Quick Chimichangas
Quick Chimichangas is a easy Mexican-American recipe that serves 4. 215 calories per serving. Recipe by Meals with Kraft on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $5.20 total, $1.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Large Flour Tortilla (soft, 10-inch)
- 4 tablespoons Hummus (rounded tablespoon per tortilla)
- 4 tablespoons Kraft Cream Cheese Spread (spread over hummus)
- 4 teaspoons Chili Sauce (e.g., sriracha or hot chili sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Spicy Taco Sauce (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat Grill
Turn on the sandwich grill and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Spread Ingredients
Lay each tortilla on a cutting board. Place a rounded tablespoon of hummus in the center, then squeeze about one tablespoon of Kraft cream cheese spread over the hummus, and add a teaspoon of chili sauce on top.
Time: PT5M
Fold Chimichangas
Fold the edges of each tortilla inward to form a neat parcel, sealing the filling inside.
Time: PT2M
Grill Chimichangas
Place each folded tortilla in the preheated sandwich press. Grill for 1–2 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they do not burn.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Remove chimichangas, drizzle with spicy taco sauce, and serve immediately with extra salsa on the side.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 215
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Flour Tortilla: Corn Tortilla
- Instead of Hummus: Refried beans
- Instead of Kraft Cream Cheese Spread: Regular cream cheese softened
- Instead of Chili Sauce: Hot sauce
- Instead of Spicy Taco Sauce: Salsa
Equipment Needed
- Sandwich Grill/Press
- Cutting Board
- Tablespoon
- Spatula (optional)
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the sandwich grill before assembling.
- Fold the tortillas tightly to prevent filling leakage.
- Monitor grilling time closely to avoid burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Lightly spray the grill with non-stick cooking spray for extra crispness.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cream cheese spread for a subtle smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
Filling leaks out during grilling.
Make sure the tortilla is folded tightly and the edges are sealed; you can lightly press the seam with a spatula before grilling.
Tortilla burns or becomes too crisp.
Reduce grill time to 1 minute and check frequently; lower the grill temperature if your press has a setting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become soggy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the chimichangas up to the folding step and refrigerate; grill just before serving.
- Keep the spicy taco sauce separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chimichangas in Mexican-American cuisine?
Chimichangas originated in the American Southwest as a deep‑fried burrito, becoming a staple of Tex‑Mex cuisine. They are celebrated for their crunchy exterior and flavorful fillings, often served at family gatherings and casual eateries.
What are traditional regional variations of chimichanga in Tex-Mex cuisine?
In Arizona and California, chimichangas are often filled with shredded chicken or beef and topped with cheese and guacamole. Some regions add beans or rice, while others serve them with a side of salsa or sour cream.
How is chimichanga traditionally served in Mexican-American households?
Traditionally, chimichangas are served hot, sliced in half, and accompanied by salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. They may also be plated with Mexican rice and refried beans.
On what occasions are chimichangas typically enjoyed in Mexican-American culture?
Chimichangas are popular at casual gatherings, game nights, and weekend family meals. They are also a favorite street‑food snack at fairs and festivals across the Southwest.
How does the use of Kraft cream cheese spread change the traditional chimichanga recipe?
Kraft cream cheese spread adds a creamy, tangy richness that melts quickly in the grill, creating a softer interior compared to the classic cheese‑only filling. It also speeds up preparation because the spread is ready to use without softening.
What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with chimichanga?
Serve chimichangas alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, and a crisp green salad with lime dressing for a balanced Tex‑Mex meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making these quick cream cheese chimichangas?
Common mistakes include overfilling the tortillas, which causes leaks, and grilling for too long, which burns the tortilla. Also, not preheating the grill can result in uneven crispness.
Why does this recipe use a sandwich grill instead of deep‑frying?
A sandwich grill provides a quick, low‑fat cooking method that still gives a crisp exterior, making the recipe faster and healthier than traditional deep‑frying.
How do I know when the chimichanga is perfectly cooked and not burnt?
The tortilla should be golden‑brown and slightly firm to the touch. If the edges start to darken quickly, reduce the grill time or lower the heat and check every 30 seconds.
What does the YouTube channel Meals with Kraft specialize in?
The YouTube channel Meals with Kraft specializes in quick, everyday recipes that showcase Kraft products, offering easy-to‑follow tutorials for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Meals with Kraft's approach to quick snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Meals with Kraft focuses on using readily available Kraft pantry items to create snack‑size meals in under 15 minutes, emphasizing simplicity and minimal cleanup compared to many channels that use more elaborate techniques.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
