Crispy Chicken Chimichangas with Creamy Green Chile Sauce

The marriage of tender shredded chicken, warming spices, and melty Monterey Jack cheese wrapped in a crispy fried tortilla is the heart of this flavor-packed Chicken Chimichanga. Drizzled with a rich, tangy sour cream and green chile sauce, every bite delivers indulgent comfort and a fiesta of taste.

Whether you’re serving guests or just craving something extra satisfying on a weeknight, this dish hits the mark. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. The contrast between the crunchy tortilla and the creamy sauce creates an irresistible texture that will leave you going back for seconds (or thirds).

Full Recipe:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 2 ½ cups water

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 7 ounces canned diced green chiles, divided

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 6 (10-inch) flour tortillas

• Oil for frying

• Toothpicks for securing

For the Sour Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup water

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

• Reserved 3 ounces diced green chiles

• ½ cup sour cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine chicken breasts, 2 ½ cups water, chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Add 4 ounces of green chiles, chopped onion, and garlic. Continue simmering until liquid reduces to about 1 cup.

3. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pan and mix with the onion mixture.

4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup water and bouillon cube until thickened, about 4 minutes.

5. Add remaining 3 ounces of green chiles and sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C).

7. Place tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture slightly below center. Flatten and sprinkle with 1 ounce of cheese.

8. Fold bottom of tortilla over filling, then fold in sides and roll up tightly. Secure with toothpicks. Repeat for all tortillas.

9. Fry 2 chimichangas at a time until golden brown and crispy, about 1 minute per side.

10. Drain on paper towels. Remove toothpicks and serve topped with sour cream sauce.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce: A Delicious Mexican Treat

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like a delicious, crispy chimichanga. Imagine tender, spiced chicken, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and then smothered in a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce. Chicken chimichangas are the perfect marriage of crispy, savory, and creamy flavors, making them an irresistible meal that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner party or looking for a quick, family-friendly meal, this dish is bound to be a hit!

The Origins of Chimichangas: A Mexican Classic

While chimichangas are often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine, their exact origins are a bit of a mystery. Some claim that they were first created in Arizona, while others trace the dish back to Mexico. Regardless of where they were first made, chimichangas have become a beloved comfort food across the United States and Mexico alike. A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito, filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, or vegetables, and then topped with sauces like sour cream or salsa.

The addition of sour cream sauce on top of the chimichanga is a fantastic twist that takes this dish to the next level. The creamy sauce balances out the heat from the spices in the chicken filling and provides a luxurious contrast to the crunchy exterior of the tortilla. It’s a combination that’s both satisfying and indulgent!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Chimichanga recipe offers a harmonious blend of bold flavors and textures, making it a memorable meal that everyone will love. Here’s why this dish is worth trying:

• Crunchy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The crispy tortilla shell forms a perfect contrast with the juicy, shredded chicken filling. This textural contrast makes each bite absolutely delightful.

• Customizable Filling: The chicken filling is versatile, allowing you to adjust the seasonings and even swap in other proteins like beef or pork if you prefer. You can also add vegetables or beans for extra flavor and texture.

• Creamy Sour Cream Sauce: The sour cream sauce adds a rich, smooth element that enhances the overall dish. The green chiles in the sauce provide a hint of spice without overpowering the flavor of the chicken.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Chicken chimichangas are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them, freeze them, and fry them when you’re ready to eat. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.

The Chicken Filling: A Flavor Explosion

The key to a great chicken chimichanga lies in the filling. It starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are simmered in a flavorful mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The combination of these spices infuses the chicken with a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s shredded and combined with green chiles, onion, and garlic for extra depth. The shredded chicken absorbs the spices and juices, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. You can experiment with the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a bit of extra green chilies if you like your food spicier.

For an extra layer of richness, Monterey Jack cheese is sprinkled over the chicken filling. This cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy and gooey texture that adds to the indulgence of the chimichanga.

The Art of Frying Chimichangas

Frying chimichangas may sound intimidating, but with the right technique, they can be easy to execute and result in a beautifully golden and crispy dish. The key is to heat the oil to the right temperature, around 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, the chimichangas will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, they will burn before cooking through. A deep fryer is ideal for consistent temperature control, but you can also use a large saucepan with enough oil to submerge the chimichangas halfway.

It’s important to fry the chimichangas in small batches—about two at a time—so they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 1 minute per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. After frying, allow them to drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

Sour Cream Sauce: The Perfect Topping

While the chicken filling is the heart of the chimichanga, the sour cream sauce is what makes it truly special. The sauce starts with a simple roux made of butter and flour, which is then whisked together with water and a bouillon cube to create a thickened base. Adding the green chiles to the sauce gives it a mild spiciness that complements the richness of the sour cream. The final touch is a generous amount of sour cream, which adds a velvety smoothness to the sauce.

The sour cream sauce is poured over the fried chimichangas just before serving. It seeps into the crispy tortilla, adding moisture and flavor to every bite. It also acts as a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the filling, making the dish well-balanced and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Chimichangas

Chicken chimichangas are hearty enough to be served on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete meal. Here are some great options for sides:

• Mexican Rice: A fluffy and flavorful rice dish seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of lime makes the perfect complement to the crispy chimichangas.

• Refried Beans: Creamy, savory refried beans add a comforting side that pairs well with the spicy filling of the chimichangas.

• Guacamole: A fresh, creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, lime, and cilantro can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chimichangas.

• Salsa and Chips: If you’re serving this as part of a larger spread, tortilla chips and a zesty salsa are perfect for snacking before the main dish.

• Cilantro Lime Slaw: A tangy slaw with a citrus kick can balance the richness of the fried chimichangas, adding a crunchy, fresh element.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Family Meals

Chicken chimichangas make a great family meal because they’re fun to assemble and can be easily customized to everyone’s tastes. Children will love the crispy, cheesy filling, while adults will appreciate the layers of flavor in the chicken and the tangy sauce. This dish is also easy to scale up, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a chimichanga assembly station where everyone can fill their own tortillas with the chicken, cheese, and sauce. This interactive meal will make dinner feel like a celebration and give everyone the chance to make their chimichanga just the way they like it.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Any Occasion

Chicken chimichangas with sour cream sauce are a flavorful, indulgent dish that combines the best of crispy tortillas, spiced chicken, and creamy sauce. The layers of texture and flavor make every bite an experience to remember. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta, they are sure to impress.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. It’s a great addition to your meal rotation, offering a delightful twist on classic Mexican cuisine that’s sure to leave everyone at the table asking for more.

If you haven’t tried making chimichangas before, this recipe is a great place to start. With a few simple ingredients and some frying skills, you can create an unforgettable dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!