Chi-Chi’s Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Craving a Tex-Mex favorite from the comfort of home? Chi-Chi’s Baked Chicken Chimichangas deliver all the flavor of the restaurant classic without the deep frying. Crispy on the outside, tender and savory on the inside, these baked chimichangas are filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and a touch of spice. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe balances flavor, texture, and convenience beautifully. The baked exterior is crisp, while the filling stays tender and juicy. Seasoned chicken and melty cheese make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable for spice level and toppings. Perfect for both kids and adults, it’s a Tex-Mex favorite made easy.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, reducing excess oil and calories.
- Flavorful Filling: Juicy chicken, cheese, and Tex-Mex spices in every bite.
- Kid-Friendly: Mildly spiced, with optional toppings for extra flavor.
- Versatile: Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a side salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Baked chimichangas are a lighter alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Understanding the nutritional information helps you enjoy this indulgent meal responsibly. The recipe provides protein from chicken, fat from cheese, and carbohydrates from tortillas, making it a balanced treat. Adjust portions or toppings to fit your dietary preferences.
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Nutrition varies depending on tortillas, cheese, and toppings used.
Time Breakdown
This recipe is designed to be quick and approachable. From prepping the filling to baking, the process takes less than 40 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together. The active work is minimal, letting you enjoy the flavors without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are simple, widely available, and easy to work with. Chicken, cheese, tortillas, and a few spices come together to make a flavorful filling. Optional toppings like guacamole or sour cream allow for extra creativity. These components make it easy to customize according to taste.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Shopping for this dish is straightforward and stress-free. A handful of staple ingredients are all you need to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Having everything on hand makes preparation smooth and convenient.
- Cooked chicken
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa or diced tomatoes
- Flour tortillas
- Olive oil or butter
- Spices: chili powder, cumin
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, cilantro
How to Make – Step by Step
The steps are clear, simple, and beginner-friendly. From mixing the filling to assembling and baking the chimichangas, each stage is easy to follow. Even first-time cooks can create crispy, flavorful chimichangas with confidence.
- Preheat oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, onions, chili powder, and cumin.
- Assemble chimichangas: Spoon filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides and roll tightly.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush the outside of each chimichanga with olive oil or melted butter for crispiness.
- Bake: Place chimichangas seam-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa and enjoy warm.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is flexible and adaptable to different tastes or dietary needs. Swap chicken for beef, pork, or beans for a vegetarian option. Adjust cheese, spices, or tortillas to suit your preferences. Variations allow you to create endless versions of this classic Tex-Mex dish.
- Protein: Swap chicken for shredded beef, pork, or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco works well.
- Spice level: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or taco seasoning for a spicier version.
- Tortillas: Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Chi-Chi’s Baked Chicken Chimichangas are versatile and pair well with many sides. Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Toppings like salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce enhance both flavor and presentation. They’re perfect for casual dinners, parties, or game day snacks.
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
- Offer multiple toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pico de gallo.
- Make smaller chimichangas as appetizers for parties or game day snacks.
Storing Tips
Proper storage helps maintain crispiness and flavor for leftovers. Keep chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve texture. Simple storage methods make enjoying leftovers just as satisfying as fresh from the oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving for best texture, as it can make the tortilla soggy.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small tips can elevate this recipe from good to great. Rolling the tortillas tightly keeps the filling intact during baking. Brushing with olive oil or butter gives a golden, crispy exterior. Optional toothpicks can secure seams and ensure perfect chimichangas every time.
- Roll chimichangas tightly to prevent filling from spilling during baking.
- Brush with oil or butter for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Use a toothpick to hold the seams in place if needed while baking.
Conclusion
Chi-Chi’s Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a flavorful, healthier take on a classic Tex-Mex favorite. Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying, they’re perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Make a batch tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality chimichangas right at home!