Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Indulge in the flavors of Mexico with these Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas. Filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and seasoned shredded chicken, this recipe transforms a traditional deep-fried favorite into a healthier baked version without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a party, these chimichangas are easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a topping of melted cheddar, zesty salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious culinary experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Taco Seasoning
1.5 tablespoons (mixed)
Cooked Chicken
1 pound (shredded)
Flour Tortillas
8 pieces (softened)
Cooking Spray
as needed (for greasing)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
to taste (for topping)
Green Onion
for garnish (chopped)
Sour Cream
for serving (as desired)
Salsa
for serving (as desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and taco seasoning until smooth.
3
Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken until evenly coated.
4
Spoon a portion of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
5
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top to form a chimichanga.
6
Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7
Lightly spray the tops of the chimichangas with cooking spray to promote crispiness while baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each chimichanga and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas?
They are a healthier, oven-baked version of the traditional deep-fried Mexican dish, filled with a blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and seasoned shredded chicken.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the total baking time for the chimichangas?
The total baking time is 30 minutes, consisting of 15 minutes on one side and 15 minutes after flipping.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What kind of cheese goes inside the filling?
The filling uses 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a slightly spicy, creamy texture.
How much taco seasoning is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning.
How many tortillas are required?
The recipe requires 8 flour tortillas.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I make the chimichangas crispy without frying them?
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled chimichangas with cooking spray before baking to promote crispiness.
Do I need to flip the chimichangas while they bake?
Yes, you should carefully flip each chimichanga after the first 15 minutes of baking.
How should I fold the tortillas?
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top to form the chimichanga shape.
How should the chimichangas be placed in the baking dish?
Place them seam-side down in the dish to prevent them from opening while they bake.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Recommended toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and salsa.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, these chimichangas are great for parties as they are easy to make, customizable, and impressive to guests.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded cooked rotisserie chicken is a perfect and convenient option for this dish.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast dishes.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it combines thoroughly and smoothly with the other ingredients.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped and used as a garnish.
Is there a specific preparation for the tortillas?
The recipe suggests using softened flour tortillas to make rolling easier.
How do I know when the chimichangas are finished baking?
They are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I adjust the amount of taco seasoning?
Yes, while 1.5 tablespoons is recommended, you can adjust it to suit your personal taste preference.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, chimichangas, baked, Mexican, easy recipe, comfort food, party food, dinner, cheesy, and family meal.
How much Monterey Jack pepper cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of the shredded pepper cheese.
Do I add the cheddar cheese before or after baking?
The shredded cheddar cheese is added as a topping after the chimichangas are baked.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the Monterey Jack pepper cheese and taco seasoning, but it is generally family-friendly.
How long should they cool before serving?
Let them cool slightly after removing them from the oven to allow the filling to set before serving hot.
Can I use cooking spray instead of oil?
Yes, cooking spray is used both for greasing the dish and for coating the tops of the tortillas.
What makes the filling luscious?
The combination of softened cream cheese and melted Monterey Jack pepper cheese creates a rich, luscious filling.