Chicken Chimichangas: A Flavorful Tex-Mex Delight
When it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine, Chicken Chimichangas stand out as a beloved dish that combines the heartiness of chicken, the richness of beans, and the zestiness of spices, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. In this article, we’ll take you through a delicious and easy-to-follow Chicken Chimichangas recipe that you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup of cooked and drained black beans
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of diced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of diced red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation
Before you start assembling your Chicken Chimichangas, make sure to have all your ingredients ready and follow these simple preparation steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cheddar cheese, diced onions, diced green bell peppers, diced red bell peppers, and corn kernels. Mix everything together.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice mix will add the Tex-Mex flair to your Chicken Chimichangas.
Assembling the Chimichangas
Now, let’s assemble these delectable Chimichangas:
- Lay out one flour tortilla on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and bean mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle a pinch of the prepared spice mix over the mixture for that extra kick of flavor.
- Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it up, creating a snug and secure Chimichanga.
Frying the Chimichangas
Frying is where the magic happens! Follow these steps for a perfectly crispy exterior:
- Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the Chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
- Fry each Chimichanga until it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the Chimichangas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving Your Chicken Chimichangas
Chicken Chimichangas are best enjoyed fresh and hot. You can serve them with a variety of accompaniments:
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
- Guacamole: A side of guacamole brings a refreshing, buttery flavor to the dish.
- Salsa: Salsa, whether mild or spicy, adds a zesty kick to your Chimichangas.
- Shredded lettuce: A bed of shredded lettuce underneath your Chimichangas provides a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
In just a few easy steps, you can create a mouthwatering Tex-Mex delight that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making Chicken Chimichangas for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, their crispy exterior and flavorful interior make them a crowd-pleaser.
With a burst of flavors from the seasoned chicken, black beans, and colorful bell peppers, Chicken Chimichangas are a culinary adventure right in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and savor the taste of Tex-Mex cuisine at its finest. Enjoy!
Source: life-in-the-lofthouse.com
Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that packs a punch. With a creamy base and a hint of spice, this soup is perfect for those who love bold flavors. It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose or gluten free flour
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 4 Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- chopped green onion, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and reserve. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.
- To the same pot, add the onion and cook 5 minutes, until fragrant. Add the garlic. Stir in the butter and flour, cook 1 minute. Pour over broth and stir in the potatoes. Partially cover and simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes. I like to leave my soup chunky and do 1/3 of the potatoes.
- Stir in the milk, salsa verde, yogurt/sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Cook 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. If needed, thin with additional broth.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top, as desired, with yogurt/sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Adds lots of bacon. Eat and enjoy!