Baked Chicken Chimichangas bring all the flavor and crunch of a classic chimichanga, but without the extra oil from deep frying. The tortillas turn beautifully golden and crispy in the oven, while the filling remains deliciously cheesy, savory, and perfectly spiced. Each bite is packed with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of heat from green chilies. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve them with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a full-flavored Mexican feast. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something fun for Taco Tuesday, these Baked Chicken Chimichangas will satisfy your cravings without the guilt!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, refried beans, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Place a large flour tortilla on a clean surface and spoon about 1/3 cup of the filling mixture onto the center.
- Fold in the sides, then tightly roll the tortilla into a burrito shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Place the chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush each one with melted butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Baked Chicken Chimichangas: A Crispy, Cheesy, and Healthier Twist on a Mexican Classic
Mexican cuisine is loved worldwide for its bold flavors, rich spices, and satisfying textures. One dish that often steals the show in Mexican restaurants is the chimichanga—a deep-fried burrito stuffed with deliciously seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and various toppings. However, while traditional chimichangas are undeniably delicious, they are typically deep-fried, which can add unnecessary fat and calories.
That’s where Baked Chicken Chimichangas come in! This healthier alternative delivers the same crispy texture and rich flavors but without the extra oil and grease. If you love Mexican food but want to enjoy a lighter version of a classic favorite, this recipe is perfect for you.
Let’s dive into the origins of chimichangas, why baking is a better alternative, and why this specific recipe is the best homemade chimichanga recipe you’ll ever try!
The History of Chimichangas: Where Do They Come From?
The exact origin of the chimichanga is debated, but many food historians believe it was created in Arizona, USA, rather than in Mexico itself. One popular story credits the invention of chimichangas to Monica Flin, the founder of a Tucson-based restaurant called El Charro Café.
According to legend, Flin accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer and, in surprise, almost uttered a Spanish curse word. Instead, she quickly changed her words to “chimichanga”—which loosely translates to “thingamajig” in Spanish. The dish was an instant hit and became a staple in Tex-Mex and American-Mexican cuisine.
Today, chimichangas are served across the United States and in many Mexican restaurants worldwide. They are typically fried to crispy perfection and topped with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. However, with more people looking for healthier alternatives, the baked version has become an increasingly popular choice!
Why Choose Baked Over Fried? The Benefits of This Recipe
1. Healthier Alternative Without Compromising Flavor
Deep-frying can add hundreds of extra calories and unhealthy fats to your meal. By baking the chimichangas instead, you can still achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture but with significantly less oil. This makes the dish much lighter and easier to digest while still delivering all the flavors you love.
2. Less Mess and Easier Cleanup
Anyone who has deep-fried food at home knows the struggle—hot oil splatters, lingering grease smells, and a time-consuming cleanup process. Baking your chimichangas eliminates all of these issues. Simply brush them with melted butter, pop them in the oven, and let them bake to perfection with minimal effort.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
Baked Chicken Chimichangas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal. This makes them an excellent meal prep option for busy individuals or families.
4. Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the spices, swap out ingredients, or make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with black beans, mushrooms, or tofu. Whether you prefer spicy or mild flavors, there’s endless flexibility in how you make your chimichangas.
What Makes This Baked Chicken Chimichanga Recipe the Best?
1. The Perfect Balance of Ingredients
This recipe includes:
Shredded Chicken – A lean protein source that absorbs the Mexican spices beautifully.
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – The combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella melts perfectly inside the tortilla.
Refried Beans – Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Green Chilies – Provides a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Mexican Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder) – The perfect blend to give that classic Tex-Mex taste.
Large Flour Tortillas – Sturdy enough to hold all the delicious filling and bake to crispy perfection.
2. Crispy Texture Without Frying
By brushing the tortillas with melted butter before baking, you achieve that signature crispy, golden-brown texture without using a deep fryer. The result? A perfectly crunchy bite with a cheesy, flavorful filling inside.
3. Easy and Quick to Prepare
With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes total. That makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Everyone loves Mexican flavors, and these chimichangas are no exception! Whether you’re making them for your family, a potluck, or a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Baked Chicken Chimichangas
To complete your meal, consider serving your chimichangas with some of these delicious side dishes:
Mexican Rice – A flavorful, spiced rice dish that pairs beautifully with chimichangas.
Guacamole – The creaminess of fresh avocado balances the crispiness of the chimichangas.
Salsa Fresca – A fresh tomato-based salsa adds a burst of acidity and freshness.
Refried Beans – A classic side dish that enhances the flavor of the filling.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn with cotija cheese and lime is the perfect accompaniment.
For drinks, a cold margarita, a refreshing horchata, or a classic Mexican soda would be great options!
How to Store and Reheat Baked Chimichangas
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Place chimichangas in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a quick, crispy reheat.
Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes (not as crispy but still tasty).
Conclusion
Baked Chicken Chimichangas offer the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness while being a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. They’re easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner idea or a foodie searching for your next favorite recipe, these chimichangas will not disappoint! So, what are you waiting for? Try this Baked Chicken Chimichanga recipe today and bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen—without the guilt!