This delicious Chicken Chimichangas recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, who doesn’t love a recipe that makes meal prep feel effortless and fun?
What’s in These Tasty Chimichangas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
2 cups cooked shredded chicken : Using shredded chicken is a total lifesaver! It’s tender, packed with flavor, and perfect for melting together with all the other goodness. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) : Cheese is the magical ingredient that binds everything together with its creamy, melty goodness. I prefer using a Mexican blend for that authentic taste, but really, any cheese that melts well will work!
1/2 cup refried beans : This adds a creamy texture and a bit of protein, making your chimichangas hearty and satisfying. You can use black beans or pinto beans if you’re looking to switch it up.
1/2 cup diced onions : Onions bring a wonderful depth of flavor. Cook them until they’re nice and translucent, that’s where the magic happens. Sweet onions are my favorite, but you can really use whatever you have on hand.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder : A smidge of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile without being overwhelming. Fresh minced garlic is also great if you want to kick it up a notch!
1/2 teaspoon cumin : This spice introduces a warm, earthy flavor. It’s what separates good from great in Mexican cuisine!
1/2 teaspoon chili powder : Adds a subtle kick. I like a bit more than this for extra heat, but start with half if you’re serving the kiddos!
8 flour tortillas : Flour tortillas work best because they’re soft and pliable, making them ideal for wrapping. Corn tortillas are an option but can break easily.
Oil for frying : You’ll need enough to cover the bottom of the pan about 1/4 inch deep. This is where the chimichangas get their lovely golden-brown crunch.
Sour cream and salsa for serving : The best part about having these on hand? You can customize each bite, adding creaminess or a fresh kick of flavor as you desire.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make These Chicken Chimichangas
Mix It Up!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, refried beans, diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. It’s a colorful mixture that smells amazing! Stir it all together until well combined.
Warm Those Tortillas
- Grab a skillet or pan and warm the flour tortillas over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You just want them to be pliable enough to wrap around the filling.
Roll Them Up
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll it up tight. It’s okay if it’s not perfect; just make sure the filling is tucked in nicely!
Time to Fry!
- In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot (you can drop a small piece of tortilla in to test, if it sizzles, you’re ready!), carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down. Fry until they turn golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step, you want that lovely crunch!
Drain Away the Grease
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chimichangas and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve It Up!
- Top with sour cream and salsa. Ready to dig in? Grab a fork or just use your hands, your call!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m pressed for time, but I really want to impress my family with comfort food that’s loaded with flavor. It feels like a treat but comes together so quickly that you can whip it up on any busy weeknight. I’m a real sucker for anything that gives me the option to clean out the fridge while still tasting amazing!
When I want to switch it up, I just use whatever cooked veggies I have on hand or swap in some spices for a different flavor profile. You know what they say, variety is the spice of life!
If you loved this Chicken Chimichangas, be sure to check out my Chicken with Buttered Noodles, my Greek Chicken Tenders, or my Easy Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken One Pot!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes, it really is quick and easy! Perfect for those nights when you’re just too tired to cook something complicated.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Kids especially seem to go crazy for anything they can pick up with their hands. I’m talking about a dinner jackpot here.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand or add in items based on dietary needs, it’s a win-win!
Comfort Food
Something about biting into a crispy, warm chimichanga just feels like home, doesn’t it? It’s truly loaded with tons of flavors that hug you from the inside out.
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair your chimichangas with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or some homemade guacamole for a complete meal. Honestly, a side of chips and salsa never seems to hurt!
How Long it Keeps
These will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. However, they’re best served fresh!
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, the oven is your best friend! Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. A microwave works too, but they might lose that lovely crunch.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! These chimichangas freeze beautifully. Just assemble and freeze un-fried. When you’re ready to eat, fry them directly from the freezer, just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Chicken chimichangas are one of those recipes that just fit perfectly into the busy lives we lead, but still bring joy to the table. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for not only busy nights but also for any time you want to impress. And the best part is, it feels like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, you’ve just made a cozy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
This warm, flavorful Chicken Chimichangas recipe will have you and your family coming back for more and more. Don’t forget, when you get that satisfying crunch and tasty filling, you’ll understand why this meal is one you’ll turn to again and again! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Chicken Chimichangas
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, refried beans, diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Stir until well combined.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds on each side until pliable.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place chimichangas seam-side down in the oil.
- Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove chimichangas with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve topped with sour cream and salsa.