If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright satisfying, look no further than Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce. This dish combines tender shredded chicken wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla paired with a luscious, tangy sour cream sauce that perfectly balances every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or treating friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers flair and comfort all in one plate. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make, bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Perfection: Crispy fried tortillas give an irresistible texture contrast to the tender chicken filling.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for a fuss-free, budget-friendly meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Flavor: The sour cream sauce adds creaminess with a subtle tang that complements the seasoned chicken beautifully.
- Family Favorite: Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, these chimichangas please all ages at any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken to the silky sour cream, every item enhances the dish’s winning taste and visual appeal.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up spices.
- Flour tortillas: Large and pliable for easy wrapping and frying.
- Cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): Melts perfectly inside, adding gooey richness.
- Chopped onions and bell peppers: For a hint of sweetness and crunch.
- Taco seasoning: Brings that signature Southwestern zing to the chicken.
- Oil for frying: Use vegetable or canola oil for the best crispy finish.
- Sour cream: The base for the creamy sauce that lifts every bite.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness to the sauce, balancing richness.
- Garlic powder or minced garlic: Infuses warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Variations for Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce
Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—there’s plenty of room for creativity with Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce. Here are some quick ideas to mix things up:
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken filling for an extra kick.
- Veggie-packed: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese variety: Try pepper jack or queso fresco to add new flavor dimensions.
- Healthy alternative: Bake the chimichangas instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Herb infusion: Mix fresh cilantro or parsley into the sour cream sauce to brighten it further.
How to Make Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened. Add shredded cooked chicken, taco seasoning, and a little garlic powder, stirring to evenly coat the meat with spices, then cook until heated through.
Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay out your tortillas flat, spoon a generous amount of chicken mixture onto each, and sprinkle cheese over the top. Carefully fold the sides in, then roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry each chimichanga carefully until golden brown on all sides, roughly 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Sour Cream Sauce
While the chimichangas fry, combine sour cream with fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to your liking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your crispy chimichangas and drizzle or dollop generously with the tangy sour cream sauce. Garnish as desired and savor each flavorful bite.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce
- Use room temperature chicken: It mixes more easily with seasonings and cooks evenly inside the tortilla.
- Don’t overfill: Avoid bursting tortillas by using moderate filling amounts and tight wrapping.
- Proper oil temperature: Keep the frying oil hot enough to crisp but not burn, ideally around 350°F.
- Drain well: Place fried chimichangas on paper towels to soak up excess oil for the crispiest texture.
- Customize sauce consistency: Add a splash of milk or water to the sour cream sauce if you’d like it thinner for drizzling.
How to Serve Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions on top to add fresh color and crunch that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
These chimichangas pair wonderfully with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp simple salad with lime vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced yet flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, cut chimichangas in half and arrange them like tacos on a platter with salsa, guacamole, and extra sour cream sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten chimichangas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the sour cream sauce separate until ready to serve.
Freezing
Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Reheat the sour cream sauce gently or serve cold.
FAQs
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier choice. Brush the rolled chimichangas lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute that provides similar tang and creaminess, making your sour cream sauce just as luscious.
How do I make the filling spicy?
Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick that suits your heat preference.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best for making chimichangas as corn tortillas are more fragile and prone to breaking when folded and fried.
What’s the best cheese to use inside chimichangas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, offering creamy texture and mild flavor that balances the seasoned chicken perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The joy of making Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce lies in its perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and creamy notes that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re new to Mexican-inspired cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe shines with simple ingredients and satisfying flavors. So go ahead—give it a try, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every delightful bite of this easy, flavorful dish!
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Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 chimichangas 1x
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce are crispy, golden-fried tortillas filled with tender, seasoned shredded chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted cheese. Paired with a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce enhanced by fresh lime juice and garlic, this dish brings restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired flavors to your table in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chimichangas
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For the Sour Cream Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened. Add the shredded cooked chicken, taco seasoning, garlic powder or minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with spices and cook until heated through.
- Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out the flour tortillas flat. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling. Fold the sides of each tortilla inward and roll tightly to fully enclose the filling.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each chimichanga until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Sour Cream Sauce: While chimichangas fry, combine sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the crispy chimichangas and generously drizzle or dollop with the tangy sour cream sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and savor each bite.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for easier mixing and even cooking.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent bursting during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F to achieve a crispy, not greasy, finish.
- Drain chimichangas on paper towels well after frying for optimal crispiness.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or water to the sour cream mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
