Chickichanga from First Watch features tender grilled chicken, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla, delivering a savory and satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Tongs
- Plate or serving platter
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium tomato
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Salsa (for serving, optional)
Ensure the chicken breast is trimmed and cut into even pieces for uniform grilling and cooking. Use a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to achieve a creamy and flavorful melt inside the tortilla. Fresh vegetables like tomato, red onion, and bell pepper add crunch and brightness, balancing the seasoned chicken. If pan-frying the tortillas, use vegetable oil and paper towels to drain any excess oil for a crispy yet not greasy texture. Your copycat Chickichanga from First Watch will taste authentic by combining these key ingredients with the right balance of spices and fresh produce.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with spice mixture.
- Grill chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into small pieces.
- Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (if not pre-shredded).
- Dice tomato, chop red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Lay flour tortillas flat on cutting board.
- Layer cooked chicken, cheeses, tomato, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro evenly onto each tortilla.
- Roll tortillas tightly, folding in the sides to seal in filling.
- Heat skillet or frying pan with enough vegetable oil to coat bottom over medium heat.
- Place filled tortillas seam-side down in pan.
- Cook until golden and crispy on all sides, turning with tongs as needed (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove chickichangas and drain on paper towels if desired.
- Slice and transfer to plate or serving platter.
- Serve warm with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
Substitution
Chickichanga from First Watch copycat menu combines seasoned grilled chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla for a hearty meal. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, cooking the chicken in a well-oiled skillet works well to achieve a similar sear and flavor. You can substitute cheddar and Monterey Jack with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different but equally melty texture. When frying the tortillas, use vegetable oil or canola oil, both of which tolerate high heat and help create that golden, crispy exterior. Your choice of sour cream and salsa on the side can be adjusted or omitted depending on dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tenderness. When assembling your chickichangas, folding the tortilla sides tightly while rolling prevents the filling from spilling out during frying. Use medium heat for pan-frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla. Drain excess oil on paper towels to keep your dish from becoming greasy and maintain the perfect balance of flavors for your meal.
Nutritions
Chickichanga from First Watch provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, primarily from the grilled chicken breast and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese contributes calcium and additional protein, while the whole flour tortillas offer carbohydrates for energy. Spices such as chili powder and cumin supply antioxidants and may support digestion. Your meal delivers a satisfying source of essential nutrients, complementing your dietary needs with flavorful, wholesome ingredients.
Storage
You should store leftover Chickichangas in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate them promptly and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy exterior without drying out the filling.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace chicken breast with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation while keeping the smoky flavors by adding chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika. Swap cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with pepper jack for an extra spicy kick. For a lighter cooking method, try baking the wrapped tortillas at 400degF for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-frying, achieving a crispy texture with less oil. Using whole wheat or corn tortillas can add a different texture and increase fiber content in your chickichanga.
Allergies
Chickichanga from First Watch contains multiple common allergens, including dairy from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and gluten from flour tortillas. The dish also includes ingredients like chili powder and garlic powder, which may cause sensitivities in some individuals. You should check each component carefully if you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or specific spices to avoid a reaction.
Why this recipe?
The Chickichanga menu from First Watch restaurant boasts a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown exterior and flavorful, tender chicken inside, making it a standout choice for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. Its unique combination of fresh ingredients, signature spices, and perfectly balanced textures delivers a satisfying culinary experience that keeps customers coming back. If you want to recreate this dish at home, mastering the distinct flavor profile and crispy texture will make your copycat recipe a delicious success. Your efforts in replicating this popular menu item will delight friends and family with a taste reminiscent of First Watch's beloved Chickichanga.