Chicken Chimichangas
Chicken chimichangas are crispy, flavorful Mexican-inspired turnovers filled with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and fresh green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they combine savory ingredients with a satisfying crunch and are topped with salsa and sour cream for added zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, green onions, cumin, oregano, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Stir in 2/3 cup salsa or picante sauce.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture just below the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded cheese.
- Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla to partially enclose the filling.
- Fold up the top and bottom edges of the tortilla to form a square.
- Place the folded side down in a lightly greased baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Bake at 475°F for 13 minutes.
- Heat the remaining salsa in a small saucepan.
- Pour the heated salsa over the baked chimichangas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Top with sour cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute whole wheat tortillas for regular flour tortillas. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a creamy twist, try adding some cream cheese to the filling, similar to what's used in Creamy Cheese Enchiladas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chimichangas with a side of guacamole and a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They pair wonderfully with sour cream and additional salsa on the side. For a complete Mexican feast, consider serving with Chicken Quesadilla or a bowl of Chicken Noodle Tortilla Soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but the oven method will keep them crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chimichangas contains roughly 1118 calories, with 56g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (112% of the Daily Value), calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2651mg per serving (115% 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 chimichangas in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. For a different protein, shredded pork or beef would also work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Yes, these chimichangas freeze well. After assembling, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until 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).