Description
A quick and easy chicken chimichanga recipe with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and salsa, rolled in flour tortillas and fried until golden crispy. Perfect for a flavorful, comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 large flour tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sour cream, for serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, green onions, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well to combine.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into the center. Fold the sides in and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chimichangas from skillet and drain on paper towels to reduce excess oil, if desired.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese can be used for variation.
For a healthier option, bake chimichangas at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes instead of frying.
Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
Vegetarian version: replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep crispy; microwaving will soften the outside.
Freeze individually wrapped chimichangas for up to 2 months; bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes to reheat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
