National Burrito Day is the perfect time to treat yourself to something crispy, cheesy, and full of flavour, like this chicken chimichanga. If you’ve never had one, think of a burrito with a little extra magic: golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft, cheesy, and packed with seasoned chicken, beans, and a touch of salsa on the inside. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to take your time with every bite.
Making this burrito recipe at home is much easier than you think. You layer a large flour tortilla with the filling, roll it up tightly, and either bake or pan-fry it until it’s beautifully golden. Traditionally, chimichangas are deep-fried, but homemade versions, like the one you’ll get from this recipe, are pan-fried to use less oil. Top it off with sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa, and you’ve got a restaurant-style meal ready in your kitchen. For leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.
No need to stress if this is your first time making this dish. This burrito recipe will guide you through every step from shredding the chicken and mixing the filling to rolling, cooking, and plating the chimichanga. By the end, you’ll have a warm, crunchy, cheesy, and flavour-packed meal that tastes just like it was made in a restaurant. Enjoy this warm, flavourful chimichanga as the ultimate treat this National Burrito Day.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
2 cupsCooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 canRefried beans
½ cupSalsa
1 teaspoonCumin
½ teaspoonDried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoonChilli powder
1 cupShredded cheese
2Green onions, chopped
3 tablespoonsOil, vegetable or canola oil
6 largeFlour tortillas
as desiredSalsa, sour cream, and guacamole For topping: (optional)
Take the cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the chicken is evenly shredded so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, and green onions. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas
Place about ½ cup of the filling in the centre of each tortilla. Fold the opposite sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to prevent it from opening during cooking.
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Step 4: Cook the Chimichangas
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Place chimichangas seam side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Turn carefully to cook all sides evenly.
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Step 5: Finish & Serve
Serve warm, topped with guacamole, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or salsa if using.
A chicken chimichanga is a deep-fried or baked burrito filled with shredded chicken, beans, and cheese. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, making it a comforting meal.
Unlike a regular burrito, a chimichanga is usually fried or baked until crispy. Both use a flour tortilla and similar fillings, but the chimichanga has a crunch that a traditional burrito doesn’t.
Large flour tortillas are ideal for chimichangas. They’re flexible enough to roll without tearing and crisp up nicely when fried or baked, making them perfect for this recipe.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work best in a chimichanga. They melt beautifully, adding gooey flavour to this crispy, cheesy burrito recipe.