.
• Cheese variations: Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Keep them crispy: If baking, place the chimichangas on a wire rack over a baking sheet so hot air circulates and crisps them up evenly.

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My Special Addition to Your Website 🌟

Why Chicken Chimichangas are a timeless favorite:
These chimichangas perfectly capture the essence of Mexican-American comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy fillings wrapped in a crispy shell. They’re incredibly versatile too: you can customize them based on your family’s favorite ingredients or dietary needs.
Highlight a few fun serving ideas on your site, like setting up a chimichanga toppings bar for parties or offering mini chimichangas as appetizers for game days!

Adding personal touches like these will help your website feel more inviting, fun, and relatable to readers looking for easy, delicious recipes.