Chicken-Cheese Chimichangas
Golden chicken-cheese chimichangas with crispy edges and melty cheese, filled with flavorful chicken and salsa, perfect for a satisfying and savory Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Saute chopped onion and garlic powder in vegetable oil in a skillet until tender.
- Add shredded cooked chicken and cook over low heat until heated through.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Separate crescent roll dough into rectangles; press perforations to seal.
- Spread 1/2 cup salsa onto each rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture onto half of each rectangle.
- Roll up and pinch sides to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 21 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt.
- Serve with sour cream, chopped green onions, and remaining salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the chicken mixture. If you don't have crescent rolls, flour tortillas can be a great substitute. To add more flavor, try mixing in some taco seasoning or diced jalapeños. For added crunch, serve with fresh avocado slices or a side of homemade guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
These chimichangas are delicious served with sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. For a complete meal, pair them with a side of Mexican rice or beans. They also pair beautifully with the Layered Chicken Enchiladas for a fun feast. A fresh garden salad would balance the richness nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may lose their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Cheese Chimichangas contains roughly 484 calories, with 10g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or refried beans as a filling. You can also use shredded beef or pork for a different flavor profile. The Bean Enchiladas recipe would also work well as a substitute for a meat-free version.
Can I freeze these chimichangas?
Absolutely! Unbaked chimichangas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they're heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).