Cream Cheese Chicken Chimichangas

Cream Cheese Chicken Chimichangas is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 8. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by No Getting Off This Train on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $8.50 total, $1.06 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (plain rotisserie chicken or homemade, shredded)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning (store‑bought mix, about 1 oz)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, shredded)
  • 8 pieces Flour Tortillas (8‑inch soft flour tortillas)
  • 1 spray Cooking Spray (non‑stick spray for baking sheet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F and let it preheat fully.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Make Filling

    In a mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, taco seasoning packet, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Assemble Chimichangas

    Lay a tortilla flat, place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of filling in the center, fold the sides inward, roll the bottom up, and then fold the top over to seal.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Prepare Baking Sheet

    Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

    Time: PT2M

  5. First Bake

    Place the assembled chimichangas on the prepared sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  6. Flip and Finish Baking

    Turn each chimichanga over and bake an additional 5‑10 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Cool Completely

    Remove from the oven and let the chimichangas cool on a rack or plate for about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Flash Freeze

    Arrange the cooled chimichangas on a parchment‑lined sheet and place in the freezer until solid (about 30 minutes).

    Time: PT30M

  9. Package for Freezer

    Transfer the frozen chimichangas to a gallon‑size freezer bag, squeeze out excess air, label, and store.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
26 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
16 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Wheat

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Cream Cheese Chicken Chimichangas

Recipe by No Getting Off This Train

These portable, freezer‑ready cream cheese chicken chimichangas are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. A blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, taco seasoning and cheddar cheese is rolled in flour tortillas, baked until golden, then flash‑frozen for later microwave reheating.

EasyTex-MexServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 7m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.50
Total cost
$1.06
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the filling until smooth
  • Properly folding and sealing each tortilla
  • Baking both sides to achieve crispness
  • Flash freezing before bagging

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets.
  • Be careful when spraying cooking spray near open flame.
  • Ensure the chicken used is fully cooked before mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chimichangas in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Chimichangas originated in the American Southwest as a deep‑fried version of the Mexican burrito, becoming a staple of Tex‑Mex street food. They are celebrated for their crunchy exterior and melty interior, often served at fairs and casual eateries.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken chimichangas in Tex‑Mex cooking?

A

In Arizona and California, chicken chimichangas are often filled with shredded rotisserie chicken, cheese, and mild spices, while in Texas they may include black beans, corn, and a spicier taco seasoning blend. Some versions are deep‑fried, whereas others are baked for a lighter texture.

cultural
Q

How are chimichangas traditionally served in Mexican‑influenced meals?

A

They are typically served hot with sides like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. In Tex‑Mex restaurants they are often accompanied by rice and beans.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature chimichangas in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Chimichangas are popular at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and family picnics because they are handheld, portable, and easy to serve in large batches.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional chicken chimichangas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic recipes use flour tortillas, shredded rotisserie chicken, Mexican cheese blends, and a homemade taco seasoning. Substitutes like low‑carb tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, or pre‑made seasoning packets work well without losing the core flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with these cream cheese chicken chimichangas?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican street corn (elote), cilantro‑lime rice, black bean salad, or a simple pico de gallo for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cream cheese chicken chimichangas?

A

Common errors include overfilling the tortillas, using cold cream cheese that creates lumps, and not flipping the chimichangas during baking, which leads to uneven crispness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe bake the chimichangas instead of deep‑frying them?

A

Baking reduces added fat, makes the dish freezer‑friendly, and still achieves a crispy exterior while keeping the interior melty, aligning with the goal of a healthier, make‑ahead lunch.

technical
Q

Can I make these cream cheese chicken chimichangas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After baking, let them cool completely, flash freeze on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep up to three months frozen and can be reheated directly from the freezer in the microwave or oven.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel No Getting Off This Train specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel No Getting Off This Train focuses on practical, budget‑friendly meal‑prep ideas, freezer‑friendly recipes, and nutrition tips for busy home cooks, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel No Getting Off This Train's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

No Getting Off This Train emphasizes make‑ahead and freezer‑storage techniques, providing detailed cost breakdowns and grocery‑list PDFs, whereas many other channels focus on fresh‑only or restaurant‑style presentations.

channel

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