The Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Crispy, golden baked chicken chimichangas bring a delightful twist to traditional Mexican cuisine.

These mouthwatering parcels pack a punch of flavor without the deep-fried guilt.

Tender shredded chicken nestles inside warm tortillas, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Every bite promises a delectable combination of spices and savory filling.

The baking method ensures a satisfying crunch while keeping the meal lighter and healthier.

Melted cheese and zesty seasonings transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Serve these chimichangas for a crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas: Why They’re a Weeknight Hit

• Enjoy a speedy meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish without complicated cooking techniques.
• Swap chicken with beef, add different cheeses, or include extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Skip the messy deep-frying and create crispy chimichangas with a healthier baking method that reduces oil while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
• Perfect for weeknight meals that appeal to both kids and adults, offering a fun, interactive dining experience with build-your-own topping options.

What You’ll Need for Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy cheese that provides a rich, creamy base for the filling.
• Pepperjack Cheese: A spicy and melty cheese that adds a zesty kick to the chimichanga mixture.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of the filling.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that encase the delicious chicken and cheese mixture.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings a classic Mexican-inspired taste to the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes a golden, crispy exterior.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions, Sour Cream, Salsa: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and freshness to the chimichangas.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Chimichanga Success

• Mixing bowl: Large enough to combine cheese and seasonings comfortably.
• Baking dish: 9×13-inch size for even baking and perfect arrangement.
• Cooking spray: Essential for preventing sticking and achieving crispy texture.
• Cheese grater: For shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: For slicing green onions and garnishing.
• Measuring spoons: Precise taco seasoning measurement.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands while handling hot baking dish.

How to Bake Flavorful Chicken Chimichangas

Step 1: Whip Up Cheesy Base

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese, and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.

The combination creates a rich, flavorful foundation for your chimichangas.

Step 2: Fold In Savory Chicken

Gently incorporate shredded cooked chicken into the cheese mixture, ensuring every bite will be packed with delicious protein and flavor.

Step 3: Wrap And Prepare

• Flour tortillas
• Chicken cheese blend

Distribute the chicken cheese mixture evenly across tortillas.

Carefully fold in sides and roll each tortilla into a neat package, sealing in all the delectable ingredients.

Step 4: Prep The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Position Chimichangas

Arrange rolled chimichangas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Spritz the tops of tortillas with cooking spray for extra golden crispiness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each chimichanga.

Continue baking for another 15 minutes until they turn beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 7: Dress And Serve

Pull the chimichangas from the oven.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Fresh salsa

Enjoy your sizzling, crispy creation!

Tricks for Crispy, Golden Chicken Chimichangas

• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and more intense cheese taste.
• Adjust taco seasoning amount to match your preferred heat intensity, from mild to bold.
• Ensure tortillas are dry before filling and spray with cooking spray to achieve crispy exterior.
• Fold tortilla edges inward carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Enjoy chimichangas immediately after baking for maximum crispiness and best texture.

Chimichanga Filling Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and diced bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños to the cheese mixture and sprinkle extra pepper jack cheese on top for heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves and bake on a wire rack for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative.

Serving Ideas for Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Serve with zesty Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal bursting with flavor.
• Cool and Creamy Dips: Offer homemade guacamole, tangy salsa verde, or fresh pico de gallo for dipping and added freshness.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with crisp mixed green salad topped with cilantro-lime dressing to balance the rich chimichangas.
• Spice Level Boost: Set out hot sauce or jalapeños for guests who want an extra kick of heat with their dish.

Storing Chimichangas for the Next Day

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chimichangas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place chimichanga on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it with the cheese and seasoning.

• Is there a way to make these chimichangas spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a hot taco seasoning blend to increase the heat level.

• What if I don't have Pepperjack cheese?

Substitute with monterey jack or cheddar cheese. The key is using a cheese that melts well and adds good flavor.

• Can I prepare these chimichangas ahead of time?

You can assemble the chimichangas earlier in the day and refrigerate them. Just bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory baked chicken chimichangas offer a healthier twist on the classic Mexican dish. Crispy tortillas filled with tender chicken and melted cheese provide a delightful meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded

Cheese:

• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese
• 8 oz (226 grams) pepperjack cheese, shredded
• Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 flour tortillas
• 1.5 tablespoons taco seasoning
• Cooking spray

Garnish and Serving:

• Green onions, sliced
• Sour cream
• Salsa

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese, and taco seasoning until smooth and uniform.
2. Incorporate shredded cooked chicken into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Allocate the chicken-cheese blend evenly across flour tortillas, carefully folding edges and rolling each to create sealed packets.
4. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Position rolled chimichangas seam-side down in the prepared dish, lightly misting tortilla surfaces with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then gently flip each chimichanga and continue baking for another 15 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and crisp.
7. Extract chimichangas from oven and plate immediately, complementing with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, sour cream, and salsa for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breast for a healthier version, which reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Experiment with whole wheat tortillas to boost fiber intake and create a more nutritious meal option.
• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Prep extra filling and freeze for quick future meals, allowing convenient batch cooking and meal planning convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg