Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

If you love a crispy, flavor-packed meal that feels both festive and comforting, Chicken Chimichangas are about to become your new obsession. Think tender chicken, creamy refried beans, gooey melted cheese, and bright salsa all wrapped snugly in a golden-brown tortilla shell. Whether you bake or fry them, these chimichangas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknights or a weekend fiesta. This is the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table and ask for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chicken Chimichangas come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. Freshness, flavor, and that all-important crunch all depend on what you put inside. Here’s what you’ll need for irresistible results every time:

• Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, this is your protein centerpiece and picks up all the seasonings beautifully.
• Refried beans: They add creaminess and help bind the filling, giving that unmistakable Tex-Mex mouthfeel.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite—chunky, spicy, or mild—to give the filling a juicy, zesty kick.
• Cumin: Essential for that signature smoky warmth.
• Dried oregano: Just a half teaspoon ties everything together with its subtle herby aroma.
• Chili powder: A dash brings all the heat and color you crave in a classic Chicken Chimichanga.
• Shredded cheese: Go for cheddar or a Mexican blend; oozy, melty cheese is non-negotiable!
• Green onions: They pep up the filling with color and a mild, pleasant bite.
• Oil: Vegetable or canola oil ensures your chimichangas crisp up perfectly, whether baking or frying.
• Large flour tortillas: The bigger the better—they need to hold all that delicious filling and seal well.
• Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (optional): For serving, these toppings turn your Chicken Chimichangas into a plate of pure joy.

How to Make Chicken Chimichangas

Step 1: Cook and Prep the Chicken

Begin by cooking your chicken breasts in a frying pan until they’re tender and no longer pink in the center. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices settle in; then, chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure each chimichanga is packed with juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your chopped chicken with the refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and green onions. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture looks savory and enticing. The combination of creamy beans and melty cheese helps everything stick together for the perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Laying out each flour tortilla, spoon about half a cup of your chicken mixture into the center. Fold in the sides tightly over the filling, then roll up each tortilla like a burrito, making sure everything is snuggly sealed inside. This keeps all that savory filling from leaking out during cooking and ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Step 4: Bake or Fry to Crispy Perfection

If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the filled chimichangas on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 25 minutes until the tortillas turn golden and crispy. If you’re craving classic crunch, heat a skillet over medium, add your oil, and fry each chimichanga seam side down. Turn them every 20 to 30 seconds until all sides are beautifully golden and the outsides have that irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your hot Chicken Chimichangas topped with extra salsa, a dollop of sour cream, or some guacamole. Pair with Mexican rice or fresh lettuce for a meal that truly hits the spot. These are the moments when dinner feels extra special.

How to Serve Chicken Chimichangas

Garnishes

Let your Chicken Chimichangas shine with simple, fresh garnishes. Think bright-green cilantro, tangy dollops of sour cream, zippy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo. Even a scattering of sliced jalapeños or extra green onions will give your plate a vibrant, restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

These beauties pair so well with a range of sides! Classic Mexican rice is a no-brainer, but consider refried beans, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or a bright corn salad for a pop of freshness. A little wedge of lime on the side gives that final splash of citrus that takes everything up a notch.

Creative Ways to Present

Chicken Chimichangas are a party on a plate, so why not go big? Try slicing them in half on a diagonal for easy sharing at a gathering, or set up a build-your-own chimichanga bar with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Kids and adults alike will love getting in on the customization fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chicken Chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner the next day.

Freezing

Want to meal prep? You can freeze assembled but unbaked or unfried chimichangas. Just wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be thawed before heating as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop chimichangas into a 350-degree oven until heated through and the outsides are crisp again (about 15 minutes). For extra crispiness, a few minutes in the air fryer or skillet will bring back that signature crunch without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Chimichangas?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge timesaver and brings plenty of flavor to the table. Just shred the meat and proceed with the recipe as written for delicious results.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds just the right tang, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack if you love extra heat in your Chicken Chimichangas.

Can I bake instead of fry these?

Yes! Baking is a fantastic way to keep things a bit lighter without sacrificing that irresistible crunch. Just brush with oil and bake on high heat, as described above.

How do I keep my chimichangas from splitting open?

Be sure not to overfill your tortillas and always wrap them tightly, folding the sides in before rolling. Placing the seam side down when cooking also helps seal them securely.

Are Chicken Chimichangas spicy?

That’s up to you! Using a mild salsa and less chili powder will keep things mild, while a hot salsa or an extra pinch of chili powder can bring the heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your weeknight dinner rotation, Chicken Chimichangas are the answer. Crispy, cheesy, and positively bursting with flavor, they’re the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give them a try—it just might be your new go-to recipe!

Print