First Watch Chickichanga Recipe

If you love Tex-Mex flavors and easy homemade dishes, you must try this delicious First Watch Chickichanga Recipe!

As a top item on the First Watch restaurant menu, this chickichanga recipe allows you to enjoy their famous dish right in your own kitchen. It takes common ingredients and turns them into an explosion of textures and flavors your whole family will love.

This easy chickichanga recipe uses just 12 ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Once you learn how simple these stuffed tortilla treats are to prepare, you’ll want to add them into your regular dinner rotation.

What is a Chickichanga?

A Chickichanga is a fried burrito stuffed with a variety of fillings like meats, beans, cheese, veggies, etc.

The name is a creative blend of the words “chicken” and “chimichanga”. Unlike chimichangas which are made with flour tortillas, chickichangas use egg wrappers.

This unique combo of egg, filling, and fried exterior gives these burritos their distinctive crispy-chewy texture. The fillings are well-seasoned, making each bite packed with vibrant Southwestern flavors.

How to Make the First Watch Chickichanga Recipe

Making this restaurant-style Chickichanga at home is easy. Gather your ingredients and equipment to get started:

• 1 8-inch Flour Tortilla – The soft flour tortilla acts as the wrapper for all the fillings. An 8-inch size works perfectly.
• 1 Tablespoon Butter – Butter helps lightly fry the tortilla to make it pliable enough to stuff and fold.
• 1⁄4 Cup Whipped Eggs – Beaten eggs bind the fillings together and add extra creaminess.
• 1 1⁄2 Ounces Cooked Cajun Chicken – Spice-rubbed pulled chicken thighs or breasts lend lots of flavor.
• 1⁄4 Cup Cooked Chorizo – The popular Spanish pork sausage provides a meaty, smoky element.
• 1 Tablespoon Roasted Onions – Caramelized onions deliver sweetness.
• 2 Tablespoons Diced Green Chiles – Chopped hot green chiles bring mild heat.
• 4 Avocado Slices – Creamy cool avocado balances out the other fillings.
• 3 Tablespoons Cheddar Jack Cheese – A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully.
• 2 Tablespoons Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa adds texture.
• 2 Tablespoons Hollandaise Sauce – Buttery, lemony Hollandaise pulls it all together.
• 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream – Cool tangy sour cream finishes it off.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need much specialty equipment for this easy chickichanga. Here is the key gear:

• 10-Inch Nonstick Pan – A nonstick skillet allows you to fry the tortilla and eggs without things sticking.
• Skillet – Use another skillet to sauté the chicken filling ingredients.
• Spatula – A heat-resistant spatula helps you maneuver the fried tortilla.
• Plate – Serve the finished chickichanga on a plate with desired toppings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1. Cook Tortilla:

First, in a 10-inch nonstick pan, heat butter over medium heat. Put the tortilla in a nonstick pan and cook until it begins to lightly brown.

Step 2. Cook Egg:

Place the egg on top of the tortilla and cook until the egg is cooked.

Step 3. Prepare Cajun Chicken:

In another skillet, heat Cajun chicken with green chilies, chorizo, onions, and green chilies until well mixed.

Step 4. Assemble:

Once the Cajun chicken is ready, spread it over the cooked tortilla and eggs.

Step 5. Add Avocado:

Place the avocado slices evenly on top of the tortilla and cook it for a few minutes.

Step 6. Topping and serve:

Remove the tortilla from the nonstick pan and place it on a plate.Roll up the tortilla into a burrito.

Top with pico de gallo, Hollandaise Sauce and sour cream and serve.

Special Notes

To achieve hot, melty, lightly crisped chickichanga perfection, follow these tips:

• You can swap out the chicken for shredded beef or pork if desired. Adjust any seasonings accordingly.
• For a vegetarian option, use black beans, rice, corn, etc. instead of the meat.
• Allow chickichanga to rest 1 minute before digging in
• Feel free to prep ingredients ahead; cook chicken, whip eggs, chop veggies, etc.

Recipe Variations

• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos to the filling.
• Mix in some sautéed bell peppers for extra veggie goodness.
• Top with guacamole or sliced black olives for more flavors.
• Swirl in some Mexican crema instead of sour cream.
• Garnish with cilantro or green onion slices for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Chickichangas make a fun handed food for dipping and customizing bites. Round out the experience with these sides:

• Spanish Rice – Cilantro-flecked rice is a filling base.
• Refried Beans – Smokey creamy beans balance the spices.
• House Salad – Crisp lettuce, tomato, corn, avocado with ranch or vinaigrette.
• Tortilla Chips and Guacamole – Essential for scooping and dipping!
• Margaritas – Fruity tequila cocktails perfectly match the flavors!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Should you have any chickichangas left over, they store and reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day or later in the week.

Storage

Allow cooked chickichangas to cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. You can also individually wrap chickichangas in foil and freeze for 1-2 months.

Reheating

To serve leftovers, unwrap frozen chickichangas and allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then you can reheat in either the oven or microwave:

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chickichangas on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until hot and slightly crispy.

Microwave: Place chickichangas on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through, 1-2 minutes total. The tortilla may lose its crispness but taste will still be great!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to chickichangas, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some common FAQs:

How do you roll chickichangas tightly without tearing tortillas?

Make sure to fry tortillas just until pliable then wait for cheese to melt before rolling to prevent cracks. Fold gently using spatulas for support.

Can I make chickichangas ahead of time?

Yes, cook completely then let cool and refrigerate uncooked chickichangas up to 2 days before frying or freeze up to 2 months.

What’s the difference between a burrito, chimichanga, and chickichanga?

Burritos feature fillings wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Chimichangas are deep-fried burritos. Chickichangas are essentially the same as chimichangas – just with different regional names.

Do I need a lot of special equipment to make chickichangas?

Nope! All you really need are basic skillets and spatulas that most home cooks already own.

What meat works best in chickichangas?

Shredded chicken, ground beef, pork carnitas, chorizo sausage, steak, or mix and match are all delicious!

Continue to Content

First Watch Chickichanga Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Satisfy your cravings for this easy First Watch copycat Chickichanga recipe stuffing eggs, chicken, chorizo & more into a fried tortilla. A crispy bundle loaded with classic Tex-Mex flavors.

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Ingredients

• 1 8-inch Flour tortilla
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup whipped Eggs
• 1 1/2 ounces cooked Cajun chicken
• 1/4 cup cooked chorizo, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon roasted onions
• 2 tablespoons diced green chilies
• 4 Avocados slices
• 3 tablespoons cheddar jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
• 2 tablespoons Hollandaise sauce
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Kitchen Tools

• 10-inch nonstick pan
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Plate

Instructions

1. Cook Tortilla: First, in a 10-inch nonstick pan, heat butter over medium heat. Put the tortilla in a nonstick pan and cook until it begins to lightly brown.
2. Cook Egg: Place the egg on top of the tortilla and cook until the egg is cooked.
3. Prepare Cajun Chicken: In another skillet, heat Cajun chicken with green chilies, chorizo, onions, and green chilies until well mixed.
4. Assemble: Once the Cajun chicken is ready, spread it over the cooked tortilla and eggs.
5. Add Avocado: Place the avocado slices evenly on top of the tortilla and cook it for a few minutes.
6. Topping and serve: Remove the tortilla from the nonstick pan and place it on a plate. Roll up the tortilla into a burrito.
   Top with pico de gallo, Hollandaise Sauce and sour cream and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 675Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 285mgSodium: 1280mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 38g

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Final Words

From its crispy deep-fried shell to its melting hot filling, this First Watch chickichanga recipe makes an irresistible meal packed with Tex-Mex personality.

Following the easy step-by-step method, even novice cooks can master the technique. Feel free to get creative with different meat and veggie fillings too. Just be sure to keep classics like spicy chicken, Mexican chorizo sausage, peppers, and creamy avocado in the mix. With a margarita in hand, it’s fiesta time!