Better Than Chi Chi’s Chicken Chimichangas

There used to be a restaurant  called Chi Chi’s that had some awesome Mexican food.  One of the things I liked was the chimichangas…Especially the chicken ones.  Chimichangas are like burritos except they are fried so that the outside is crisp. There is just something about them that is addictive. 

Chi Chi’s did not used to put cheese in theirs but I like it so I add it to mine.  They also did not use the fresh cilantro but I love the taste so that gets added too.

These are not fried because frying chimichangas for my family would take all night.  I rub the tortillas with oil and they “fry” while they bake.

You can use any kind of cooked chicken, even a rotisserie chicken from the deli if you don’t have much time.  Personally I suggest cooking chicken breasts on the grill for this.  Just throw an extra couple of chicken breasts on the grill the next time you are grilling, chop them  up and put them in a ziploc in the freezer for almost instant chimichangas.

I also suggest using the cinnamon chipotle rub.  It makes a huge difference in the flavor, you won’t believe how good these are.

Chicken Chimichangas

• 2  onions, chopped
•  oil
• 3 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 5 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 16 flour tortillas
• 2 cup refried beans
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

1.   Saute onion and garlic until tender and opaque.
2.   Stir in the salsa, cilantro, spices, and chicken.
3.   Heat through.
4.  Warm tortillas so they are very pliable.
5.  Rub the tortillas on both sides with olive oil
6.   Spread some of the  refried beans on each tortilla.
7. Add some of the chicken mixture.
8. Add some of the Monterey Jack cheese.
9. Fold in ends and then roll up tightly
10. Lay seam side down on a baking sheet that has been drizzled with olive oil.
11. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.  Turn the chimichangas over and bake 10 more minutes, or until both  sides are brown and crispy.
12. Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole or whatever you like

Serves 8

Image:MaryeAudet