Baked Chicken Chimichangas: A Flavorful Twist on a Mexican Favorite! 🌯🍗✨

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Experience the savory delight of Baked Chicken Chimichangas—a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Packed with seasoned shredded chicken, beans, and cheese, these chimichangas are rolled up in a tortilla and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a festive Mexican night or a family dinner, these baked treats are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into creating this flavorful twist on a Mexican favorite! 🍽️🌯✨

Ingredients:

For the Shredded Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chimichangas:

  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup salsa (plus extra for serving)
  • Cooking spray

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions:

Prepare the Shredded Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken with the seasonings.

Assemble the Chimichangas:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them more pliable.
  3. Lay out each tortilla and fill the center with a portion of the seasoned shredded chicken.
  4. Add a spoonful of black beans, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a drizzle of salsa on top of the chicken.
  5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly, creating a chimichanga.

Bake to Perfection:

  1. Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly spray the tops of the chimichangas with cooking spray to help them turn golden brown.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chimichangas are crisp and golden.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Remove the baked chimichangas from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  2. Serve the chimichangas with additional salsa and garnish with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.

Optional Tips:

  • Customize the filling by adding sautéed bell peppers or onions.
  • For an extra kick, sprinkle a dash of hot sauce or jalapeño slices into the filling.

Delight in the culinary magic of Baked Chicken Chimichangas, a wholesome take on the classic dish that introduces a healthier spin without compromising on flavor. Picture succulent seasoned shredded chicken, a hearty blend of beans, and gooey cheese, all perfectly enveloped in a golden tortilla shell. This reinvented dish not only satisfies your Mexican cuisine cravings but also aligns with a lighter, guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you’re planning a festive dinner or a laid-back family meal, these baked chimichangas are sure to steal the show. The melding of savory ingredients wrapped in a crisp, golden shell creates a symphony of flavors that captivates the palate, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico as you savor each bite. The baked version offers a wholesome alternative to the traditional deep-fried chimichanga, allowing you to relish the authentic flavors with a mindful approach to your well-being.

So, get ready to elevate your dining experience with the rich and satisfying notes of Baked Chicken Chimichangas—a culinary creation that effortlessly brings the essence of Mexico to your own table while embracing a healthier perspective on a beloved classic.🌯🍗✨

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