Description
These baked chicken chimichangas are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic fried version. Filled with shredded chicken, black beans, and flavorful spices, then baked to golden perfection, they offer a crispy texture with less oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these chimichangas pair wonderfully with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Assembly
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chimichangas.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, drained black beans, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and salsa among the ingredients.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Place an ample spoonful of the chicken and bean mixture onto the center of each flour tortilla. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture for added flavor and melting texture.
- Roll Tortillas: Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking in the sides to secure the filling inside, and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet to ensure they don’t unroll during baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled chimichangas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, indicating they are heated through and ready to enjoy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your choice of additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping and extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chimichangas with cooking spray before baking.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the filling mixture for more texture and flavor.
- These chimichangas can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving to save time.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary preferences.
