Crispy Golden Chicken Chimichangas Recipe: Family Favorite Fiesta

Crispy, golden chicken chimichangas have been my secret weapon for turning ordinary dinner nights into fiesta-worthy celebrations.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible opportunities for creating memorable meals that spark conversation.

These delightful parcels pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Friends always request this recipe when they gather at my home.

Folding tender, seasoned chicken into warm tortillas and creating something magical with just a few simple ingredients.

The kitchen transforms into a playground of culinary creativity as you craft these delectable parcels.

Buckle up for a flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Chimichangas Right Away

• Savor Explosive Flavor Combinations: The chicken filling blends zesty taco seasoning, green chilies, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering taste explosion that dances across your palate.
• Enjoy Versatile Cooking Techniques: Whether you're craving crispy fried chimichangas or prefer a healthier baked version, this recipe offers flexible cooking methods to suit your mood and dietary preferences.
• Celebrate Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired goodness that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Experience Textural Delights: Crispy golden exterior meets tender, juicy chicken filling, providing a satisfying crunch that gives way to a rich, flavorful interior with every single bite.

What Goes Inside Chicken Chimichangas

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat as the core filling with rich flavor.
• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and authentic Mexican taste.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Provides aromatic base and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Brings depth and traditional Mexican seasoning profile.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers classic Mexican spice blend.
• Chicken Broth: Helps keep chicken moist and enhances overall flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy texture and rich taste.

• Tortillas: Soft flour shells for wrapping the filling.
• Refried Beans: Optional layer for additional creaminess and texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for traditional frying method.
• Butter or Oil: Optional for baking method.

• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping.
• Salsa: Fresh, zesty condiment.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado-based accompaniment.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal finishing touch.

Steps To Follow For Chicken Chimichangas

Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Base

• Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
• Toss in chopped onions and green bell peppers
• Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant
• Add minced garlic and stir for a minute
• Mix in
• Shredded chicken
• Diced green chilies
• Taco seasoning
• Chicken broth
• Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes
• Sprinkle shredded cheese and blend thoroughly
• Remove from heat and set aside

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Pockets

• Spread tortillas on a clean surface
• Optional: Layer refried beans in the center
• Scoop generous chicken mixture onto each tortilla
• Fold tortilla sides over the filling
• Roll tightly from bottom up
• Secure with toothpicks if needed

Step 3: Crisp and Golden Transformation

• Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet
• Heat oil until shimmering
• Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down
• Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
• Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Arrange chimichangas on baking sheet
• Brush with oil or melted butter
• Bake 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Top with
• Sour cream
• Fresh salsa
• Creamy guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Enjoy your homemade Mexican-inspired feast!

Tips That Help With Chicken Chimichangas

• Customize Chicken Filling: Swap chicken with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences and create exciting flavor variations.
• Master Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier rolling and sealing.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain 350-375°F for perfectly crispy chimichangas without excessive oil absorption.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble chimichangas in advance and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time during meal preparation.
• Healthier Baking Option: Opt for oven-baking with a light olive oil spray to reduce calories while maintaining a satisfying crispy texture.

How To Keep Chicken Chimichangas Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chimichangas will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Crisp Restoration: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to revive the original crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Great Foods To Serve With Chicken Chimichangas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the crispy, spicy chimichangas with a classic margarita featuring fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salt rim. The citrusy, tangy drink cuts through the richness of the fried chicken filling.
• Create a Cool Salsa Verde Sidekick: Serve a homemade green salsa with fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Its bright, acidic flavor balances the deep, savory notes of the chimichangas and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Prepare a creamy elote-style corn salad with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy side dish perfectly enhances the crispy texture of the chimichangas.
• Boost with Refreshing Agua Fresca: Whip up a light, fruity agua fresca using watermelon or pineapple. Its sweet, hydrating quality helps cool down the spicy elements of the dish and provides a light counterpoint to the heavy chimichangas.

Different Takes On Chicken Chimichangas

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or flaky white fish, adding a zesty seafood twist to the classic chimichanga recipe. Mix in some Old Bay seasoning for extra coastal flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed bell peppers. Incorporate quinoa or rice for added protein and texture, creating a hearty meat-free version.
• Breakfast Chimichanga Blast: Transform the recipe by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of salsa verde or hot sauce for a morning kick.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Amp up the heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a dash of cayenne to the filling. Include pepper jack cheese and serve with a fiery homemade salsa for extra excitement.

Things You’re Wondering About Chicken Chimichangas

• What makes chimichangas different from regular burritos?

Chimichangas are deep-fried or baked until crispy, giving them a crunchy exterior, while burritos are typically served soft and uncooked. The frying process creates a golden, crisp shell that sets chimichangas apart.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients as the recipe suggests. It’s a quick and convenient way to prepare the chicken mixture.

• Is there a healthier alternative to deep-frying?

Yes! The recipe includes an oven-baking method where you can brush the chimichangas with oil and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes. This method significantly reduces oil usage while still achieving a crispy exterior.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra green chilies, use a hot taco seasoning blend, or include some diced jalapeños in the filling. You can also serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side to customize the heat level to your preference.

Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican cuisine shines through these sizzling chicken chimichangas, packed with zesty flavors and crispy textures. Golden-brown tortillas cradle spicy shredded chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (450g) cooked, shredded chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (120 grams) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans (optional)
• 8 large flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Serving Accompaniments:

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatic vegetables in a skillet with olive oil until they soften and release their fragrant essence. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to dance and release its pungent notes.
2. Incorporate shredded chicken, green chilies, and zesty taco seasoning into the vegetable medley. Pour chicken broth to create a harmonious, moisture-rich filling. Simmer until the flavors meld together seamlessly.
3. Fold in shredded cheese, stirring until it melts and binds the filling with creamy richness.
4. Prepare each tortilla by spreading a thin layer of refried beans across its surface as a flavorful foundation.
5. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, carefully folding the edges to create a secure packet. Roll tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it shimmers with readiness. Gently lower the chimichangas, seam-side down, into the hot oil.
7. Fry each chimichanga until it transforms into a golden-brown, crispy masterpiece, rotating to ensure even coloration.
8. Alternatively, for a lighter approach, arrange chimichangas on a baking sheet and brush with oil. Roast in a preheated oven until they achieve a perfect golden crunch.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish generously with cool sour cream, vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
10. Serve immediately while the chimichangas maintain their irresistible crispness and warmth.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken for richer flavor, allowing the meat to absorb more seasoning and remain juicier during cooking.
• Drain excess liquid from chicken mixture to prevent soggy chimichangas and ensure a crispy exterior when frying or baking.
• Use fresh corn tortillas instead of flour for a more authentic texture and traditional Mexican taste, warming them slightly to increase flexibility before rolling.
• Customize filling with dietary alternatives like shredded jackfruit for vegetarian version or ground turkey for leaner protein option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg