Description
These Crispy Chicken Chimichangas are golden-fried tortilla wraps filled with flavorful shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty Mexican spices. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re a restaurant-style Tex-Mex favorite that’s easy to make right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups shredded chicken (seasoned to taste)
- 1 cup refried beans or 1 cup seasoned rice (or ½ cup of each)
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar/Jack mix is great)
- ½ small onion, finely diced (or 2–3 green onions, sliced)
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 6 flour tortillas, 8–10 in (20–25 cm)
- Neutral oil or melted butter for brushing/spraying (oven/air fryer)
- Neutral frying oil (deep-fry path)
Optional Flavor Extras
- 1–2 tbsp chopped canned green chiles or minced jalapeño
- 1–2 tsp adobo from chipotles
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa, cheddar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the chimichangas
- Lay out a tortilla. Spoon about ⅓ cup of filling into the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito, securing the edges with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Fry until crispy
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry 2–3 chimichangas at a time, seam side down, until golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Alternative method — bake or air fry
- Baked: Brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once.
- Serve
- Top with sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. Serve warm and enjoy that crunch!
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg