Chicken Chimichangas

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Ingredients:

  • 1 to 2 cups vegetable oil, divided

Chicken Filling:

  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken works perfect for this)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 8 (burrito-size) flour tortillas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Toppings:

  • salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico, lettuce, etc.

Instructions:

  1. In a large, cast iron OR heavy-bottom skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to fill it 2 inches full of oil. Heat oil over low heat. (This will be the oil you fry the chimichangas in. The oil needs to slowly reach about 375 degrees F.)
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Chicken Filling:

  1. In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until slightly softened. Add in garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shredded, cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the green chilies and continue to stir and cook mixture for another 5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Set aside.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave. On each tortilla, add about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into the center. Top with 3 tablespoons of the shredded Monterey jack cheese. Fold sides over the mixture, then fold bottom over the sides and roll up. Place folded chimichangas, seam side down on a large plate/platter, and repeat with remaining tortillas.
  3. Using tongs, lower one chimichanga at a time, into the hot oil, seam side down. (*It is helpful to hold them with the tongs while they are in the oil to prevent them from opening.*) Carefully fry chimichanga until golden brown on both sides; about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the fried chimichangas onto a paper towel lined plate to soak up grease.
  4. Place the wrapped chimichangas onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Spray the tops with non-stick spray. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. Serve chimichangas warm with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

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