Chicken Chimichangas Fried Or Baked

The Best Chimichanga Recipe

If there is one thing I know how to make, it’s a perfectly fried homemade chimichanga. My mom made them all the time growing up so now they’ll always just be one of those things I crave.

Chicken Chimichanga Video

This is just homestyle food that tastes amazing! They’re packed with layers of flavor and they’re easier to make than you’d think! Plus chances are after you finish off one they’ll easily hold you over until the next meal, these things are super hearty. And with this recipe you can use a few shortcuts like rotisserie chicken, canned beans, bottled salsa and fresh guacamole from the grocery store to make prep go quicker.

What is a Chimichanga?

Chimichangas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that are made by filling a tortilla with meat, beans, cheese, and other ingredients and then rolled up and fried. In other words is basically a fried burrito. How could that not be good?? Chimichangas are especially popular in Arizona, and you can make them just as good as you’d find at the restaurants there by following this easy recipe! Photography credit: Jess Larson

Chicken Chimichanga Ingredients:

For this homemade chimichanga recipe, you’ll need:

Chicken breasts – I like to use rotisserie chicken because it has good flavor and it’s tender, but any plain seasoned left-over chicken will work. Vegetable oil – this is used for frying and sautéing. Yellow onion and garlic – we start with these to build layers of flavor. Tomato sauce and chicken broth – these liquids add some moisture to the filling. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and ground coriander – these spices add lots of exciting Tex-Mex flavor. Salsa – fresh or bottled will work here. Sour cream – you’ll love how this makes the filling rich and creamy! Refried beans – my favorite are these homemade refried beans (which I freeze) but canned will work fine too. Flour tortillas – be sure to buy the large burrito size tortillas, the taco size tortillas won’t work here. Shredded cheese – I like to use a pre-shredded Mexican blend to make it easier but freshly shredded cheddar or Monterey jack will work great too. Guacamole – for topping. I like to use this recipe HERE.

How to Make Chimichangas:

Saute onion and garlic until tender. Add tomato sauce, water, spices, and salsa to the same skillet and simmer until thickened. Stir in sour cream and chicken. Layer the tortillas with refried beans, chicken and cheese, then fold to form burrito. Fry chicken chimichangas in batches until golden brown. Serve immediately with guacamole and your favorite toppings.

Can I Bake Them Instead of Frying?

Yes. If you want to cut some of the fat you can bake these instead of frying. Brush with vegetable oil or olive oil and bake on a baking sheet in a preheated 400 degree oven about 8 – 10 minutes per side until golden brown.

Can I Use Another Meat in This Recipe?

Definitely! With this chimichanga recipe, I decided to use chicken but they’d also be really good with shredded beef or pork.

What About Topping with a Sauce?

I like to serve them without a sauce so they maintain that crisp exterior but you can definitely top them with a red enchilada sauce or green enchilada sauce if you’d like.

Tips for the Best Chimichangas:

Use chicken from bone-in breasts or thighs for added flavor. If you use store-bought refried beans in this recipe, add a tablespoon or so of water to thin them out a bit as canned refried beans always tend to be very thick. Be sure to bring oil up to temperature before you begin frying for that perfectly crisp texture that doesn’t absorb too much oil. I use a candy thermometer that clips to the pan to track the temperature. Also be sure to watch that the temperature doesn’t rise to high or they can burn and the oil can even catch fire.