Welcome once again to this wonderful space for recipes and recommendations, where we learn to cook new dishes every day and also discover a lot about their history and traditions. This chimichanga recipe is a must-have , and I'm sharing all the essential information you need to make them at home for the first time.
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About the chimichanga
What is it?
A chimichanga is a very popular appetizer in Tex-Mex cuisine, found primarily in northern Mexico and the southern United States. It basically consists of a large burrito made with a flour tortilla, filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables , and then fried until golden brown and crispy.
They are usually served with typical sauces such as guacamole and sour cream.
Origin of the chimichanga: myth or reality?
Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have been invented during the 1920s in a Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant in Tucson, Arizona.
A popular myth about its origins says that a cook was preparing a burrito and accidentally dropped it into a hot fryer . At that moment, it's believed the person who made the mistake screamed and was about to swear, but instead exclaimed "chimichanga!" Despite the mistake, the fried burrito turned out delicious.
Apparently, from that moment on it became popular in many states in the southern United States and northern Mexico.
Fun Fact: The chimichanga is famous for being the favorite food of Marvel character Deadpool. The character's popularity has led to the chimichanga becoming known in other countries, with some restaurants even creating the "Deadpool Chimichanga" as a themed dish for fans of the character.
What is the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito?
The chimichanga and the burrito are very similar , in fact outside of Mexico many people probably don't know what the difference is, but they do exist.
- The main difference is the way they are prepared . A chimichanga is a burrito that is fried in oil or butter until it has a very crispy texture before being eaten.
- The burrito, on the other hand, is rolled up and eaten directly, without being baked or pan-fried. The ingredients, however, are very similar: vegetables, beef or chicken, rice or beans, and cheese.
- Another difference has to do with the origins of both snacks. While the burrito is a dish typical of Mexican cuisine, the chimichanga belongs more to Tex-Mex cuisine (Mexicans living in Texas).
- Finally, traditional burritos can be simpler and have fewer ingredients, unlike chimichangas, which tend to have a wider variety of flavors , making them a more substantial and complex dish due to their frying process.
Classic Chicken Chimichangas
Chicken chimichangas aren't the most typical, but they can be a great option if you want to try something new . The ingredients you need to make them this way are:
- 8 flour tortillas.
- 2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
- 1 chopped onion.
- 2 chopped tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
- 1 cup of cooked rice.
- 1 cup of cooked black beans.
- 1 cup of grated cheese mix.
- Salt and pepper.
- Frying oil.
How do I make chicken chimichangas?
- In a pan, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chili on top and set aside.
- Meanwhile, mix the shredded chicken with the cooked rice and black beans. Add the previous mixture and the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Now we heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften them, or in a frying pan or griddle without oil.
- We fill the tortilla by placing a large spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. We fold the edges of the tortilla inward to give it the typical burrito shape.
- Finally, we fry the chimichangas in a pan with oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
Chimichanga or chivichanga?
In some parts of Mexico, they're called "chivichangas ," but they're actually the same dish. Ingredients may differ depending on the state where they're eaten. The states where this burrito is most commonly eaten are Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua in Mexico, while in the United States, it's most popular in Texas, Arizona, and the West Coast.
Now, without further ado, I'll leave you with the easiest recipe you'll find anywhere on the web. I'll say goodbye until next time!
See you later ❤️
Mexican Beef Chimichanga Recipe
- Yields: 4 portions.
- Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas.
- 500 g of ground beef.
- 1 large onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 chopped green pepper.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 cup of grated Emmental cheese.
- Frying oil.
How to make chimichanga step by step
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic cloves, and green bell pepper. When the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is tender, add the meat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
- Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the flour tortillas in the microwave or in a hot pan for 30 seconds to soften them.
- Place the filling in the center of each tortilla, without overfilling it, and top with grated cheese.
- Fold the edges of the tortilla inward and roll it like a burrito.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chimichangas on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a spoonful of guacamole and sour cream on top.
