Sep 302013
 
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I was able to create a new Mini Chicken Chimichangas appetizer recipe using Kraft Fresh Take as part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias.  All words and opinions are my own.

I love experimenting in the kitchen.  At least a few times per week you can find me in the kitchen trying completely new recipes I find on Pinterest, duplicating something delicious I tried at a party, or giving our family favorites a little twist.

We frequently went out for Mexican food when we lived in Florida, but those restaurants don’t abound quite as much in Kentucky.  Because we missed those foods I started trying my hand at different entrees that we had regularly ordered: quesadillas, enchiladas, churros, chimichangas and more.  The chimichangas turned out particularly well and earned a regular place in our monthly meal rotation.

Mini Chimichanga Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft Fresh Take Kits #FreshTake #shop

Recently while shopping at Walmart I noticed the Kraft Fresh Take kits in the cheese section.  We’ve used them in the past to change up our baked chicken or pork chops, but that day I had chimichangas on the brain.  It made me look at the packaging a little differently, wondering if I could use it to spice up our Mexican night.

I saw that they had a Southwest Blend – but it was sold out.  That would have been perfect for my plans, but cooking is often about flexibility, so I picked up the Cheddar Jack & Bacon variety.  Cheddar and Jack cheeses are ones I often choose for our chimichangas, so they were a fit, and really, what’s not better with bacon, right?  I had a $0.99 off coupon so it would cost me less than a dollar to give it a try.

Mini Chimichanga Appetizer Recipe with Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

Because it’s football season that means I spend a lot of my time serving appetizers and tailgating food.  I decided to make mini versions of the chimichangas to make them more of a finger food that could be noshed on over the course of a whole game (or eight, depending on who all is playing that day).  I set myself up in the kitchen to work while all the pregame stuff was on and started experimenting.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas

I had purchased chicken tenders instead of breasts because they cook a little faster and more evenly.  The Kraft Fresh Take kits come with two halves – a seasoning/breading mix and the cheese – that you’re supposed to mix together, but for this, I left them separate.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe with Kraft #FreshTake Seasoning #shop

I mixed half the seasoning/breading pouch with about half of my taco seasoning packet (I usually get burrito seasoning, but they didn’t have any) then I lined a baking sheet with foil and laid the tenders out on it.  I generously sprinkled my seasoning mix over them and then baked for about 20 minutes at 375.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe with Kraft #FreshTake Kit #shop

After the chicken was cooked, I let it cool and shredded it.  I placed the chicken in a medium saucepan and added about a tablespoon of olive oil, half a can of diced tomatoes plus all the juice from the can, and the seasoning mix I had made.  I stirred it over medium heat until it was warmed through.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

To that I added about a half cup of sour cream and the cheese from the Kraft Fresh Take kit.  I stirred it until the cheese was melted and it was creamy.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

I cut the tortillas into rough ovals, getting 2-3 ovals per tortilla.  (Keep your trimmings and use them to make homemade tortilla chips!)  Then I placed about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture on each oval and rolled them up.

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

Brush a baking sheet with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil.  Place chimichangas on sheet and brush tops with same butter/oil mixture.  Bake for about 12-15 minutes, turning chimichangas once halfway through.  Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: salsa, sour cream, queso dip, whatever you’d like.

5.0 from 2 reviews
Mini Chicken Chimichangas
Recipe type: Appetizer
 
Ingredients
  • 1 Cheddar Jack Bacon Kraft Fresh Take Kit
  • 1 lb boneless chicken tenders
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 T olive oil
  • ½ C sour cream
  • 1 package burrito-sized flour tortillas
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 2 T butter, melted
  • Queso, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning packet with the seasoning/breadcrumb half of the Fresh Take kit (reserve the cheese for later).
  3. Place chicken tenders on foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle generously with ½ of the seasoning mixture.
  4. Bake chicken until cooked through & juices run clear, about 20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, using a sharp knife, cut oval shapes from the flour tortillas (you can get 2-3 ovals per tortilla). Set aside.
  6. Let chicken cool completely, then shred.
  7. Place shredded chicken in a medium saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half a can of petite diced tomatoes plus all the juice from the can, and the remaining seasoning mix.
  8. Stir over medium heat until fully coated and warmed through.
  9. Add cheese from the Fresh Take kit plus ½ cup of sour cream; stir constantly until cheese has melted and mixture is creamy.
  10. Place a tablespoon of the chicken mixture on each of the tortilla ovals. Fold sides in and roll tortilla up from the bottom. Pinch seams if necessary to close.
  11. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small cup. Using a silicone basting brush, thoroughly coat a baking sheet with the butter/oil mix.
  12. Place tortillas seam side-down on the baking sheet and brush tops with oil/butter mix.
  13. Bake for 6 minutes; remove from oven, brush with oil/butter. Turn each chimichanga and brush the other side with oil/butter.
  14. Bake an additional 5-6 minutes, until golden.
  15. Serve with queso (or sour cream, salsa, etc.)

 

Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe Using Kraft #FreshTake Kits #shop

The mini chimichangas turned out great.  My husband’s exact words were “You have a winner here”.  They definitely make a great tailgating or party finger food, but they’re also great for a Tuesday night, or a Friday afternoon, to take to the office, or… well, you get the point.  They’re delicious for any occasion and are definitely going into our regular rotation.

What appetizer recipe might you try using Kraft Fresh Take kits?

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About Liza

Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.

  13 Responses to “Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe”

  1. These look awesome! Know what I really love? No rice! I am really weird and spastic about rice, yet most of the store-bought brands have rice in them. Love this recipe!

  2. Those look delicious! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe idea. I will have to try making these chimichangas for my family. #client

  3. […] Mini Chicken Chimichangas from Views from the Ville […]

  4. I think these look delicious! They have been featured on What’s Cooking Wednesday this week! Thanks for linking up and please come share more recipes! http://www.turningclockback.com/2013/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-recipe-linky-36.html

  5. Oh my yumminess! I saw this awesome recipe over at Mudpies & Tianras and I had to come over to pin it. My daughter and her fiance are going to love this. He loves food like this so this will definitely be a hit for game day. Thank you so much for sharing :)

  6. […] Queso Fundido with Soy Chorizo Salsa de Aguacate – Avocado Salsa Mango Salsa Creamy Avocado Dip Recipe Homemade Tortilla Chips in the Microwave Mini Chicken Chimichangas Appetizer Recipe […]

  7. Wow, these sound so great. Thanks for the great recipe.
    Bev

  8. wow, this is a very creative recipe! love it

  9. Looks like great party food! Thank you for sharing with See Ya in the Gumbo! Your mini chimis were the top-viewed link.

  10. Let me know how you like it, Melissa! We honestly think it’s delicious :)

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