Easy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
There is something deeply comforting about biting into a warm, crispy chimichanga. The golden shell gives way to tender chicken, melted cheese, and creamy beans all wrapped in one perfect bundle. It feels like something special, even if it comes together with simple ingredients from the kitchen. Chicken chimichangas hit that sweet spot between crunchy and cheesy, and they’re easier to make than most people think.
A homemade version lets you skip the takeout and make it just the way you like. You can use leftover chicken, load it up with extra cheese, and go as spicy or as mild as you want. The tortillas turn crisp in the pan and the filling stays soft and hearty inside. It’s a recipe that works well for family dinners, quick lunches, or even casual get-togethers. Once you try it, you might find yourself making them again and again.
Easy Chicken Chimichangas
4-6
servings15
minutes15
minutes3,500
kcalCrispy on the outside and filled with cheesy, seasoned chicken, these chicken chimichangas are a simple way to bring bold comfort to the table. Wrapped in warm tortillas and lightly fried to golden perfection, they make a satisfying meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and tasty enough to impress. Serve them with sour cream, salsa, or a handful of fresh toppings, and you’ve got a dinner everyone will ask for again.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can refried beans (about 15 ounces)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
6 large flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying
Sour cream for serving
Salsa for topping
Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Sliced jalapeños or avocado (optional)
Directions
- Start by adding the cooked shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Stir in the refried beans to bring everything together. Add both kinds of shredded cheese and mix again so it all blends into a thick, cheesy filling.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly like a burrito, making sure the filling stays tucked inside. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and filling until you have six chimichangas ready to go.
- Pour oil into a deep skillet or frying pan. You want enough to cover the chimichangas about halfway when they go in. Heat the oil over medium until it starts to shimmer. To test if it’s ready, drop a tiny piece of tortilla in the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.
- Carefully place a couple of chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil. Cook them for a few minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs, until they turn golden and crisp. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the chimichangas warm with a generous spoonful of sour cream and salsa on top. Add some chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado if you like a bit of extra color and bite. They are crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and full of comforting goodness.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make sure the tortillas are soft and pliable before wrapping. If they feel stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This helps prevent cracking and makes folding easier.
- Do not overfill the tortillas. Adding too much filling can make them hard to roll and more likely to burst open while frying. Keep the filling centered and secure the seams well before placing them in the hot oil.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy homemade chicken chimichangas that are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, these chimichangas are sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sides for a perfect meal every time. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade dish that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant version!
