Go Back

Crispy Baked Chicken & Cheese Chimichangas

Golden baked chimichangas filled with creamy seasoned shredded chicken and melted cheese, ready in 35 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded, rotisserie chicken recommended
  • 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot based on preference
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas burrito size
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted, or substitute olive oil spray
  • sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes optional toppings for serving

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Add the softened cream cheese in chunks and stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  3. Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling into the center and top with a generous handful of shredded cheese.
  4. Fold in the two sides of the tortilla toward the center, then roll it up tightly from the bottom like a burrito. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Brush the top and sides of each chimichanga generously with melted butter or spray thoroughly with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until the tortillas are deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let chimichangas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa as desired.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crispiness. Freezer: Freeze baked chimichangas individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Make-ahead: Assemble and brush with butter up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate unbaked, and add 3 to 4 minutes to bake time. Substitutions: Swap cream cheese for full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein filling. Add diced green chiles or black beans to the filling for extra texture.