Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Chicken Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender spiced chicken, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crisped tortilla—all in one glorious package. Each bite is a lively mix of textures and bright flavors, whether you bake or fry them to golden perfection. This recipe is a favorite for family nights and casual entertaining, because it’s simple, endlessly customizable, and absolutely irresistible. Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Chimichangas all over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Chimichangas is how straightforward the ingredients are—yet each one makes all the difference. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll create vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch that’s never boring.

• Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or simply pan-cooked breasts for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Refried beans: These add a creamy, hearty layer and help hold everything together inside the tortilla.
• Salsa: Pick your favorite kind, mild or spicy—the salsa infuses the filling with zing and moisture.
• Cumin: This earthy spice brings out the warmth and depth in the filling.
• Dried oregano: A pinch of crushed oregano brightens the mix and adds a hint of herbal aroma.
• Chili powder: Adds mild heat and a classic Tex-Mex flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend turns melty and luscious, making that first bite unforgettable.
• Green onions: Freshly chopped, they add crunch and a gentle bite that balances the richness.
• Oil (vegetable or canola): Essential for crisping the tortillas whether you bake or fry—just enough for that golden crust.
• Large flour tortillas: Sturdy enough to hold all the filling; choose soft, pliable ones for easy rolling.
• Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (optional): Optional, but highly encouraged for dipping and topping your finished Chicken Chimichangas.

How to Make Chicken Chimichangas

Step 1: Cook and Prep the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breasts in a frying pan until they’re tender and no longer pink inside. If you’re pressed for time, a rotisserie chicken works like a charm too! Once the chicken is cooked, give it a few minutes to rest—this helps the juices redistribute—then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will be the hearty base of your Chicken Chimichangas.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, refried beans, your cheese of choice, salsa, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and the fresh green onions. Stir everything together until you have a cohesive, colorful mixture. You’ll notice the aroma is already irresistible—this is the soulful heart of every great Chicken Chimichanga.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Scoop about half a cup of the filling into the center of each flour tortilla. The key here is not to overfill, so you can fold them neatly. Fold in the left and right sides over the filling, then roll up from the bottom, tucking tightly as you go so your Chicken Chimichangas hold together nicely.

Step 4: Choose Baking or Pan-Frying

For a lighter option, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the rolled chimichangas on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil for that crave-worthy crispness, and bake for around 25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. If you’re all about that classic crunch, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add your chimichangas seam-side down. Rotate them every 20 to 30 seconds for even browning—the result is a shatteringly crisp shell that’s hard to resist.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your Chicken Chimichangas are crispy and beautifully golden, serve them right away while the filling is hot and gooey. Add your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. They’re simply irresistible when fresh out of the oven or skillet!

How to Serve Chicken Chimichangas

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Chimichangas generously with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños if you like it spicy, and a big dollop of sour cream or guacamole. A handful of fresh diced tomatoes or a squeeze of lime over the top makes every bite burst with extra color and zest.

Side Dishes

Serve these beauties alongside fluffy Mexican rice, stewed black beans, or a simple corn salad to round out the meal. Classic accompaniments like tortilla chips, pico de gallo, or a crisp green salad also complement the rich flavors of Chicken Chimichangas without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, try slicing your Chicken Chimichangas into halves or thirds and arrange them on a large platter for a party-friendly appetizer. Drizzle with a queso sauce, scatter with pickled red onions, or create a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their own chimichanga experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Chimichangas store well in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container to keep the tortillas from getting soggy and the filling fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make Chicken Chimichangas ahead, assemble and wrap them (before baking or frying), then freeze individually. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer at 400°F until hot and crisp—just add a few extra minutes for cooking.

Reheating

To recapture that irresistible crunch, reheat Chicken Chimichangas in a hot oven or air fryer for the best results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas chewy rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Corn tortillas tend to be less pliable and more prone to tearing when rolled, so flour tortillas are the traditional—and most reliable—choice for sturdy, full-flavored Chicken Chimichangas.

What’s the best way to make these spicier?

Kick up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños to the filling, using pepper jack cheese, or picking a spicy salsa. A dash of hot sauce inside or over the top never hurt either!

Can I make Chicken Chimichangas ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chimichangas in advance, then bake or fry just before serving. This makes them perfect for entertaining and means less stress when guests arrive.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or more beans for a tasty vegetarian twist on classic Chicken Chimichangas. Everything else stays the same for maximum flavor.

What other toppings work well?

Try shredded lettuce, diced avocado, onions, olives, or a drizzle of chipotle crema. The more colorful and flavorful, the better your Chicken Chimichangas will taste!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Chimichangas have a special way of turning any meal into a celebration, whether it’s a quiet night in or a gathering with friends. Give this recipe a try—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly delicious. Once you see (and taste) just how easy it is, you’ll want to add these irresistible chimichangas to your regular rotation!

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