Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

Make these easy and delicious Chicken Chimichangas for a meal everyone will love! Shredded chicken, refried beans, cheese, salsa and spices rolled up burrito style and baked until crispy, topped with salsa, sour cream and guacamole!

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Chicken Chimichangas are easy to make and everyone loves them!

Chicken Chimichangas

So this week I’ve shared recipes for Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos and Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. And let me tell you, these meals are amazing!

I love it when you cook once but get to enjoy three totally separate meals, don’t you?!!!

So if you love those meals, you’ll love this one too and it’s actually Dan’s favorite of the three. It’s my favorite because it’s so easy to make AND so flavorful!

So one quick question first. Did you put away the extra chicken taco meat? Yes, perfect!

No? That’s ok! You can totally substitute with cooked shredded chicken breast. Even rotisserie chicken will be delicious!

Read on to learn how to make chimichangas! It’s sooo easy!

How to make Chimichangas

What is a Chimichanga?

I was telling my friend Ang what we were having for dinner the other night and she said, “what is a chimichanga?” She lives on the east coast and had never heard of them before!

So if they are new to you also, let me explain! It’s like a burrito stuffed with beans, meat and cheese. Then deep fried until golden and crispy and let me tell you…. they are delicious!

My recipe is easier and healthier because we bake them – frankly, I think they are better that way too! No greasiness and they aren’t near as heavy! You will love them, I promise!

What’s the difference between a burrito and a chimichanga?

The biggest difference is burritos are not deep fried. Other than that they are quite similar! If you love a burrito, this will be a new favorite!

Are chimichangas spicy?

Not really no. Of course, you can spice it up with jalapenos or spicy salsa. It’s up to you!

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Grocery List for Chicken Chimichangas

• cooked chicken meat
• flour tortillas
• chili beans or refried beans
• enchilada sauce
• grated cheddar
• taco seasoning
• optional garnishes – salsa, sour cream, avocado olives, tomatoes and onions
• non-stick cooking spray

Steps to make Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

1. Preheat your oven.
2. Prepare a non-stick baking sheet by spraying with Pam or another non-stick cooking spray.
3. Drain the chili beans and mash them. Add the chicken and mix together.
4. Make an assembly line and prepare each tortilla filling them with the meat/bean mixture, enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
5. Fold in the sides of the shell and then roll them into a package. Lay on the baking sheet. Continue until you’ve exhausted your supply of ingredients, laying each one on the baking sheet seam side down.
6. Before putting this into the oven, spray the tops and sides or brush the shells with olive oil also.
7. Bake until golden and crispy!

I topped them with both red & green salsa (my friend Michelle calls this a Christmas sauce when you use both) avocado and cheese, paired with a green salad. Another easy weeknight meal!

This makes eight, so there’s certainly enough for a party! 

The very last night, I took the chimichangas and covered them with just a bit of leftover Chicken Taco Soup and baked them. When they came out of the oven, I topped them with sour cream – so kind of like a fancy burrito.

This was actually my hubby’s favorite of the two, so technically there were four separate meals made with the shredded chicken meat!

Serve them with your favorite salsa – red or green!

Chimichangas

More of my favorite Mexican meals and flavors!

• Pico de Gallo
• Refried Bean Dip
• Best Enchilada Sauce Recipe
• Southwest Salad Recipe
• Authentic Posole Recipe – Mexican Stew
• Green Chili Chicken Posole Recipe

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5 from 2 votes

Easy Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

Save money and stretch a buck with these easy Chicken Chimichangas. Authentic flavor and an easy meal!

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time35 mins

Course: Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Mexican Food, Slow Cooker Recipe

Servings: 8

Calories: 380kcal

Author: Souper Chef Deb

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups to 2 shredded chicken meat
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 16 oz can of chili beans or refried beans
• 1 16 oz can of enchilada sauce
• 2 cups of grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups of salsa red or green
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Additional garnishes - avocado olives, tomatoes and onions
• No stick cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
• Prepare a non-stick baking sheet by spraying it liberally with a non-stick coating or brushing with olive oil.
• Drain the chili beans (do not rinse) and mash them up a bit. Add the chicken, sprinkle with the taco seasoning and mix together.
• Make an assembly line and prepare each tortilla with taco meat, beans, enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. 
  
• Fold in the sides of the shell and then roll them into a package, burrito style. Lay each on the baking sheet.
  
• Continue with the remaining ingredients, laying each one on the baking sheet seam side down. Before putting them into the oven, spray the tops of the shells with non-stick coating or brush with olive oil, making sure they are well covered. 
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crisp. 
• Finish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1875mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 23.6% | Vitamin C: 5.1% | Calcium: 29.2% | Iron: 17.7%