In true Arizona style, we serve this fried goodness up with a plate of Spanish Rice and Refried Beans!
What is a Chimichanga?
Chimichangas are said to have originated in southern Arizona (near Tucson, AZ). They are basically a deep-fried burrito, which means they are INCREDIBLE! We love chimis for so many reasons, including:
They are delicious! Anything deep fried is usually amazing, but with a crispy shell and fillings like uses Shredded Chicken, refried beans, cheese and a blend of delicious seasonings, they’re so tasty! Easy to change up. Chimichangas are great to customize with your favorite meat, veggies, beans and more. Different ways to make. They can be baked, fried, or air fried (We’ve included steps for each option – see below).
What’s in a Chimi?
Chimichangas are filled with a variety of flavors and ingredients but most often include some of these:
Meat – Instead of chicken, use Carnitas, Carne Asada, Sweet Pork Barbacoa, Pulled Pork, Steak/Beef, or chicken Beans – Pinto beans, refried beans or black beans Rice – Either Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice Veggies – tomatoes, green chiles, avocados, onions/green onions Sour Cream Cheese Salsa – Red Salsa, Green Salsa, or Pico de Gallo
How to Make Chimichangas
VARIATIONS + SERVING IDEAS
Variations. Some other ingredients that you can easily use in this easy chimichanga recipe include:
Add white rice or Spanish-style rice. Use store bought or homemade Flour Tortillas.
Serving suggestions. Serve a fried chimichanga with some of our favorite side dishes:
Esquites Mexican Cornbread Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Top with Homemade Salsa, Avocado Cream Sauce, Easy Guacamole or Pico de Gallo
Storing Info
Make a freezer meal. Assemble this recipe for chimichanga ahead of time to fry/bake later. Complete steps 1 and 2 as written. Wrap each folded chimichanga with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Thaw and cook according to the recipe directions. To bake frozen chimichangas, preheat the oven to 425°F and bake for 35-40 minutes.
STORE. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
For best results reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or 1 minute if frozen. Then, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to finish reheating.
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