Easy Chicken Chimichangas Supreme
Flavorful chicken chimichangas filled with seasoned rice, olives, and salsa, then wrapped in tortillas and topped with cheese—perfect for a satisfying, cheesy Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
- oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup quick cooking rice (uncooked) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mild salsa ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 10 large flour tortillas ⓘ
- 6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a little oil, brown the chicken with the green pepper.
- Stir in the rice, olives, salsa, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and cover.
- Heat tortillas.
- Place about 1/2 cup of filling in the middle of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cheese over the filling in each tortilla.
- Fold up the sides and ends of each tortilla and secure with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter salsa. If you don't have quick-cooking rice, regular rice can be used but will require pre-cooking. For a healthier option, substitute the flour tortillas with whole wheat tortillas. Ensure to brown the chicken well for enhanced flavor, as this will be the base of your chimichangas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chimichangas with a side of shredded lettuce and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa. They pair beautifully with Mexican Red Rice for a complete meal. Consider serving with a side of black beans or corn for added flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this may make the tortillas a bit soggy. Enjoy them again as a quick meal!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Chimichangas Supreme contains roughly 100 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% 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 freeze the chimichangas before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked chimichangas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they're crispy and heated through.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with shredded beef or pork for a different flavor, or opt for beans or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. If using beans, consider using black or pinto beans for a hearty filling that complements the other ingredients.
How can I make these chimichangas healthier?
To make healthier chimichangas, use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the cheese, or opt for low-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the filling. Baking instead of frying them will cut down on calories while still providing a crispy texture.
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).