Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Made with shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and Tex-Mex spices, they’re baked to golden perfection and ready to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Easy to make, family-friendly, and customizable, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
-
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, and grated cheese.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Assemble the Chimichangas
- Warm the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito shape.
- Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush with Butter
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the chimichangas with melted butter.
- This step will give them a crispy, golden-brown exterior while baking.
5. Bake the Chimichangas
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chimichangas are crispy and golden brown.
- Check occasionally to prevent overbrowning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the chimichangas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans, sautéed veggies, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Crispier Chimichangas: Use a baking rack on the sheet pan to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex