Chicken or Beef Chimichangas (Tex-Mex)

Pneuma's Note:

These are from the delicious TexMex cuisine that are like fried burritos. Posted for ZWT.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 12.0 rolls

• ½ lb bacon , pieces
• lard (or oil for sauteing and as needed)
• 1 small onion , diced
• 1 lb ground chicken (or beef)
• 2 tomatoes , chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies , chopped and drained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons Mexican oregano
• 1 -2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro , minced
• 12 flour tortillas , warmed
• vegetable oil , for frying

Garnish

• shredded cheddar cheese (or queso Panela)
• sour cream , as needed
• salsa , as needed
• shredded lettuce , as needed
• sliced black olives , as needed

Directions:

1. In skillet, saute bacon and onions in lard for 3 minutes.
2. Lower heat & add chilies, salt, oregano, chili powder and cilantro; simmer -3 minutes.
3. Add cooked & shredded chicken & tomatoes. Combine well and simmer 2-3 minutes.
4. Place 1/2 cup meat filling on each tortilla.
5. Fold like a burrito with the ends tucked inside.
6. Fry, seam side down, in 1/2 inch of hot oil, until mildly crispy and tan.
7. Flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels or strainer.
8. Serve on a plate and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
9. Garnish around the chimichanga some shredded lettuce and top lettuce with chopped tomatoes and sliced black olives,.

Reviews

[happynana]

Excellent! We had these for dinner tonight. I halved the recipe easily, using the whole can of chiles. I used ground beef. Since there were no instructions for the beef, I lightly browned it and then added the diced bacon and onions and finished until all were cooked and followed as directed. Next time I would like to use shredded chicken vs. the ground chicken and add some mexican corn. Didn't get to take pic. Very good. Made for Ausie Swap #33.

[Starrynews]

Yum! I used happynana's suggestion of shredded chicken, and it was great! I omitted the salt (personal preference). I had a little extra filling and found that it was great over the salad as a kind of taco salad-type dish. I also garnished with some homemade guacamole. Thanks for sharing!

[LouLouIzSpoiled]

Simply yummy! I had 2 of the beef and couldn't wait to have them again! I just used regular oregano because I couldn't find the Mexican. Worked great! We will have these often.