The Best Chimichangas Recipe

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4.9 (511)

Best chimichangas feature perfectly seasoned chicken and refried beans wrapped in flour tortillas and fried to golden, crispy perfection. These restaurant-style chimichangas deliver incredible crunch outside with tender, flavorful filling inside that's enhanced by melted cheese and spicy seasonings. Each bite provides satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy, savory interior that makes chimichangas irresistible.

Overhead view of chimichanga on teal plate with crema, lettuce, and pico de gallo

These are definitely the best chimichangas you’ll ever make, filled with seasoned chicken and refried beans, spicy, crisp, cheesy, and delicious. Top them with all the best toppings: warm queso, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and everything you enjoy.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

1/2x
1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

  • 3 cloves garlic , finely minced

  • 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon®

  • 1 (7 ounce) can green chiles

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons water

  • 2 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

  • 8 (10 to 12-inch) flour tortillas

  • 1 1/2 cups refried beans , heated

  • 1 (8 ounce) block pepper Jack cheese , shredded

  • Toppings such as warm queso, pico de gallo, cilantro, and shredded lettuce

Directions

  1. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over one side of the chicken breasts.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, seasoned side down, into skillet, and cook, undisturbed, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip chicken over and push to one side of the pan.

  3. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.  Add 2 cups water and bouillon and gently stir until well combined.

  4. Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until chicken is no longer pink at the center and juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  5. Remove chicken from pan and increase heat to medium-high; cook until broth mixture is reduced by about half. Shred chicken and add back to the pan, along with green chiles. Stir until well combined and remove from heat.

  6. Whisk flour and 3 tablespoons water together in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. Heat oil for frying in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.

  7. Place tortilla on work surface and spread about 3 tablespoons beans in the center. Top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese and 1/3 to 1/2 cup well-drained shredded chicken. Brush flour mixture lightly around edges of top half of tortilla. Fold sides of tortilla in just over edges of filling and fold bottom of tortilla up over filling.  Press back on the tortilla to push the filling tightly together and continue to roll upwards. Lightly press the edges of the tortilla to seal tightly and set aside, seam side down. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

  8. Carefully place 2 burritos into hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and toasted on the outside, about 2 minutes. Drain on the prepared baking sheet. Bring oil back up to temperature and repeat with remaining burritos.

  9. Top as desired with warm queso, pico de gallo, cilantro and shredded lettuce, or other toppings, and serve immediately.

    overhead view of chimichanga on teal plate with crema, lettuce, and pico de gallo

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1111 Calories
76g Fat
75g Carbs
34g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 1111
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 76g97%
Saturated Fat 17g83%
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 1147mg50%
Total Carbohydrate 75g27%
Dietary Fiber 6g23%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin C 64mg71%
Calcium 296mg23%
Iron 6mg33%
Potassium 576mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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