Chicken Chimachangas
Chicken chimachangas feature tender cooked chicken wrapped in crispy tortillas, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection—great for casual dinners and flavorful family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, picante sauce, cumin, oregano, and salt in a medium saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Spread a small amount of margarine on one side of each tortilla.
- Warm the buttered tortillas on a heated griddle.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Add a little cheese and roll up the tortilla.
- Place the seam side down in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Bake the assembled dish uncovered in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans, and additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding black beans or corn to the chicken mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of flour. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick. To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken from recipes like Surprise Chicken Enchiladas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken chimichangas with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal. Drizzle additional picante sauce over the top for extra flavor. They also pair well with a fresh salad or guacamole. For a delightful variation, try serving them alongside Posole (Mexican Soup) for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For best results, you can also reheat them in an air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chimachangas contains roughly 1054 calories, with 16g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1667mg per serving (72% 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 chicken filling and assemble the chimichangas in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just remember to cover them tightly to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze chicken chimichangas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled chimichangas before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding around 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce, you can substitute it with salsa or a homemade mixture of diced tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Alternatively, a mild enchilada sauce would work well too, giving a different flavor profile to the dish.
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).