Smoked Turkey Baked Chimichangas
Savory smoked turkey baked chimichangas feature bold flavors of chipotle, cheese, and fresh herbs, offering a deliciously smoky, cheesy, and spicy dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. thickly sliced smoked turkey, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded slaw cabbage ⓘ
- 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 scallions, chopped
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
- 4 (12 inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar, smoked white cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable or olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro leaves or flat leaf parsley ⓘ
- 1 vine ripe orange or yellow tomato, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F.
- Place turkey in a bowl and season with chili powder.
- Add shredded cabbage, chipotles in adobo, tomato sauce, and scallions.
- Toss the filling to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Place tortillas in a kitchen towel and microwave on high for 1 minute.
- To build each chimichanga, place a generous handful of cheese near one edge of a tortilla.
- Pile 1/4 of the filling on top of the cheese in the tortilla.
- Tuck the sides up and roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
- Repeat to make 4 large tortilla wraps.
- Brush the toaster oven baking tray with vegetable or olive oil.
- Brush the wraps with oil and bake until deep golden all over, about 15 to 17 minutes.
- Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro or parsley, and chopped orange or yellow tomatoes as garnishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more chipotles in adobo or serve with a side of salsa. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute the flour tortillas with whole wheat or corn tortillas. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken in place of smoked turkey. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or a blend for varied flavors. Ensure the tortillas are pliable by microwaving them wrapped in a kitchen towel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chimichangas with a side of sour cream for dipping, and consider pairing them with a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. They also go well with Black Bean Salsa or a refreshing avocado salad. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Nifty Nachos for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven for the same duration for a crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Turkey Baked Chimichangas contains roughly 566 calories, with 32g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (690% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (113% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2648mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the smoked turkey with shredded beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or grilled vegetables. Each variation will bring a unique flavor to your chimichangas, allowing you to customize them according to your dietary preferences.
Can I prepare these chimichangas in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests, allowing you to enjoy your time with friends and family without last-minute cooking.
What can I do with the leftover filling?
The leftover filling can be used in various ways. Consider using it for tacos, burrito bowls, or even as a topping for nachos. You can also mix it into scrambled eggs for a breakfast twist, similar to Migas, or serve it over rice for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).