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Crispy Baked Chicken and Cheese Chimichangas

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This lighter take on chimichangas skips the frying but keeps all the flavor, combining tender chicken, melted cheese, and Mexican spices in a crispy baked tortilla.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:01 GMT
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A close-up of rolled enchiladas topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of rolled enchiladas topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro on a plate. | recipesim.com

Recreating Restaurant Magic at Home

I discovered how to make Chi-Chi's famous Baked Chicken Chimichangas in my own kitchen and they're even better than I remember. While the restaurant chain closed years ago these crispy baked chimichangas bring back those wonderful Tex-Mex flavors that made Chi-Chi's so special.

Better and Lighter

By baking instead of frying these chimichangas still get perfectly crispy but with less oil. The tortillas wrap around tender seasoned chicken and melty cheese creating that satisfying crunch we all love about traditional chimichangas.

What You Need

Would you like me to share the ingredients list for creating these chimichangas including the filling and toppings?

A close-up of two enchiladas filled with chicken and topped with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese, served on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of two enchiladas filled with chicken and topped with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese, served on a plate. | recipesim.com

Creating Your Chimichangas

I can provide step by step instructions for assembling and baking these to crispy perfection.

Guilt Free Comfort

Baking gives us that golden crispy exterior and tender filling while keeping things lighter than the deep fried version. Every bite delivers authentic Tex-Mex flavor without the extra calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

→ How do I keep them crispy?

Don't skip the cooking spray, and place seam-side down. Reheat leftovers in oven instead of microwave.

→ Can I use corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas work best as they're more pliable and crisp better. Corn tortillas may crack.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken?

Use rotisserie chicken or simmer chicken breasts until tender. Shred while warm using two forks.

→ Can I make these spicier?

Add more cayenne, use spicy salsa, or substitute pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

A healthier baked version of classic chimichangas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, two kinds of cheese, and mild green chilies.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 chimichangas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 cups shredded cooked chicken.
02 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
04 1/2 cup salsa.
05 1/4 cup diced green chilies.
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
07 1 teaspoon chili powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).
10 Salt and pepper to taste.
11 6 large flour tortillas.
12 Cooking spray.
13 Sour cream (for serving).
14 Guacamole (for serving).
15 Salsa (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 03

Mix chicken, cheeses, salsa, and seasonings.

Step 04

Place filling on each tortilla.

Step 05

Fold sides and roll up tight.

Step 06

Place seam-side down on sheet.

Step 07

Spray with cooking spray.

Step 08

Bake 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Step 09

Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  1. Healthier than fried version.
  2. Can use rotisserie chicken.
  3. Great for make-ahead.
  4. Freezes well.
  5. Customize heat level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Wheat (tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~