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Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a healthier twist on the old Mexican classic chimichanga recipe with less calories. You won’t even miss this chimichanga being fried because they get nice and crispy in this oven-fried version! These chicken chimichangas can easily be made at home for dinner so keep this chicken recipe in your keeper file. 

Baked Chicken Chimichangas with sour cream, guacamole, and tomato on a plate.

CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS RECIPE

(originally posted 2013)

Coming back from Hawaii was hard to do. Sunset dinners on the beach, live music, and Chocolate Souffle for dessert.

So this Monday has been exceptionally jarring. Early mornings are not something I easily snap back into.

I’m originally from Mesa, Arizona where phenomenal Mexican restaurants are on every corner. The love for Mexican food is in my blood.

Moving to Florida with the prominent Latin culture I thought I would have the same luxury but good Mexican is surprisingly hard to find.

The closest decent Mexican joint is about a half hour away so I end up making it at home most of the time.

WHAT IS A CHIMICHANGA?

Chimichanga is a Mexican entree that traditionally is a tortilla filled with meat or beans. Chimichangas are basically a deep-fried burrito. 

So when we call these Oven Baked Chimichangas I guess we should really be calling them Oven Baked Burritos because that’s all it is.

Here’s your filling…

I like to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time. It’s such an easy recipe. 

Roll ’em up…

 

I love chimichangas but they’re usually dripping with hot oil. Every time I would go to a restaurant as a child I would order a chimichanga.

These oven fried chicken chimichangas recipe were just the taste I was craving and had plenty of crisp that you look for in a chimichanga.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHIMICHANGA AND AN ENCHILADA?

What’s the difference between a chicken chimichanga and an enchilada? Enchiladas are smothered in sauce then baked whereas chimichangas are usually served dry. However, the best chimichanga is fully dressed so make sure you have some fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream to top yours.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas on a white platter

BAKED VS. FRIED CHIMICHANGAS

Baking chimichangas is not only so much heart healthier but it saves calories!! Sure, when you fry tortillas they get that crunchy flaky texture, but if you brush these chicken chimichangas with butter and bake at a high heat they will get nice and crispy with half of the calories.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  3. Fold opposite sides over filling. Roll up from bottom and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  4. Brush with melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Garnish with desired toppings and serve with salsa on the side.

CHICKEN RECIPES

OTHER MEXICAN RECIPES:

 

 

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4.61 from 289 votes
Yield: 6 burritos

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins

These Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a healthier twist on the old classic chimichanga. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
  • 1 cup of your favorite salsa
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves crushed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • diced tomato, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  3. Fold opposite sides over filling. Roll up from bottom and place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  4. Brush with melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve with salsa on the side.

Recipe Notes

adapted from Food

Amount per serving (1grams) —
Author: Christy Denney
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: baked chicken chimichanga recipe, baked chicken chimichangas

These Baked Chicken Chimichangas are healthy!

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Baked Chicken Chimichangas - one of our favorite healthy Mexican meals and are a healthier twist on the old classic chimichanga. #baked #chicken #chimichangas #healthy #mexican #dinner

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