Kamil Perry
Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish that typically includes a tortilla filled with meat, beans, cheese, and other ingredients, then rolled up and fried. While some people enjoy adding cheese to their chimichangas, others prefer to top them with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. There are many variations of the dish, including chicken chimichangas and bean and cheese chimichangas. Some people also choose to bake their chimichangas instead of frying them, and they can be served with a variety of toppings and sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese used | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, any cheese that melts easily |
| Cheese placement | Inside the chimichanga, on top of the chimichanga, or in a cheese sauce |
| Other ingredients | Chicken, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, green onions, spices, black beans, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, rice, beef |
| Cooking methods | Frying, baking, pan-frying |
| Serving suggestions | Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, Mexican rice, lettuce, enchilada sauce, green sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken chimichangas with cheese
Ingredients:
- Chicken (cooked and shredded)
- Refried beans
- Cheese (shredded)
- Salsa
- Spices (such as cumin, smoked paprika, and salt)
- Green onions (optional)
- Flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil or another neutral oil for frying
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for toppings
Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, refried beans, salsa, spices, and green onions (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Take a flour tortilla and spread about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the centre. You can adjust the amount of filling to your preference.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a mixture of both are great options, but any cheese that melts easily will work.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then start rolling from the bottom, burrito-style. Make sure the filling is secure and won't leak out.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet to maintain the temperature better. Add enough oil to cover about an inch of the skillet.
- Carefully place the chimichangas into the hot oil, seam side down, to prevent them from opening. Fry them for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried chimichangas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
- For an extra crispy texture, place the chimichangas on a lightly greased baking sheet and spray the tops with non-stick spray.
- Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (or 400°F according to another source) for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve the chicken chimichangas warm with your desired toppings. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped tomatoes are excellent choices. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy delight!
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Baked vs. fried
Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish that can be baked or fried. Both cooking methods yield a delicious result, but there are some differences to consider when choosing between the two.
Baked Chimichangas
Baking chimichangas is a healthier alternative to frying, as it requires less oil. To bake chimichangas, preheat the oven to between 350°F and 450°F. Brush the chimichangas with oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes per side or until golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, bake for up to 25 minutes. Baked chimichangas can also be made in advance and frozen, then reheated in the oven for a quick and convenient meal.
Fried Chimichangas
Frying chimichangas gives them a crispy, golden-brown exterior that is highly desirable in this dish. To fry chimichangas, heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet to a temperature of around 360°F to 365°F. Carefully place the chimichangas into the hot oil, seam side down, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Fried chimichangas are typically served immediately, as they are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
Ultimately, the decision to bake or fry chimichangas may depend on personal preferences, time constraints, and health considerations. Both methods produce a delicious and satisfying dish, so it's worth trying out both to see which one you prefer!
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Cheese sauce
A simple cheese sauce can be made by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in shredded cheese until melted. You can use a mixture of Monterey Jack and Cheddar, or any cheese that melts easily. Mix in sour cream and green chiles, and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Do not let the sauce boil, as this can create an unappetizing texture.
This sauce can be used to top the chimichangas, or they can be dipped into the sauce before serving. If you want to get creative, you can even add the cheese sauce to the inside of the chimichangas before frying or baking.
For an extra crispy texture, brush the chimichangas with melted butter before baking. This will give them a golden, crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Remember, while chimichangas are typically fried, you can also bake them for a healthier alternative. Simply brush them with oil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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Vegetarian options
While chimichangas are typically filled with meat, beans, and cheese, there are several vegetarian options for preparing this Mexican dish.
Vegetarian chimichangas can be filled with vegetables such as spinach, kale, peppers, onions, cabbage, jackfruit, yellow squash, zucchini, corn, carrots, broccoli, green beans, and mushrooms. These vegetables can be combined with Mexican rice and refried beans to make the dish more filling. The refried beans can be made from scratch or bought ready-made.
For those who enjoy cheese, the filling can be combined with shredded cheese, and the chimichanga can be topped with queso, sour cream, and crispy iceberg lettuce. The types of cheese that can be used include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby.
Chimichangas can be baked or fried. To bake chimichangas, brush them lightly with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius/356 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. They can also be air-fried or fried in oil in a skillet.
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Freezing and reheating
Chimichangas are a popular Mexican dish that can be frozen and reheated for a quick and easy meal. They are typically made with flour tortillas filled with meat, beans, cheese, and other ingredients, then fried, baked, or pan-fried.
Freezing Chimichangas
To freeze chimichangas, it is recommended to bake or fry them first and then let them cool down before placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is important to label the freezer bag or container with the date and contents.
Reheating Frozen Chimichangas
There are several ways to reheat frozen chimichangas:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the chimichangas for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the frozen chimichanga on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 2-3 minutes on high power. This method may result in a slightly softer texture.
- Toaster Oven: Reheat the chimichangas in a toaster oven at 475°F for 12-15 minutes.
It is important to ensure that the chimichangas are heated thoroughly before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating
- For best results, wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the freezer bag. This will help prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to reheat individual portions.
- Thaw the chimichangas in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, as this will help ensure even heating.
- If using a microwave, cover the chimichanga with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- For a crispy texture, brush the chimichangas with a small amount of oil before reheating in the oven or toaster oven.
- Serve reheated chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or cheese sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people often put cheese in chimichangas. It is usually shredded cheese, such as a mixture of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or any other cheese that melts easily.
Chimichangas are usually filled with meat, beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. They are typically deep-fried to make the tortilla wrapping crispy, but they can also be baked.
Chimichangas are often topped with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro. They can also be served with a cheese sauce, enchilada sauce, or green sauce.
