Easy Chimichanga recipe

Easy Chimichanga recipe is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Delicious Foods TV on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $9.60 total, $4.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken (Can substitute with cooked shredded beef; use rotisserie chicken for speed)
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (Store‑bought or homemade blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 cup Refried Beans (Canned or homemade; drain excess liquid)
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (Can use cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup Salsa (Mild or medium, your favorite brand)
  • 2 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (10‑inch size; can use corn tortillas for gluten‑free)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (High smoke‑point oil such as canola or peanut)
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream (For topping)
  • 1/4 cup Guacamole (Store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup Pico de Gallo (Fresh salsa with tomato, onion, cilantro, lime)

Instructions

  1. Season and Mix Filling

    In a mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken (or beef) with taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Stir in the refried beans, shredded cheese, and salsa until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Assemble Chimichangas

    Lay a flour tortilla flat. Spoon about half of the filling onto the center, fold the sides in, then roll tightly like a burrito. Press the seam to seal; you can dab a little water on the edge to help it stick.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat Oil

    Add the vegetable oil to the skillet, enough to coat the bottom about 1/4‑inch deep. Heat over medium‑high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Fry Chimichangas

    Carefully place the rolled chimichanga seam‑side down in the hot oil. Fry for 3‑4 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy on all sides.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Drain and Top

    Remove the chimichanga onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool for a minute, then drizzle with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo or any toppings you like.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
30g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be dairy‑free using vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Easy Chimichanga recipe

Recipe by Delicious Foods TV

A quick, budget‑friendly Mexican‑style fried burrito packed with seasoned shredded meat, refried beans, cheese, and salsa, then fried to a golden crisp and topped with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

EasyMexicanServes 2

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

Source Video
19m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.60
Total cost
$4.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the meat properly with taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
  • Seal the tortilla edges tightly to prevent filling leakage.
  • Fry at the correct temperature (≈350°F) until golden brown.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep a lid nearby to smother flames.
  • Ensure the meat is fully cooked before frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Chimichanga is believed to have originated in the American Southwest, especially Arizona, as a deep‑fried version of the traditional Mexican burrito. It became popular in Tex‑Mex restaurants as a hearty, portable comfort food, often served with toppings like sour cream and guacamole.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chimichanga in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

In Arizona, chimichangas are typically filled with shredded chicken or beef, refried beans, and cheese, then deep‑fried. In California, some versions add rice or use a corn tortilla for a gluten‑free twist. Northern Mexico sometimes serves a baked version called "chimichanga al horno".

cultural
Q

How is a classic chimichanga traditionally served in Tex‑Mex restaurants?

A

A classic chimichanga is served hot, sliced in half, and topped with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sometimes shredded lettuce or cheese. It is often accompanied by a side of salsa or Mexican rice.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is chimichanga commonly enjoyed in Mexican‑American culture?

A

Chimichangas are popular at casual family gatherings, game‑day parties, and weekend dinner outings. They are also a staple at Tex‑Mex themed festivals and street fairs where fried foods are celebrated.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional chimichanga versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional chimichanga uses flour tortillas, shredded chicken or beef, refried beans, Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and a mild to medium salsa. Substitutes can include corn tortillas for gluten‑free, vegan cheese for dairy‑free, or pork for a different meat profile.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with chimichanga?

A

Serve chimichanga alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh corn salad, or a side of guacamole and chips. A light margarita or a cold cerveza also complements the rich, fried flavor.

cultural
Q

What makes chimichanga special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The chimichanga’s unique appeal lies in its combination of a soft, flavorful burrito filling with a crunchy, deep‑fried tortilla exterior, creating a satisfying contrast of textures that is both comforting and indulgent.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chimichanga at home?

A

Common mistakes include under‑seasoning the meat, not sealing the tortilla edges, frying at too low a temperature (resulting in soggy crust), and overcrowding the pan which lowers oil temperature.

technical
Q

Why does this chimichanga recipe use medium‑high heat (≈350°F) instead of deep‑frying at higher temperatures?

A

Medium‑high heat allows the tortilla to crisp evenly without burning the cheese or spices inside. Higher temperatures can cause the exterior to darken too quickly while the interior remains undercooked.

technical
Q

Can I make chimichanga ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?

A

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day ahead and assemble the chimichangas, then wrap them tightly and freeze. Fry them directly from frozen for best crispness, or thaw and fry fresh.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Delicious Foods TV specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Delicious Foods TV specializes in easy, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that focus on comfort foods from a variety of world cuisines, with step‑by‑step guidance for beginner cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Delicious Foods TV's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Delicious Foods TV emphasizes quick, pantry‑based recipes that require minimal specialty ingredients, often adapting traditional dishes like chimichanga into fast, weeknight‑friendly versions, whereas many other channels focus on authentic, labor‑intensive preparations.

channel

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