Chicken Chimichangas

Crispy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy and flavorful on the inside, Chicken Chimichangas are the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement. These deep-fried burrito-style wraps are filled with tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, salsa, and savory spices, all wrapped in a golden tortilla shell that delivers the perfect crunch in every bite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or game day gatherings, this recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser that you can serve with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavors or looking to jazz up your usual chicken dinner, these chimichangas are easy to customize and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup salsa

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 6 large flour tortillas

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salsa, green onions, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. Lay a tortilla flat and place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center.

3. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito to secure the filling.

4. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Fry the chimichangas two at a time, seam side down first, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

7. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Chicken Chimichangas

Chicken chimichangas are the epitome of indulgent Tex-Mex comfort food, crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’ve had them at your favorite Mexican restaurant or this is your first time trying them, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something crispy and savory. In this in-depth recipe post, we’ll explore the origins of chimichangas, tips for making them perfectly at home, variations you can try, and even how to store and reheat leftovers. Let’s dig in!

What Is a Chimichanga?

A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito, typically filled with meat, cheese, and seasonings, then rolled tightly and fried until golden and crispy. It originated from the Southwestern United States and is often considered a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, known broadly today as “Tex-Mex.”

Unlike a regular burrito, which is usually steamed or lightly toasted, chimichangas are submerged in hot oil to develop that unmistakable crunchy outer shell. The inside remains moist and flavorful, making the texture contrast one of the key highlights of this dish.

The History of Chimichangas

While the exact origin of the chimichanga is debated, one popular story credits Monica Flin, the founder of El Charro Café in Tucson, Arizona, with the accidental creation of the dish in the 1920s. As the tale goes, she dropped a burrito into a deep fryer by mistake and, in an effort to cover up her Spanish expletive, exclaimed “chimichanga!” a playful alternative akin to saying “thingamajig.”

Whether it was truly an accident or not, there’s no denying the dish’s popularity. Chimichangas have become a staple in Tex-Mex restaurants across the United States, with countless regional and personal variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this chicken chimichanga recipe deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation:

• Crispy Perfection: Frying the tortillas results in a delightful golden-brown crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior.

• Flavor Explosion: The seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, and salsa create layers of bold flavors.

• Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or packed with veggies, chimichangas can be easily tailored to your tastes.

• Great for Meal Prep: These chimichangas freeze and reheat well, making them a great option for busy weeknights.

Tips for the Best Chicken Chimichangas

To get the best results at home, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and is already packed with flavor. Simply shred it with a fork and mix it with your creamy cheese and salsa filling.

2. Don’t Overfill the Tortilla

It might be tempting to stuff your chimichangas to the brim, but overfilling can cause them to burst during frying. Aim for about ½ cup of filling per large tortilla.

3. Seal the Edges Tightly

Roll the tortilla snugly and use toothpicks if necessary to keep everything in place while frying. Fold the sides inward, then roll the tortilla tightly over the filling.

4. Use the Right Oil Temperature

Heat oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside heats up; too cool and the chimichangas will absorb oil and become greasy.

5. Drain Excess Oil

Once fried, place the chimichangas on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. This will keep them crisp and not soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken chimichangas are rich and flavorful, so they pair wonderfully with lighter, fresh toppings and sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa fresca, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, shredded lettuce

• Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans with lime, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette

Variations to Try

While this recipe is for chicken chimichangas, you can easily mix it up:

• Beef Chimichangas: Use ground beef seasoned with taco spices and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

• Vegetarian Version: Try black beans, corn, spinach, and cheese for a hearty meatless option.

• Baked Chimichangas: For a lighter option, brush the wrapped chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

• Air Fryer Version: Place in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storing and Reheating

Chicken chimichangas store beautifully:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

• Air Fryer: 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a crispy exterior.

• Microwave: Use only if you’re in a hurry—note that this will soften the crisp shell.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

While the exact numbers can vary based on portion size and ingredients used, one chicken chimichanga (with cheese and salsa) typically contains:

• Calories: 450–500 kcal

• Protein: 25–30g

• Carbs: 30–35g

• Fat: 20–25g

• Fiber: 3–5g

Adding toppings and sides can raise the calorie count, so portion accordingly if you’re watching your intake.

Making Chimichangas for a Crowd

Chicken chimichangas are perfect for parties and gatherings! You can prep them ahead of time and fry them just before serving. Create a “chimichanga bar” where guests can choose their toppings and sides, making it an interactive meal everyone will love.

Fun Chimichanga Trivia

• Chimichangas are especially popular in Arizona and can be found on most Tex-Mex menus across the U.S.

• National Chimichanga Day is celebrated on September 26.

• Some restaurants serve dessert chimichangas filled with sweetened cream cheese and fruit, then topped with cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

Chicken chimichangas are a delightful way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors at home. With their crispy outer shell and cheesy, savory filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you stick with the classic chicken version or explore creative fillings and baking methods, this versatile dish offers something for everyone.

Serve them up with your favorite toppings, make them ahead of time for easy reheating, or turn them into a party-worthy meal with a topping bar. However, you enjoy them, chimichangas are all about bringing fun and flavor to your plate.

So go ahead and grab those tortillas, mix up that filling, and get frying. You’re in for one seriously delicious meal.