Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (2024)

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Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipebaked chicken chimichangas are the ultimate in Tex Mex comfort food. They’re made with a flavorful cheesy, saucy, chicken filling stuffed in a tortilla wrapped that gets baked until the shell is golden and crispy!

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (1)

This baked chicken chimichanga recipe isn’t deep fried like traditional chimichangas so they’re much lighter and less greasy without the mess to clean up after!

They come together so easily and I love making them for something a little different than our usual tacos and burritos on Mexican-themed dinner nights. It’s a great way to use up the leftover chicken when I have it, and when I want different flavors I just use a different filling! It’s super simple.

I love that when they’re baked the shells hold together so my kids can enjoy it as a handheld dinner or take it on the go when we’re headed out the door. These crave-worthy chimichangas are becoming a family favorite around here and I just know you are going to love this crispy cheesy flavorful recipe too!

When you makeEasy Chicken Chimichanga Recipe for lunch or dinner, tag us @munchkintimeblog we would LOVE to see your creation!

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (2)

What is a Chimichanga?

It’s basically a fried burrito! It’s stuffed like a burrito with things like meat, cheese, beans, and perhaps a sauce or some seasoning and then it’s usually deep-fried. In our case, we are skipping the deep frying but baking it instead getting the same delicious results.

To make Chicken Chimichangas you will need:

  • Chicken breast – Use boneless and skinless chicken breast. You can cook it and shred it as part of this recipe or use leftover rotisserie chicken.
  • Cheese – Monterrey Jack is my favorite to use in many Tex Mex recipes, but you can use whatever cheese you like. Sharp cheddar is also great!
  • Mild green chiles – I use mild so my kids can eat them and enjoy them, but if you and your family like a little heat you can use hotter chiles if you prefer.
  • Cumin – A warm, earthy spice that gives the filling another layer of flavor.
  • Mexican white sauce – A thick, creamy, homemade sauce made from a delicious blend of sour cream, cream cheese, chiles, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. It is perfection!
  • Flour tortillas – I use 6, but if you can easily double or half the recipe if needed, depending on how many people you’re feeding.
  • Butter – Brushing the tortillas with melted butter before baking helps turn them golden brown on top.
  • Salsa – For serving! Along with any other favorites like extra Mexican white sauce, extra cheese, guacamole, sour cream, you name it!
Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (3)

How to make Chimichangas:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grab a large saucepan and fill it halfway with water and place over medium heat to bring to a boil.

Step 2: Add the chicken breast and cook through until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Drain the water and let it cool.

Step 3: Transfer the chicken breasts to a bowl and shred the chicken using two forks. Pull chicken pieces apart until it is all shredded and in small pieces.

Step 4: Soften the tortillas a bit by placing them on the stovetop for a few seconds. This will help them become a little more flexible so they don’t break when rolled up.

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (4)

Step 5: In the bowl with the shredded chicken, add the cumin, cheese, chiles, Mexican white sauce, salt, and pepper, and give everything a good mix.

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (5)
Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (6)
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Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (8)

Step 6: Lay the tortillas flat and add a ½ cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of each one. Fold the ends up and then fold over the two sides to create an envelope to cover the filling. Roll them over to place the seam side down onto a prepared baking sheet or baking dish.

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (9)

Step 7: Brush each chimichanga with butter and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

How to Serve Chimichangas

Baked chimichangas are definitely filling and satisfying all on their own. Sometimes all you need is a cabbage salad or a bed of rice and you’ve got a meal fit for even the hungriest crowd!

Some of our favorite toppings to add are:

  • Extra Mexican white sauce
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Diced avocados
  • Guacamole
  • Cilantro-lime crema
  • Queso fresco
  • Sour cream

COOKING Tips

  • Take your tortillas out of the fridge (if that’s where you keep them) early enough so that they are at least room temperature, to begin with.
  • To keep them warm and pliable, you can stack them, microwave them, then place a lightly damp paper towel on top of them to keep them soft.
  • Grate your cheese fresh from a block. It tastes better and melts better because it doesn’t come with the anti-clumping agents that come in a pre-shredded package.
  • Switch the chicken to the leftover turkey. These make a great day-after-thanksgiving dinner idea!

FAQs

How to Store Baked Chimichangas?

Store baked chimichangas in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Make Chimichangas Ahead?

You can! These are great for meal prepping, freezing, and baking them when you’re ready. Wrap unbaked chimichangas in plastic wrap then add them to a freezer-friendly Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.

When you’re ready to bake them, thaw in the fridge overnight, remove the plastic, and follow the recipe directions as listed.

MoreEasy Chicken Recipes:

Chicken Wings Recipe

Juicy Chicken Thighs Spanish Rice Recipe

30-minute Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in Air Fryer

Easy Fried Rice Recipe with Eggs and Green Onion

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers

Super JuicyOvenBaked Chicken Wings

Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Do you like this 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe?

Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (10)

Easy 30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

Love Keil

Delicious Chicken Chimichanga Recipe – it is a baked burrito, stuffed with chicken, cheese and mild chilies.

4.92 from 23 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, EASY, Lunch, Quick &amp

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 204 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breast cooked & shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 4 oz. mild chiles diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Mexican White Sauce more for serving
  • 6 flour tortillas
  • butter for brushing
  • salsa for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400F. Bring large saucepan filled half way with water to a boil, add chicken breast and cook on medium heat until it is cooked thru and chicken is no longer pink inside. Drain the water and let it cool. Using hands or two forks tear the chicken into small pieces.

  • Warm tortillas on top of the stove for few seconds, it will make them soft and flexible.

  • In a mixing bowl combine chicken, ground cumin, cheese, chillies, Mexican White Sauce, salt and pepper. Give it a good mix.

  • Place 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture on center of each tortilla. Fold the sides, then the bottom side up, to cover the filling, roll over to create chimichangas.

  • Brush each chimichangas with butter and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden color. Serve with leftover Mexican White Sauce, Guacamole or cabbage salad.

Video

Notes

Useany leftover chicken, leftover Thanksgiving turkey or cook chicken to make chicken chimichangas.

Store cooked chimichangas in airtight container or zip bag, inside the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make ahead chimichangas – freeze unbaked chimichangas in airtight container or zip bag. Unthaw by placing frozen chimichangas in the fridge over night, bake using instructions in this recipe.

Hi! All content & images are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or simply link back to this post for the recipe. Thank you.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 15gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 351mgPotassium: 201mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 174mgIron: 1mg

Thank you for stopping by!

Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (11)

Have a wonderful day!

113 Comments

  1. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (12)

    Teresa

    May 16, 2023 at 4:27 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (13)
    My daughter can not get enough of these chimichangas. She could eat them everyday.

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (14)

      Munchkin Time

      May 17, 2023 at 1:39 PM·Reply

      Thats awesome, I am so happy your daughter likes them, Teresa!

  2. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (15)

    Carole

    February 21, 2023 at 3:54 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (16)
    Made these and they are so good! I did not use shredded chicken though because I think it’s dry. I diced my chicken and sautéed in olive oil and onions. I added the cumin to that mixture with salt pepper and some chili powder. I made the white sauce and used half inside the chimi and saved the rest to top the chimis. I also added fresh cilantro to my chicken mixture. I prepped everything on Sunday, but did not butter and bake until Tuesday making dinner super easy. I baked the chimis with the butter, then topped with the white sauce and a bit of Monterrey jack cheese and back in the oven for for 5 minutes. Served with Pico, sour cream, and cilantro-lime aioli I had on hand. I will make this again – a lot!

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (17)

      Munchkin Time

      April 11, 2023 at 9:41 AM·Reply

      OMG! That sounds incredibly delicious, Carole! Thank you!

  3. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (18)

    Vera Kostenko

    January 31, 2023 at 5:01 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (19)
    So good! Definitely doubling the recipe next time.

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (20)

      Munchkin Time

      February 1, 2023 at 9:39 AM·Reply

      Thank you Vera! I am so happy you like these chimichangas 😀

  4. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (21)

    Alicia

    October 15, 2022 at 3:16 PM·Reply

    These were super easy to make. I ended up using frozen, shredded chicken from a local company instead of the chicken breasts. They were amazingly delicious

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (22)

      Munchkin Time

      April 11, 2023 at 9:59 AM·Reply

      Thank you, Alicia!

  5. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (23)

    Cindy

    August 20, 2022 at 3:56 PM·Reply

    I want to ,make this but like most of the chimi recipes it says to use flour tortilla but never says what size. They cime in 8 10 and burrito?

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (24)

      Munchkin Time

      April 18, 2023 at 5:54 PM·Reply

      Great question, Cindy! I believe I used sizes 10 – 12.

  6. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (25)

    Pamela Lain

    July 25, 2022 at 1:41 PM·Reply

    I don’t have a oven so can I make these on the stovetop or in a air fryer? Thank you!

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (26)

      Munchkin Time

      July 29, 2022 at 8:39 AM·Reply

      Yes, absolutely!

  7. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (27)

    Misty

    July 13, 2022 at 9:16 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (28)
    I didn’t do it with the white sauce, I used Gordon’s cheese dip because I can get mild, and it was AMAZING!!! Definitely will be making again. I also deep fried mine.

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (29)

      Munchkin Time

      August 23, 2022 at 3:44 PM·Reply

      Sounds incredibly delicious, Misty! Thank you for sharing!

  8. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (30)

    Carmelita

    July 10, 2022 at 12:26 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (31)
    It turned out great. I gave some to the neighbor and she thinks they’re excellent

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (32)

      Munchkin Time

      August 23, 2022 at 3:45 PM·Reply

      Thank you Carmelita! So happy you and your neighbor liked this recipe!

  9. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (33)

    Wendy

    July 9, 2022 at 9:37 AM·Reply

    Another tip….use uncooked flour tortillas. They bake for 10 min on each side at 350 degrees. They get very crunchy like fried without the grease. They are typically thinner than most flour tortillas. Very yummy too!

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (34)

      Munchkin Time

      April 18, 2023 at 5:58 PM·Reply

      Thank you, Wendy! Awesome tip!

  10. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (35)

    Bambi

    July 8, 2022 at 9:32 AM·Reply

    These look amazing! But I was wondering what size tortillas you used and can they be done in an air fryer?

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (36)

      Munchkin Time

      April 18, 2023 at 6:00 PM·Reply

      I use size 12 tortillas (raw, I slightly cook them before adding filling), air frying can work, but I would adjust timing.

  11. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (37)

    Heather

    May 26, 2022 at 6:11 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (38)
    These chimichangas are so perfect for dinner. I’m so glad to have this recipe. Save me a lot of money from going to the Mexican restaurant. And I actually think these are better and more flavorful. Made this recipe 2x in one week for my hungry fellas. So you got to know it was a complete hit! Hands down!

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (39)

      Munchkin Time

      May 30, 2022 at 9:12 PM·Reply

      WOW, thank you, Heather for an amazing recipe review, I am so happy you like these chimichangas!

  12. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (40)

    Karen

    September 8, 2021 at 7:24 AM·Reply

    Made this yesterday. It was easy and delicious. I loved the white sauce in it. Will make these again.

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (41)

      Munchkin Time

      June 15, 2022 at 4:33 PM·Reply

      Thats awesome! Thank you Karen, for a great recipe review! 😀

  13. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (42)

    Karen

    September 7, 2021 at 12:15 PM·Reply

    How long will the white sauce keep

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (43)

      Munchkin Time

      June 15, 2022 at 4:36 PM·Reply

      I would say 3-5 days.

  14. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (44)

    Toni

    July 7, 2021 at 6:42 PM·Reply

    Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (45)
    This was SO GOOD and so easy to make. The whole family loved it!

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (46)

      Munchkin Time

      July 14, 2021 at 10:13 AM·Reply

      Thank you, Toni! So happy your family loved it!

  15. Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (47)

    Carlee

    March 22, 2021 at 1:49 PM·Reply

    I made these for the first time tonight with an easy homemade queso. They were SOOOO good! Thank you for sharing this recipe. We love it.

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (48)

      Munchkin Time

      March 24, 2021 at 2:07 PM·Reply

      Thank you, Carlee! 😀

    • Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (49)

      Shirley Jablonka

      May 18, 2021 at 9:58 AM·Reply

      Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (50)
      We love the 30 minute chicken chimichungas withe the white sauce. Making them again and again!!!!

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Easy-30-Minute Chicken Chimichanga Recipe - Munchkin Time (2024)

FAQs

How to cook a frozen chimichanga in the oven? ›

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350º F. PLACE CHIMICHANGAS ON BAKING SHEET WITH 1″ BETWEEN CHIMICHANGAS. BAKE UNCOVERED. FROZEN 29 MINUTES.

How to make a chimichanga in microwave? ›

Put 2- chimichangas on a microwave safe plate,microwave on high one side for 1-min 45 sec. then turn over to other side microwave foe additional 1 min 30 sec. Then break each slice of cheese in half so you have 4 pieces,lay 2 pieces on each chimichangas and microwave an additional 30 sec or until cheese melts.

How long to air fry El Monterey chimichangas? ›

Let product stand 30 seconds before eating.
  1. AIR FRYER.
  2. 380°F. Place 2 chimichangas in air fryer basket.
  3. FROZEN: Cook for 6 MINUTES, flip and cook for additional 6 MINUTES.

What temp and how long to air fry frozen burritos? ›

Instructions
  1. Place the frozen burritos in the air fryer basket. ...
  2. Secure the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees and the time for 7 minutes.
  3. When the timer goes off, remove the basket and flip the burritos.
  4. Cook an additional 8 minutes or until the burritos are cooked and warmed through.
May 16, 2022

Can you cook straight from frozen in air fryer? ›

The air fryer is convenient for those with busy schedules who don't have time to cook on the stove throughout the week. However, did you know that you don't even have to thaw meat before cooking it in an air fryer? That's right — you can cook meat straight from frozen with little fuss.

How long do you microwave frozen chimichangas? ›

Microwave on High 1:45-2 minutes* or until hot. When preparing 2 chimichangas, increase heating time to 3:00-3:15 minutes.

Are chimichangas always deep-fried? ›

Traditional chimichangas are deep-fried, but many prefer to make them in the oven to reduce the amount of oil used.

Is a chimichanga real Mexican food? ›

A chimichanga is basically a deep-fried burrito. While some Americans may associate this dish with Mexico, many food historians agree that the dish actually originated in the United States. To be specific, the chimichanga was born in Arizona in the twentieth century.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What's the difference between El Monterey burritos and chimichangas? ›

A: Nothing other than the outside of the chimichanga is deep fried and the burrito is not. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

How do you reheat mini chimis in an air fryer? ›

Reheat chimichangas in a single layer on a greased air-fryer tray at 375° for 6-8 minutes on each side.

How long do you cook El Monterey chimichangas? ›

Remove chimichanga from package. Place on a baking sheet with low sides. FROZEN: Cook for 10 MINUTES, flip and cook for additional 10 MINUTES. Let product stand 2 minutes before eating.

How to heat up chimichangas in an air fryer? ›

Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chimichangas in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.

What temperature do you air fry frozen? ›

Preheat your air fryer to 390F. Add your frozen vegetables directly into the basket of your air fryer. I do not recommend using an air fryer liner for this recipe as it will result in more soggy vegetables. Toss with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

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