**How to Make Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas for a Delightful Dinner**
**Time Needed**:
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
**Introduction**
Are you in the mood for homemade Mexican cuisine? Enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your home kitchen with this spicy, crispy and flavorful homemade smothered chicken chimichangas recipe. It’s simple, delicious and dripping with delightful flavors—from the melt-in-your-mouth chicken to the smoky spices and the crunchy outer crust, it’s a treat for all your senses!
**Why Make This Recipe**
Everyone loves a good dish, and when it’s a homemade smothered chicken chimichanga, the experience is twice as exciting. It’s easy to make, requires common kitchen ingredients, and it is a pleaser—even for the pickiest eaters. This is a hearty dish perfect for cozy evenings, parties, and even for a flavorful twist to your regular weeknight dinners.
**How to Make Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 6 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup enchilada sauce
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
**Directions:**
1. Start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, and seasonings, followed by black beans and half of the cheese.
3. Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas, placing it in the center. Fold in the sides, roll up each tortilla tightly to form a burrito.
4. Use the vegetable oil to lightly brush each chimichanga before placing it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake until golden and crispy – takes around 20-25 minutes.
6. While your chimichangas are baking, warm the enchilada sauce in a saucepan. Once the chimichangas are properly baked, smother them with the warmed enchilada sauce and remaining cheese, then dollop the sour cream on top.
7. Your delicious homemade smothered chicken chimichangas are ready to serve! Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions and enjoy!
**How to Serve Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas**
Serve these delectable chimichangas while hot for the best taste experience. Accompany them with a fresh green salad, some guacamole on the side, or any other side dish you enjoy with Mexican food.
**How to Store Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas**
You can store your leftover chimichangas in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, just warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until they’re heated through.
**Tips to Make Homemade Smothered Chicken Chimichangas**
– If you prefer softer chimichangas, wrap them in foil before baking.
– You can experiment with the fillings – add some cooked rice for a heartier version or peppers for some crunch.
– Use a toothpick to secure the chimichangas before baking to prevent them from opening while baking.
**Variations**
If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with beans, tofu or any of your favorite veggies. For a non-vegetarian variant, you can use beef or pork instead of chicken.
**FAQs**
**1. What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?**
You can boil or bake chicken breasts and then use two forks to shred them.
**2. Can I use store-bought salsa and enchilada sauce?**
Yes, you can use store-bought versions to save time. However, if you’d like a homemade touch, there are numerous salsa and enchilada sauce recipes available.
**3. Can I make the chimichangas ahead and freeze them?**
Yes, you can prepare the chimichangas up to the baking stage, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. When you’re ready to eat them, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Now that you know how to make our easy homemade smothered chicken chimichangas, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy a Mexican fiesta right at your dinner table. This well-loved dish will definitely win rounds of applause from friends and family. Happy cooking!