A lighter take on a Tex-Mex favorite, these Baked Chicken Chimichangas are bursting with creamy, cheesy chicken filling and crisped to golden perfection in the oven. Say goodbye to deep frying and hello to a healthier version of this classic comfort dish!
Why This Recipe Works
Creamy and Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, and taco seasoning ensures every bite is packed with creamy, spicy flavor.
Healthier Alternative: Baking the chimichangas instead of frying keeps them lighter without sacrificing crispiness.
Customizable Toppings: The dish pairs perfectly with your favorite garnishes like cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chimichangas
8 oz package cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing.
8 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded: Adds a spicy kick to the filling.
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the Tex-Mex flavor.
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
8 flour tortillas: Burrito-sized for wrapping the filling securely.
Cooking spray: Helps achieve a crispy, golden texture.
For Garnishing
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and flavorful, a perfect topping.
Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Sour cream: Creamy and cooling, balances the spice.
Salsa: Brings a tangy, zesty element to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, and taco seasoning.
Fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay out a flour tortilla. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
Tuck in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to form a burrito shape.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down in the dish to keep them from unrolling during baking.
Spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the chimichangas for 15 minutes.
Carefully flip them over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Garnish and Serve
Remove the chimichangas from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Tips for Recipe Success
Make It Your Own: Add black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Soft Tortillas: To prevent cracking, microwave the tortillas for a few seconds to soften before filling.
Crispier Chimichangas: For extra crispiness, broil the chimichangas for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Prevent Spillage: Don’t overfill the tortillas; about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of filling works best.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these chimichangas with classic Tex-Mex sides like:
Mexican Rice: A flavorful and filling side dish.
Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, complementing the crunchy chimichangas.
Guacamole: Adds a creamy, zesty contrast to the dish.
Fresh Pico de Gallo: Brightens up the plate with fresh flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Wrap each chimichanga in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but note that the tortillas may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~25g
Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~2g
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Family Favorite: These chimichangas are kid-approved and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Quick Prep: Using pre-cooked chicken makes this dish come together in under an hour.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or parties, they’re easy to make in large batches.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of Baked Chicken Chimichangas—a delicious Tex-Mex treat that’s lighter, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!