Chicken and Cheese Crescent Chimichangas
Description: Delight in the savory goodness of Chicken and Cheese Crescent Chimichangas, a mouthwatering recipe that combines tender chicken, rich cheese, and zesty salsa, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for lunch or as a satisfying snack, these chimichangas are sure to impress family and friends. Share this delicious creation from lovewithrecipes.com and savor every bite!
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | onion, diced |
| 2 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 3/4 cup | salsa |
| 2 1/2 cups | cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 2/3 cup | sour cream |
| 1/2 cup | additional salsa (for serving) |
| 1 1/2 cups | cooked chicken, shredded |
| – | 1 package crescent roll dough (8 rectangles) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415.8 |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.8 mg |
| Sodium | 614.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 23.8 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the optimal temperature for baking.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent the chimichangas from sticking during baking.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and tender, releasing its fragrant aroma. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring the mixture over low heat until the chicken is thoroughly heated. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors of the onion and garlic. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat source.
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Prepare the Dough: Carefully separate the crescent roll dough into 8 rectangles, pressing the perforations firmly to seal any openings. This creates a sturdy base for your chimichangas.
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Layer with Salsa: Spread 2 teaspoons of salsa on each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This zesty layer will add moisture and flavor to the filling.
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Mix in the Cheese: Stir 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and blend with the warm chicken.
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Fill the Dough: Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of each rectangle, making sure not to overfill to prevent spillage.
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Roll and Seal: Starting from the shortest side of each rectangle topped with the filling, carefully roll up the dough. Pinch the ends firmly to seal the chimichangas, ensuring that the filling stays intact during baking.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, providing enough space between each to allow for even cooking.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 21 minutes or until the chimichangas turn golden brown, indicating that the dough is flaky and fully cooked.
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Add Cheese Topping: Once the chimichangas are baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over each chimichanga.
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Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt beautifully over the tops.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chimichangas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with dollops of sour cream and additional salsa for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their flavor experience.
Indulge in these delightful Chicken and Cheese Crescent Chimichangas, an easy and satisfying dish that combines convenience with homemade goodness, perfect for a busy lunch or a fun snack. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures, and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!
