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🌯 Easy Made Baked Chicken Chimichangas

baked chicken chimichangas

Chimichangas are usually deep-fried, but these Baked Chicken Chimichangas give you all the crispy, cheesy goodness with a fraction of the oil. Stuffed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory spices, they bake up golden and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

With a crunchy exterior and a warm, cheesy filling, these chimichangas hit all the comfort-food notes without the mess of frying. Serve them with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a Tex-Mex feast your family will love.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside
  • Baked, not fried — healthier but just as satisfying
  • Easy to assemble with simple ingredients
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering
  • Freezes well for make-ahead meals

🥘 Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6–8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Filling – In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Assemble Chimichangas – Place about ½ cup of filling in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Brush with Oil – Lightly brush each chimichanga with olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp.
  5. Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  6. Serve – Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa. Serve immediately.

💡 Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Chimichangas

  • Don’t overfill — too much filling can cause the tortillas to burst during baking.
  • For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
  • Customize your filling with beans, corn, or sautéed peppers.
  • Make ahead: Assemble and wrap tightly, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
baked chicken chimichangas

🌯 Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe Card

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup cooked black beans optional
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for brushing
  • Optional toppings: sour cream guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes

Method
 

Preheat Oven:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Filling:
  1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, black beans (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Chimichangas:
  1. Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon ½ cup of filling in the center. Fold in sides, then roll tightly into a burrito shape. Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
Brush with Oil:
  1. Lightly brush each chimichanga with olive oil or melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
Bake:
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
  1. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little cheese on top before baking.
You can prep chimichangas ahead of time and freeze — bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
Serve with Spanish rice or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.

❓ FAQ

Can I freeze chimichangas?

Yes! Assemble, wrap individually in foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.

Can I use tortillas other than flour?

Yes, large whole wheat or low-carb tortillas work well, but make sure they’re flexible to roll without tearing.

Do I have to brush with oil?

Yes, large whole wheat or low-carb tortillas work well, but make sure they’re flexible to roll without tearing.

Can I make them spicy?

Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the filling.

🌮 A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

These Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a fun, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please the whole family. Golden, crispy, and stuffed with cheesy chicken goodness, they’re comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist — perfect for any night of the week.

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