Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to the traditional deep-fried Mexican dish. These chimichangas are filled with a savory mixture of chicken, picante sauce, cheddar cheese, and green onions, all wrapped in flour tortillas and baked until golden brown. This recipe offers a satisfying crunch without the excess oil, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
3/4 cup picante sauce, divided
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional: Sour cream for serving

Directions

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, 1/2 cup of picante sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assemble the Chimichangas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable. Place approximately 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling, placing each chimichanga seam-side down in a lightly greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Bake: Brush the tops of the chimichangas with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy finish, you may broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove the chimichangas from the oven and spoon the remaining 1/4 cup of picante sauce over them. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 chimichanga):

Calories: Approximately 360
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 840mg
Potassium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 20g

The Origins of Chimichangas

The history of the chimichanga is a bit unclear, with several theories claiming to explain its origin. Some believe that it was invented in Arizona, while others argue it was first made in New Mexico or Texas. The word “chimichanga” is Spanish for “thingamajig” or “whatchamacallit,” often used as a humorous reference to the unknown or unclassified. One popular story of the chimichanga’s origin involves a woman in Tucson, Arizona, who accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer, creating a crispy, golden version of a burrito. Her customers loved the new dish, and the chimichanga was born.

Over the years, the dish has become a beloved Mexican-American comfort food, particularly in the southwestern United States. Traditionally, chimichangas are deep-fried and filled with a variety of ingredients, from ground beef to beans to shredded chicken. The fillings vary greatly depending on the region, but they all share the signature crispy fried exterior. While the deep-frying process creates a rich, indulgent flavor, it also adds unnecessary calories and fat, leading many home cooks to experiment with baking as a healthier alternative.

Why Choose Baked Chicken Chimichangas?

Opting for baked chicken chimichangas over the traditional deep-fried version offers a range of benefits. First and foremost, baking provides a healthier cooking method. Deep frying often adds significant amounts of calories, fat, and cholesterol, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. By baking the chimichangas, you can achieve the same satisfying crispiness without the added grease, making it a better choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight, reduce fat intake, or avoid excess oils.

Baked chicken chimichangas are also easier to prepare and cleaner to make. While frying requires careful attention to the temperature of the oil and the potential mess of hot oil splattering, baking in the oven is straightforward and mess-free. You don’t need to worry about the hot oil causing burns or splashes, and cleanup is much simpler.

Additionally, baked chimichangas tend to hold up better when it comes to texture. Deep-frying can sometimes lead to overly greasy dishes, while baking results in a crisp exterior with a tender, juicy filling. The filling in baked chimichangas, in this case, a delicious mixture of seasoned chicken and cheese, remains flavorful and moist, while the tortilla becomes perfectly crisp without becoming too greasy.

Health Benefits of Baked Chicken Chimichangas

When compared to traditional deep-fried chimichangas, Baked Chicken Chimichangas offer several health benefits. Let’s explore some of the key nutritional advantages:

Lower in Calories and Fat

Baking instead of frying reduces the calorie and fat content of the dish. This makes baked chimichangas a great choice for those who are trying to maintain or lose weight, as it helps keep the calorie count lower while still delivering a satisfying meal. Since frying requires oil, baked chimichangas have far fewer grams of fat, especially saturated fat, which is known to contribute to heart disease and other health conditions.

Rich in Protein

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. By using chicken breast as the main protein source in the chimichangas, this dish offers a lean option that provides all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and overall health.

High in Fiber

Although the recipe doesn’t include a heavy dose of beans or vegetables, the addition of ingredients such as picante sauce and green onions adds some fiber to the dish. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and manage hunger by promoting a feeling of fullness.

Customizable for Special Diets

One of the great things about baked chicken chimichangas is their versatility. The basic recipe can be easily modified to accommodate various dietary preferences or restrictions. For instance, if you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute regular flour tortillas for gluten-free ones. Additionally, if you’re following a low-sodium diet, you can replace the picante sauce with a homemade salsa or use a low-sodium version of store-bought sauces.

How to Customize Your Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are incredibly customizable, so feel free to get creative with your fillings, sauces, and toppings. Here are a few ideas to personalize this dish:

Add More Vegetables

If you’d like to make your chimichangas more nutrient-dense, consider adding more vegetables to the filling. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even corn can be mixed into the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Vegetables provide extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make the dish even healthier.

Swap the Chicken for Other Proteins

Although chicken is a lean source of protein, you can also swap it for other options depending on your dietary needs. Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh can be used in place of the chicken. These substitutions will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish but will still provide a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

Try Different Sauces

While picante sauce is the traditional choice for chimichangas, you can experiment with different sauces to give your chimichangas a unique twist. Salsa verde, enchilada sauce, or even a smoky chipotle sauce can be used to add a different flavor layer. For an extra creamy finish, try drizzling some vegan or dairy sour cream on top before serving.

Toppings and Sides

Chimichangas are great when paired with a variety of toppings and sides. Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocados can enhance the flavor and make the dish even more visually appealing. For sides, consider serving a simple salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a fantastic alternative to the traditional fried version, offering a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy a classic Mexican-American dish. With the right balance of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this recipe provides a satisfying and delicious meal that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

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