Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas


Servings: 4-6

Chicken filling:
2 large skinless, boneless chicken
breast halves
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
1 (7 ounce) can chopped green
chilies, divided [ I use about 2 TB]
1/2 cup diced onion [1 tsp onion powder]
3 large cloves garlic, minced [1 tsp garlic powder]

4 (8 inch) flour tortillas

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese [ I used sharp white cheddar]
sour cream
shredded lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
1.
Place the chicken breasts into a large saucepan. Pour in the water, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 35 minutes.
2.
Remove the chicken, shred, and return to the onion mixture.
3.
Remove Chicken from liquid with slotted spoon [don't worry if a little juice comes along for the ride]. Roll up about 2/3 cup portions in tortilla and spray with cooking spray, or lightly brush with oil [canola/vegetable/ or EVOO]. Place on foil-lined baking pan that has been lightly sprayed with non stick spray. Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes--until golden in color.
4.
Remove pan from oven and immediately sprinkle [read: LOAD] with cheese while hot. [ replace back in oven if you want to help melt the cheese more quickly.] Then top with sour cream just prior to serving.
** Or** 
I made a white cheese sauce [see below] and served the chimis on a bed of shredded lettuce, covered in the sauce, with refried beans [also with a bit of the sauce], and mexican rice as sides. Soooooo GOOD!

WHITE CHEESE SAUCE:
1 cup milk
1 TB butter
1 TB flour 
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
1/2 grated or shredded Parmesan

1. In microwave safe bowl or 32oz. glass measuring cup stir milk and flour until smooth then add butter and heat for 2 minutes in microwave.
2. Stir well, then add 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar [or whatever cheese you prefer]
 plus 1/2 cup grated or freshly shredded parmesan.
3. Stir well [again] and heat for 1 or 2 more minutes.
4. Stir until smooth [again] when thoroughly heated. Pour over goodies.

Why do I do this blog?

Well, because I like easy to make, flavorful dishes with a moderate fat count, and a wide variety of them. This blog is the perfect place to bring together all of my favorites for easy access to pull up to use when it's time to make dinner.