Italian Chicken Chimichangas ... baked, not fried!

I love this time of year ~ everything in the garden is bursting with fresh new growth, and the tender, fresh basil is abundant ~ practically calling out to be included in many dishes as possible.
This one is a take-off on Mexican Chimichangas, which are usually deep fried. You won't miss the extra fat in this version because the assembled burrito is simply brushed with vegetable oil then baked until the tortilla is flaky and crispy, the filling  heated through ~ and the cheese is oozing . . . Yum!
You can cook chicken specifically for this recipe, or use leftover chicken if you prefer. (Shredded rotisserie chicken works particularly well here.)

Italian-style Chimichangas

So easy to assemble and bake ~
Position oven rack in center of oven and preheat to 425º(F)
Place burrito filling on a flour tortilla (plain white, whole wheat or spinach wrap) :

 Layer in this order:

- Mozzarella cheese directly on the tortilla, then
- a dollop of Ricotta cheese, which has been thinned  slightly with a little milk or cream, then mixed with minced  fresh basil, minced parsley, dried or fresh oregano) salt, pepper (minced garlic-optional)
-A spoonful of marinara if desired (I didn't this time)
- Shredded chicken
Then fold up burrito style, brush outside of each burrito generously  with vegetable oil, with seam side of burrito down,  place on parchment lined rimmed baking sheet, space  one or two inches apart so they brown evenly.
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until as crispy and browned as you like.
Serve with your favorite warmed marinara (and pesto sauce if you like) for dipping.

Note: You can assemble these early in the day, (don't brush with oil yet), refrigerate, covered until baking time.   Remove from fridge about 10-15 minutes, then brush with the oil and bake as directed. You may need to reduce oven temp to 400º(F)  and increase baking time by a few minute to  compensate for the cold filling.
Something a little different ~ simple and very tasty!
If you give this one a try, I hope you like it too.


Thank you for coming by for a visit today ~ I love to hear what's on your mind and invite you to leave a comment.
Have a happy week everyone!
~mari