Golden, Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe for Families

Crafting the perfect crispy baked chicken chimichangas recipe brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

These golden-brown parcels of deliciousness pack a savory punch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender shredded chicken nestles inside soft tortillas, creating a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The baking method ensures a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version without sacrificing any crunch.

Cheese melts perfectly, adding a rich layer of comfort to each bite.

Spices dance through the filling, creating a harmonious blend of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Serve these chimichangas alongside your favorite salsa or guacamole for a complete and mouthwatering meal that will become an instant family favorite.

Equipment Needed for Baking Chimichangas

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken filling.
• Baking Sheet: Used for the alternative baking method or draining fried chimichangas.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried chimichangas.
• Toothpicks: Optional for securing tortilla rolls.
• Cooking Tongs: Helpful for safely flipping and handling chimichangas during frying.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Needed to dice onions, peppers, and chop garnishes.

How to Cook Chicken Chimichangas

• Sizzle the Filling

Warm up a skillet and dance some olive oil around. Toss in chopped onions and peppers, letting them soften and whisper their flavors. Sprinkle garlic and let it sparkle for a moment. Introduce shredded chicken, green chilies, and a sprinkle of zesty seasoning. Splash in some broth and let everything mingle and heat up. Pull off the stove and fold in melty cheese.

• Wrap and Roll

Spread a tortilla flat like a canvas. If you’re feeling adventurous, spread some refried beans. Plop a hearty scoop of your sizzling chicken mixture right in the center. Fold the sides like you’re tucking in a delicious blanket, then roll from the bottom up, creating a snug little package.

• Transform into Golden Goodness

For frying, heat oil in a skillet until it’s dancing hot. Gently place your rolled treasures seam-side down, turning until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. For baking, slide into a 400F oven, brush with oil, and bake until they turn a gorgeous bronze.

• Dress and Devour

Crown your chimichangas with dollops of sour cream, splashes of salsa, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Flavor Additions to Spice Up Chimichangas

• Use a thermometer to ensure oil is between 350-375°F for perfectly golden, crispy exterior without greasy results.
• Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to prevent cracking and make folding easier, ensuring a tight seal.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey or shredded beef for different protein options without changing overall recipe structure.
• Use corn tortillas and gluten-free taco seasoning to make the recipe celiac-friendly while maintaining authentic flavor profile.
• Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein crumbles for a meatless version that's equally delicious.

Chimichanga Serving Tips for a Tasty Meal

• Fiesta Plate Partners: Create a vibrant Mexican-inspired plate with Spanish rice, black beans, or corn salad as delicious companions to these crispy chimichangas.
• Fresh and Zesty Toppings: Elevate the dish with cool sour cream, spicy salsa verde, chunky guacamole, and bright cilantro for a flavor explosion that complements the crispy chicken filling.
• Colorful Side Kick: Add a refreshing southwestern-style coleslaw or quick pickled jalapeños to provide a crunchy texture contrast and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chimichangas.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange chimichangas on a large platter with various toppings and sides, encouraging everyone to customize their plate and enjoy a fun, interactive meal together.

How to Store and Reheat Chimichangas

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Prepare extra batches and freeze uncooked chimichangas by layering wax paper between each roll. Seal in freezer-safe bags for convenient future meals lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Restore crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy edges. Brush with a light olive oil coating before warming to refresh the exterior crunch.
• Separate chicken filling into smaller containers for quick meal prep. Label with dates and ingredients to track freshness. This technique allows flexible cooking and reduces food waste while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.

FAQs

• Are chimichangas traditionally fried or baked?

Authentic chimichangas are typically deep-fried in oil, giving them a crispy exterior. However, baking is a healthier alternative that still provides a delicious result with less oil and mess.

• Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly faster and more convenient when you’re ready to make the chimichangas.

• What type of tortillas work best for chimichangas?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re soft, pliable, and can hold the filling without breaking. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier folding and rolling.

• How do I prevent my chimichangas from unraveling during cooking?

Fold the sides in tightly, then roll from the bottom up, creating a compact package. If needed, secure with toothpicks before frying or baking to keep the filling inside.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 5

Chimichanga Ingredient Prep List

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor, choose boneless and skinless for easy shredding.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and subtle sweetness, select firm and smooth bulbs.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and mild vegetable note, pick bright green and firm peppers.
• Garlic: Enhances overall depth of flavor, choose fresh cloves with tight, unbruised skin.
• Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and tangy undertone, opt for canned or fresh varieties.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers robust southwestern spice profile, choose low-sodium blend for better control.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and helps blend ingredients, select low-sodium version for healthier option.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy richness and binding element, use Mexican blend for authentic taste.

• Tortillas: Serves as flexible wrapper, select large flour tortillas for easy rolling.
• Refried Beans: Optional layer adding creamy texture, choose smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Enables crispy exterior when frying, use neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

• Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy contrast, select full-fat version for richer taste.
• Salsa: Provides fresh, zesty complement, choose homemade or store-bought.
• Guacamole: Introduces creamy avocado element, use ripe avocados.
• Fresh Cilantro: Delivers bright, herbal finish, select vibrant green leaves.

Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Baked Chicken Chimichangas provide a healthier twist on classic Mexican fare. Crispy tortillas stuffed with seasoned chicken, cheese, and spices deliver a satisfying meal that delights with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (450 g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (optional)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, caramelize diced onions and green bell peppers until softened and translucent, creating a fragrant base for the filling.
2. Develop Flavor Profile: Add minced garlic, then incorporate shredded chicken, green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth, simmering until the liquid reduces and flavors intensify.
3. Enhance Filling: Fold in melted cheese, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture that binds the ingredients with rich, velvety texture.
4. Prepare Tortillas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans across each tortilla, establishing a flavorful foundation for the filling.
5. Assemble Chimichangas: Strategically spoon the chicken mixture onto tortillas, folding sides inward and rolling tightly to create compact parcels that securely contain the filling.
6. Cook to Perfection: Brush assembled chimichangas with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure an evenly golden, crispy exterior.
7. Serve and Garnish: Plate the chimichangas and adorn with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro to introduce vibrant flavors and textural contrast.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Control liquid content during simmering to prevent soggy tortillas, ensuring the filling remains concentrated and flavorful without excess wetness.
• Perfect Folding Technique: Tuck tortilla edges tightly and roll compactly to prevent filling from leaking during baking or frying, creating neat, sealed parcels.
• Optimize Crispiness: Brush tortillas with oil before baking to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior, mimicking the traditional deep-fried texture while reducing overall fat content.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based chicken substitute for vegetarian version, or adjust seasonings for low-sodium diets without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg