Name: Delicious Baked Chicken Chimichangas for Family Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (1 oz); ½ yellow onion, small diced (about 100g); 2 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp); 2 chicken breasts, cut into small strips (500g); 1 Tbsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; ¼ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ cup chicken broth (2 oz); 1 8 oz can tomato sauce (227g); 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (8 oz); 4 oz cream cheese; 1 16 oz can refried beans; 4 large flour tortillas; Non-stick cooking spray; ¼ cup sour cream (for topping)

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Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a delicious and healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version. These oven-baked delights are filled with seasoned chicken, refried beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in large flour tortillas. Baked until golden and crispy, they make for a satisfying family dinner that combines savory spices with creamy textures. Whether you’re serving them on a weeknight or for a casual gathering, these chimichangas are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Chimichangas

This baked chicken chimichangas recipe is not just another dinner option; it’s a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Healthier than traditional fried options, fitting into low-fat diets.
Versatile filling options, including spicy or vegetarian variations.
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly for later enjoyment.
Deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor from spices like chili powder and cumin.
Can be served with various toppings like salsa or guacamole for added flavor.

These factors make this an ideal easy baked chicken chimichangas recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Gather these items:

2 Tbsp vegetable oil (1 oz)
½ yellow onion, small diced (about 100g)
2 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp)
2 chicken breasts, cut into small strips (500g)
1 Tbsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup chicken broth (2 oz)
1 8 oz can tomato sauce (227g)
2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (8 oz)
4 oz cream cheese
1 16 oz can refried beans
4 large flour tortillas
Non-stick cooking spray
¼ cup sour cream (for topping)

How to Make Baked Chicken Chimichangas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into small strips. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease an 8×8 inch oven-safe baking dish.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic once oil is hot and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken strips to the pan. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is lightly cooked on the outside.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring and scraping up any browned bits. Reduce the liquid by half over 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the canned tomato sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and stir in shredded Colby Jack and cream cheese until fully melted and combined, forming a creamy filling.
Step 7: Lay out the large flour tortillas. Evenly spread refried beans over each tortilla leaving a 2-inch border. Spoon the chicken and cheese filling evenly in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like burritos, sealing the filling inside.
Step 8: Place the assembled chimichangas seam-side down into the greased 8×8 baking dish. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray for crisping.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and crispy on top.
Step 10: Remove chimichangas from oven and serve hot topped with sour cream and any additional desired toppings such as salsa or guacamole.

Delicious Baked Chicken Chimichangas for Family Dinner - Baked Chicken Chimichangas - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Keep these in mind:

Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce for added freshness.
These chimichangas can be made ahead, wrapped, and frozen before baking for an easy weeknight dinner.
For extra crunch, spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Chicken Chimichangas

These chimichangas are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Serve with a side of chicken chimichangas with salsa to enhance the flavor.
Top with fresh avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy contrast.
Pair with a light salad to balance the rich flavors of the chimichangas.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Chimichangas

To store leftovers, place the chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This makes them a perfect option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Chimichangas

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Chicken Chimichangas?

The secret lies in not overstuffing the tortillas and ensuring they’re sealed tightly to prevent any filling leakage. Using a mix of cheeses enhances the creaminess and flavor.

Can I make Baked Chicken Chimichangas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chimichangas, wrap them tightly, and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Chicken Chimichangas?

To avoid soggy chimichangas, ensure that the filling is not too wet. Also, spraying the tops with cooking spray before baking helps achieve that crunchy texture.

Variations of Baked Chicken Chimichangas You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Vegetarian baked chicken chimichangas: Substitute chicken with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy baked chicken chimichangas: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
Authentic baked chicken chimichangas: Use traditional Mexican spices and serve with homemade salsa for an authentic touch.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making chicken taquitos for a fun twist. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our mini cranberry cheesecakes!