Golden Chicken Chimichangas

Golden Chicken Chimichangas – crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed, these handheld delights are perfect for weeknight dinners or festive feasts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden chicken chimichangas deliver that perfect balance of crispy texture and savory, cheesy filling. They’re customizable, easy to prepare with pantry staples, and can be fried for ultimate crunch or baked for a lighter twist. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, these chimichangas are a fun way to shake up your usual dinner routine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30–45 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Add 2 tablespoons of refried beans next to the meat, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then roll tightly into a burrito shape, placing seam-side down. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
5. In a deep skillet, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the chimichangas in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning to evenly brown each side.
7. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 8 chimichangas
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 252 kcal per chimichanga

Variations

• Baked Version: Lightly brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
• Spicy Option: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken with seasoned black beans and corn.
• Toppings: Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for extra flair.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortilla soggy.
• Freezing: Wrap un-fried or cooked chimichangas tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 30–35 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the filling.

What’s The Best Oil For Frying Chimichangas?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.

Are Chimichangas The Same As Burritos?

They’re similar, but chimichangas are fried, giving them a crispy exterior.

How Do I Keep Them From Unrolling While Cooking?

Secure them with toothpicks or place them seam-side down in the skillet first.

Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead?

Corn tortillas tend to break when folded and fried—flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe.

What’s A Good Side Dish For Chimichangas?

Try Mexican rice, street corn, chips and salsa, or a fresh salad.

Can I Air Fry These Instead Of Frying?

Yes, brush with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What Kind Of Cheese Works Best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and taste great.

How Can I Make Them More Filling?

Add rice, corn, or sautéed bell peppers to the filling for extra bulk.

Conclusion

Golden chicken chimichangas are a satisfying, crispy Tex-Mex treat you can easily make at home. With a flavorful filling and a crunchy tortilla shell, they offer restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these chimichangas are sure to be a hit at the table.

Golden Chicken Chimichangas

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 chimichangas 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

These golden chicken chimichangas are packed with savory shredded chicken, green chiles, and cheese, wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell for the perfect Tex-Mex indulgence—easy to fry or bake depending on your mood.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or beef)
• 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30–45 seconds to make them pliable.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Spread 2 tablespoons of refried beans next to the meat, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly, placing it seam-side down. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
5. In a deep skillet, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Carefully place the rolled chimichangas into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Chimichangas can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes for a lighter version.
• Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for added flavor.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg