Oven-Fried "Chicken" Chimichangas
Oven-Fried Chicken Chimichangas offer a crispy, flavorful twist on traditional Mexican fare, packed with seasoned chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and green chilies. Perfect for a casual gathering or weeknight dinner, they are served with fresh lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind or chop the frozen chicken-like slices; add shredded Monterey Jack cheese and drained green chilies, then set aside.
- Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels; microwave at high for 15 seconds or until hot.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla with vegetable oil, keeping remaining tortillas warm.
- Place a scant 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture just below the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the left and right sides of the tortilla to partially enclose the filling.
- Fold up the bottom edge of the tortilla to form a rectangle; secure with a wooden pick.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
- Place the assembled chimichangas on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.
- Serve with shredded lettuce, salsa or picante sauce, and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or a dairy-free alternative if needed. To enhance flavor, add spices like cumin or paprika to the chicken mixture. To achieve extra crispiness, lightly spray the chimichangas with cooking spray before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These oven-fried chimichangas are delicious served with shredded lettuce, salsa or picante sauce, and a dollop of sour cream. For a complete meal, pair them with Mexican rice or a fresh salad. They also complement well with the flavors of Chicken Chalupas or any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but the oven method will keep them crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Fried "Chicken" Chimichangas contains roughly 180 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh chicken instead of frozen chicken-like slices?
Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken in place of frozen chicken-like slices. Just make sure to season it well to match the flavors of the chimichangas. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
How can I make these chimichangas spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa as a topping. You can also add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the ingredients to your preferred spice level.
Can I bake these chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if they're cold from the fridge. This makes for a convenient meal option when entertaining or meal prepping.
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).