Authentic Homemade Chimichanga Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream, for serving
  • 1/2 cup of salsa, for serving
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool.
  3. In the same skillet, cook the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until they are soft. Add the black beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Shred the cooled chicken using two forks and add it to the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheese and remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up to form a burrito.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower the chimichangas into the hot oil, and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
  7. Drain the chimichangas on paper towels. Serve them hot with sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken and vegetables.
  • Forks - Two forks will be used to shred the cooked chicken.
  • Deep fryer or large pot - A deep fryer or a large pot will be used to fry the chimichangas.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are necessary to drain the fried chimichangas.

Recipe variations

  • Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
  • Replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
  • Add diced jalapenos or green chilies for a spicier flavor.
  • Include diced tomatoes or salsa verde for added freshness.
  • Try different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a variation in flavor.
  • Include additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with chopped tofu or cooked quinoa.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings such as paprika, oregano, or chipotle powder to customize the flavor profile.
  • For a healthier option, bake the chimichangas in the oven instead of deep frying.
  • Serve the chimichangas with guacamole, pico de gallo, or hot sauce for additional condiments.

Recipe overview

This delicious and authentic Chimichanga recipe brings the taste of Mexican cuisine right into your kitchen! Perfect for a family dinner or a party, these deep-fried burritos are filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese. Once they're cooked to a perfect golden brown, you'll top them with creamy sour cream, tangy salsa, and fresh cilantro for a dish that's bursting with flavor. With this recipe in hand, you can expect a fun and fulfilling cooking experience followed by a scrumptious meal that will transport you to the sunny streets of Mexico. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts? No, boneless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe as they cook faster and are easier to shred.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
  3. Do I have to fry the chimichangas? Frying the chimichangas creates a crispy texture, but if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Can I make the filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and frying the chimichangas.
  5. Can I freeze the chimichangas? Yes, you can freeze the chimichangas before frying them. Place the assembled chimichangas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing and combining ingredients.
  • Skillet - A frying pan used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
  • Large Spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
  • Fork - Used for shredding the cooked chicken.
  • Deep Fryer or Large Pot - Used for frying the chimichangas.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and removing the chimichangas from the hot oil.
  • Paper Towels - Used for draining the fried chimichangas.
  • Serving Plate - A plate for presenting the chimichangas.
  • Sour Cream - A condiment for serving alongside the chimichangas.
  • Salsa - A condiment for serving alongside the chimichangas.
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro - A garnish for sprinkling over the chimichangas.

Origin stories

Despite its association with Mexican cuisine, the chimichanga actually hails from the U.S. state of Arizona. There's a bit of a friendly dispute over who can claim the invention of this deep-fried delight. Some stories credit Monica Flin, the founder of Tucson's El Charro café, with accidentally dropping a burrito into a deep-fryer in 1922. Flustered, she started to utter a Spanish curse-word beginning with "ch..." but quickly changed it to "chimichanga," the equivalent of "thingamajig." Meanwhile, Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix insists they invented it in 1946 when founder Woody Johnson experimentally plunged a burrito into bubbling fat, creating the first chimichanga. Whether from Tucson or Phoenix, the chimichanga is a beloved borderland dish, a perfect encapsulation of that delicious fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.