Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Name: Baked Chicken Chimichanga
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 1/3 cup refried beans; 1 1/3 cup salsa (your choice); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 6 large flour tortillas; 3 tablespoons melted butter

Published: November 9, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a taste explosion that everyone will love.
Healthier Version: Baking instead of frying keeps these chimichangas lighter while still offering that satisfying crunch.
Versatile Meal: Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
Perfect for Leftovers: These chimichangas reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Baked Chicken Chimichanga, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Brush for butter
Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine all the filling ingredients without mess.
Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and provides enough space to arrange the chimichangas comfortably.
Brush for butter: Helps achieve that golden-brown finish by evenly distributing melted butter over the chimichangas.

Ingredients

For this Baked Chicken Chimichanga recipe, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 1/3 cup refried beans
1 1/3 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
2 teaspoon coriander (optional)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
6 green onions (chopped or regular onion)
2-3 jalapeños (diced with seeds; adjust to your spice preference)
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
6-8 large taco-sized flour tortillas (8-inches)

How to Make Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is critical for ensuring that your chimichangas bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together:
1. The shredded chicken.
2. Refried beans.
3. Salsa.
4. Coriander (if using).
5. Chili powder.
6. Shredded cheese.
7. Chopped green onions.
8. Diced jalapeños.

Make sure everything is well combined so each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Spread filling in the center of each tortilla:
1. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling.
2. Fold in the sides tightly.
3. Roll up completely to form a burrito shape.

Be careful not to overfill each tortilla!

Step 4: Bake

Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet:
1. Brush tops generously with melted butter.
2. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. Carefully flip them over and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Let the chimichangas cool slightly for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings and sides. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
Guacamole: Fresh guacamole brings a rich, buttery flavor that complements the chimichanga perfectly.
Salsa: Use your favorite salsa for an extra kick of flavor; it pairs well with the chicken and beans.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and crunch, making every bite delightful.

Sides

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs well with the chimichangas, creating a hearty meal.
Refried Beans: A classic side that enhances the Mexican theme and provides additional protein.
Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the chimichangas.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer before enjoying the main dish.

How to Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichanga

To ensure your Baked Chicken Chimichangas turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose fresh tortillas: Using fresh tortillas makes rolling easier and results in a better texture when baked.
Don’t overfill: Overfilling can cause the chimichangas to burst while baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling.
Brush with butter generously: This ensures a crispy, golden exterior. Don’t skip this step for maximum crunch!
Bake until golden brown: Keep an eye on them while baking; you want them crispy but not burnt.
Let them cool slightly before serving: This helps maintain their shape and allows the filling to set a bit.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Chicken Chimichangas can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and herbs, this rice is a perfect complement to your chimichanga.
Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, refried beans provide an excellent source of protein alongside your dish.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter is a sweet addition that balances savory flavors.
Avocado Salad: Fresh avocado slices mixed with tomatoes and lime juice offer a refreshing contrast.
Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad featuring black beans, corn, and peppers adds nutrition and color to your plate.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder is irresistibly tasty.
Guacamole & Chips: A classic starter that’s always popular; it’s perfect for snacking before the main event.
Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Light yet filling, this quinoa dish infused with cilantro and lime is nutritious and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Chicken Chimichangas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your chimichangas turn out perfectly.

Overfilling the tortillas: It’s tempting to add more filling, but this can cause the tortillas to break or spill during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for easier rolling.
Skipping the butter: Brushing the tops with melted butter is essential for achieving that golden and crispy texture. Don’t skip this step for best results!
Not preheating the oven: If you don’t preheat your oven, your chimichangas may not cook evenly. Always allow your oven to reach 400°F before baking.
Using cold ingredients: Cold fillings can make it difficult to roll up the tortillas and can affect cooking time. Use room temperature ingredients for better results.
Neglecting seasoning: Make sure to season your filling adequately. Lack of spices can lead to bland chimichangas. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Baked Chicken Chimichangas in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Baked Chicken Chimichanga

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook the chimichangas for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Baked Chicken Chimichanga?

A Baked Chicken Chimichanga is a healthier version of traditional chimichangas, featuring shredded chicken, beans, cheese, and spices wrapped in flour tortillas, baked until crispy.

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes! Ground chicken works well as an alternative. Just cook it thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

How can I customize my Baked Chicken Chimichanga?

Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or swap out refried beans for black beans for variety.

What toppings go well with Baked Chicken Chimichangas?

Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo. Choose your favorites for added flavor!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Chimichangas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors—your taste buds will thank you!

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