If you love the flavor of Mexican cuisine but want a lighter version of a classic deep-fried dish, Baked Chicken Chimichangas are the perfect solution. These crispy, golden-brown wraps are filled with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a mix of flavorful spices, then baked to perfection. You get all the crunch and satisfaction of traditional chimichangas, without the excess oil.
Start by preparing the filling. Cooked and shredded chicken works best, especially if you season it with taco spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Add sautéed onions, a bit of salsa or diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a melty, flavorful mix. You can also include black beans or corn for extra texture and taste. Once the filling is ready, spoon it onto flour tortillas, fold the sides, and roll them tightly like burritos.
Instead of frying, place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil or melted butter, and bake until crisp and golden. The result is a flaky tortilla exterior with a warm, cheesy, and savory center. They’re perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings when you want something both easy and satisfying.
Serve your baked chicken chimichangas with toppings that bring everything together: fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Not only are these chimichangas healthier, they’re also less messy to make. You can even freeze unbaked ones and pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick dinner option. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something flavorful and comforting, these Baked Chicken Chimichangas will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Pair Baked Chicken Chimichangas with a refreshing margarita, a light Mexican beer, or a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken cooked
- 1 cup salsa your choice of mild, medium, or hot
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or a Mexican blend
- 4 large flour tortillas 8-inch size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and shredded cheese.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the flour tortillas. Fold in the sides and then roll up each tortilla.
- Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
Yesss! This is my favorite easy dinner now. Who knew chimichangas were this simple!
Totally flopped for me 😒. The tortillas ripped and the filling spilled everywhere.
These came out amazing! My family gobbled them up. Will definitely make again!
Sounds good but I don’t have cumin. Can I use curry powder instead? 🤨
I was skeptical at first, but they turned out surprisingly good. Just thought it needed more salsa.
I completely agree! A bit more salsa can really elevate the flavor. Glad you liked them!
Kinda bland tbh. Next time I’ll add more spice. My opinion might not matter tho 😅.
Um, so my chimichangas fell apart. What did I do wrong? 😩
Maybe the tortillas were too dry? Try warming them up a bit before filling! 😊
Quick n easy, just how I like it! The cumin gave a nice kick! Will definitely make again.
These were amazing! My whole family loved them! Definitely making again.
These didn’t taste like any chimichangas I ever had before, more like burritos.
So simple! I used leftover rotisserie chicken, turned out delish! 😋
I like that you used tortillas. But… should it be baked? Seems wrong 😳.
I made this but used ground beef instead of chicken. It turned out too greasy… Not sure if it’s the recipe or my meat choice.
Can I use corn tortillas instead? Also how long can I keep leftovers?
Tasty but I think I put too much cumin… a little overpowering. Next time less!
Yeah, I’ve done that too! Cumin can be strong for sure. A little goes a long way! Try to balance it with some sour cream next time.
These chimichangas are a hit at my house! The kids love them!
Dude, these are just burritos dressed up, lol. Not so special.
It’s good but not authentic, you know? Also, chicken, really? Salsa is better on chips.
Yummy! But next time I think I’ll add beans too, make it a little more filling! 🌮
Real easy recipe. My 10 year old made them without any help. A bit bland but okay for quick dinner.
Mmmm, yum! Just cooked this for my family. 10/10, would recommend😋.
That’s awesome! My fam loved it too! So easy and delicious, right? 😍
Yum! 🤤 This recipe is a keeper! Easy to make and fills ya up!
Totally agree! They are so tasty! I’ve made them three times already. 🤗
I was skeptical at first but turned out pretty good. Added some hot sauce for extra kick!
These are fantastic! Super easy and so tasty! My family loved them! 😊
I dunno, something about chimichangas baked just doesn’t seem right. They need to be fried, right?
Took a little longer than expected to bake, but they turned out good. Not sure if I’ll make again though!
I’m glad they turned out good for you! Sometimes things just take longer, but it’s still worth it when they’re delicious. What would you change for next time?
Baking is tricky! But at least you got a good result. Maybe just do a different recipe next time? There’s tons out there!
Baked? Thought they were fried! Never tried baked ones. Not bad tho.