Homemade Chicken Chimichangas: Crispy, Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite

Chicken chimichangas are a tasty blend of Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.

These crispy treats are tortillas filled with shredded chicken and flavorful spices, then fried to perfection.

The outside is crunchy, while the inside bursts with tender meat and zesty ingredients.

Born in Mexican-American communities, chimichangas have become a favorite dish in the southwestern United States and other regions.

Both kitchen enthusiasts and restaurant cooks enjoy trying out different fillings and toppings to put their own spin on this traditional meal.

People love the satisfying mix of a crisp tortilla shell paired with rich, spiced chicken that makes chimichangas hard to resist.

Smart Ideas For Chicken Chimichangas

• Perfect Chicken Prep: Shred chicken extra fine for even distribution and better texture in each bite.
• Tortilla Softening Trick: Use a slightly damp paper towel when warming tortillas to prevent drying out and make folding easier.
• Sealing Technique: Press chimichanga edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying and ensure a crispy seal.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F for golden-brown exterior without burning the tortilla.
• Healthier Alternative Option: Bake chimichangas at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content.

Best Way To Store Chicken Chimichangas

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they cool completely before sealing.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for maximum 2 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chimichangas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Reheat Skillet: Gently pan-fry in a little oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring the original crispy texture.

What Goes Best With Chicken Chimichangas

• Spice Up with Salsa Fresca: Fresh, zesty salsa adds bright, tangy notes that cut through the rich, crispy chimichanga, balancing the deep-fried flavors with a burst of fresh tomato and cilantro.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: Smooth, velvety guacamole provides a cool contrast to the hot, crunchy exterior, while its subtle lime and avocado notes complement the chicken's seasoned profile.
• Pair with Mexican Cerveza: A crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, oil-fried chimichanga, cleansing the palate between each delicious bite.
• Elevate with Zesty Margarita: A classic margarita's citrusy, tequila-based kick amplifies the dish's Mexican flavors, with the salt rim and lime juice cutting through the richness of the fried chicken and cheese.

Fun Ways To Twist Chicken Chimichangas

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Season with similar spices for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps. Use cauliflower rice instead of refried beans to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or plant-based ingredients. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.

Need Help With Chicken Chimichangas?

• Are chimichangas originally from Mexico?

Chimichangas actually originated in Arizona, United States, created by Mexican-American chefs, not directly from traditional Mexican cuisine.

• Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 25 minutes until golden and crispy, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

• How do I prevent chimichangas from unrolling during cooking?

Secure the edges by using toothpicks or ensuring a tight fold, and always place them seam-side down first when frying to help seal the edges.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken all work great for making chimichangas with tender, flavorful meat.

What Makes Chicken Chimichangas So Good

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up these delicious chimichangas in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying meal.
• Crispy Texture Delight: Experience the mouthwatering crunch of golden-brown tortillas that provide a perfect contrast to the tender, flavorful chicken filling.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Use simple, affordable ingredients like shredded chicken, tortillas, and basic spices to create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Chimichangas

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main flavor base for the filling, works best with leftover or rotisserie chicken.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild heat and southwestern flavor to the chicken mixture.

• Cheese: Melty component that adds richness and creamy texture to the chimichangas, shredded Mexican blend works great.

• Large Flour Tortillas: Soft wrap that holds the filling, best when fresh and slightly warm for easy folding.
• Refried Beans: Creamy base layer that adds moisture and helps seal the chimichanga, canned beans are convenient.

• Green Chile Sauce: Provides additional moisture and southwestern flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds depth to the chicken filling.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chimichangas to achieve a crispy golden exterior.

Step-By-Step Chicken Chimichangas Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Green chiles
• Green chile sauce
• Cumin
• Salt

Heat ingredients in a skillet over medium heat. Stir and warm mixture for 4 minutes until flavors blend and chicken is heated through.

Step 2: Prepare Tortilla Wraps

Microwave tortillas with a damp paper towel for 30 seconds to make them soft and flexible.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Chimichangas

• Refried beans
• Prepared chicken mixture
• Shredded cheese

Spread refried beans down tortilla center. Add chicken mixture. Sprinkle cheese generously. Fold sides and roll into tight burrito shape. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Create Crispy Golden Exterior

Heat oil in heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Aim for about 1 inch of oil depth.

Step 5: Fry To Perfection

Place chimichangas seam-side down. Fry for 1 minute until golden brown. Rotate and cook all sides until crispy exterior forms.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chimichangas to paper towel-lined plate. Allow excess oil to drain.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Plate warm chimichangas. Add favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken chimichangas deliver Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with crispy golden perfection. Packed with tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty spices, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked and shredded chicken
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) can refried beans

Flavoring and Seasonings:

• 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) can diced green chiles
• ¼ cup (59 ml) green chile sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Cooking and Optional Toppings:

• Oil, for frying
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Guacamole or diced avocado
• Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Sauté shredded chicken with green chiles, green chile sauce, cumin, and salt in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until thoroughly warmed and flavors meld together, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Create tortilla wrappers more flexible by placing them under a slightly dampened paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds.
3. Transform each tortilla into a delectable package by spreading a layer of refried beans across its center, then generously top with the spiced chicken mixture.
4. Enhance the filling by sprinkling cheese over the chicken, creating a rich, melty foundation for the chimichanga.
5. Craft the perfect wrapped bundle by carefully folding the tortilla’s sides inward, then rolling tightly into a compact burrito-like shape, ensuring all ingredients remain securely enclosed.
6. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet with approximately one inch of oil, heating to medium-high temperature for optimal frying conditions.
7. Carefully place each chimichanga seam-side down into the hot oil, allowing the first side to transform into a golden-brown crispy exterior for roughly one minute.
8. Rotate the chimichanga methodically, frying each side until achieving an evenly crisp, bronzed finish.
9. Transfer the freshly fried chimichangas onto a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining their crisp texture.
10. Present the hot, crispy chimichangas immediately, accompanied by preferred garnishes like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent tortilla tearing by ensuring they’re warm and flexible before assembling, which makes rolling easier and reduces ingredient spillage.
• Control oil temperature around 350°F for perfect golden-brown crispiness without absorbing excess grease or burning the exterior.
• Customize protein options by substituting shredded chicken with pulled pork, beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and variety.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh cilantro

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg