Pheasant Chimichangas

Discover a bold twist on a Mexican favourite with our Pheasant Chimichangas. Tender, richly flavoured pheasant is wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla with aromatic spices and savoury fillings, creating a delicious balance of crunch and succulence in every bite. Served piping hot with vibrant salsa, cooling sour cream, or creamy guacamole, this irresistible dish transforms premium game into pure comfort food.

Prep: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins| Serves: 4

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INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, plus 60ml (if frying rather than baking.

• 6 boneless pheasant thigh fillets, or about 300g leftover cooked pheasant.

• 1/2 onion, chopped.

• 1 small Red pepper, roughly chopped.

• 100g Green chillies from a jar, finely chopped.

• 85g Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, grated plus extra for serving.

• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder.

• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin.1/2 tsp Chipotle Chilli Powder.

• 6 large flour tortillas.

• 400g can refried beans (optional).

• 240ml Red enchilada sauce.

• Soured cream and handful of chopped coriander, to serve.

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METHOD

1. Begin by heating 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan on a medium heat, add the pheasant thighs and fry for 6-8 mins each side until cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.

   
   

2. Add another tbsp oil to the pan, then the onion and red pepper and cook until softened, about 5 mins

   
   

3. Next shred or cut pheasant into small pieces and put in a bowl with the cooked onions and peppers, chillies, cheese and spices, season and mix well.

   
   

4. Heat the tortillas briefly in a dry frying pan for a few seconds on each side to make them a little more pliable, or heat in a microwave.

   
   

5. Then spoon a layer of the beans, if using, into the centre of each tortilla, then spoon some of the pheasant mixture on top. Repeat so all the wraps and filling are used up.

   
   

6. Next roll-up the chimichangas – fold the bottom over the filling, fold the sides in, then roll away from you so all the filling is sealed in.

   
   

7. To bake heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the chimichangas on an oiled baking sheet and brush lightly with more oil. Bake until golden, about 20-25 mins. Or to fry them, heat a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the 60ml oil to the pan and place the chimichangas seam-side down. Turn gently every few seconds until lightly golden on all sides and the filling has heated through.

   
   

8. While they cook warm the enchilada sauce in a small pan, then spoon some enchilada sauce on a plate, lay the chimichanga on top, and top with soured cream, a little more cheese and some coriander.