Name: Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (see notes); 1 1/3 cup refried beans; 1 1/3 cup salsa (your favorite kind); 2 teaspoons coriander (optional); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese; 6 sliced green onions; 2-3 jalapeños, diced with seeds (remove seeds for no spice); 6-8 taco-sized flour tortillas (8-inches); 3 tablespoons butter (melted)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 80 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings together crispy, cheesy, and flavorful all in one bite, then this Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These chimichangas are packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, melted Mexican cheese, and a kick of spice from jalapeños, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla. Baked to golden perfection instead of fried, they offer the same satisfying crunch with less fuss and grease. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers delicious comfort food that’s simple, quick, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a mixture of shredded chicken coated in a reddish-brown sauce, mixed with visible green chopped scallions scattered throughout. The texture looks moist and thick with bits of chicken and sauce clinging together, and a metal spoon is partly visible on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make your Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the hearty shredded chicken to the creamy refried beans that bind it all together, and the spices that awaken your taste buds with every bite. The fresh green onions and jalapeños add vibrant pops of flavor and color that make this dish truly memorable.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken helps save time and ensures tender, juicy filling.
1 1/3 cups refried beans: Adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the chicken.
1 1/3 cups salsa (your favorite kind): Choose a salsa you love; it brings rich, tangy flavor to the mix.
2 teaspoons coriander (optional): A warm, citrusy spice that enhances the overall profile if you want a little extra depth.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Gives a smoky, mildly spicy kick that’s essential for authentic flavor.
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey indulgence inside every chimichanga.
6 sliced green onions: Freshness and crunch that brighten the rich filling.
2-3 jalapeños (diced with seeds, or remove seeds for no spice): Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken your palate.
3 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushing each chimichanga with butter helps to achieve that crisp, golden exterior.
6-8 taco-sized flour tortillas (8-inches): Flexible and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling without falling apart.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F. Preheating is key to ensure your chimichangas bake evenly and develop that perfect crispy texture on the outside while the filling heats through beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, refried beans, your chosen salsa, coriander if using, chili powder, shredded Mexican cheese, sliced green onions, and diced jalapeños. Mix everything thoroughly so each ingredient is evenly distributed, promising consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll it tightly from bottom to top, creating a neat burrito shape. Remember not to overfill to avoid tearing, resulting in about 6 to 8 chimichangas depending on tortilla size.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place each chimichanga seam-side down on a baking sheet to keep them closed while baking. Brush the tops generously with melted butter; this step is crucial as it gives your chimichangas that golden, crispy finish without frying. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each chimichanga and bake for another 10 minutes to ensure even crispiness all around.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the chimichangas to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling settle so you can enjoy each one without any accidental spills. They’re now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings and sides!

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Two rolled burritos sit on a white marbled surface. Each burrito has a golden light brown toasted tortilla wrapped tightly, with three toppings placed on top in a row: a scoop of smooth green guacamole on the right, a heap of chunky red, green, and purple salsa in the middle, and a dollop of thick white sour cream on the left. Small pieces of salsa are scattered around the burritos. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more salsa and a glass container holding guacamole. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your chimichangas with dollops of sour cream, creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, or a drizzle of tangy salsa. The refreshing garnishes balance the warmth and richness of the chimichangas beautifully, making the dish feel vibrant and indulgent all at once.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicious baked chimichangas with a light side salad, Mexican rice, or a simple corn salad to round out the meal. The contrast of crisp vegetables with the savory, cheesy chimichangas creates a delightful plate that looks as good as it tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style feast, slice chimichangas into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter alongside bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. This lets everyone customize their own bites and adds a party vibe to your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their crispiness and flavor for next-day enjoyment.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked chimichangas by assembling them, wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, and storing in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To maintain their crispiness, reheat leftover chimichangas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the tortillas soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds delicious flavor, making your Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe even quicker to prepare.

What can I substitute if I don’t have refried beans?

If you don’t have refried beans, mashed black beans or pinto beans work well as alternatives, providing similar creaminess and binding quality inside your chimichanga filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or other gluten-free wraps sturdy enough to hold the filling, and bake as usual for a gluten-free version.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or finely chopped spinach are great additions that boost nutrition and flavor in your chimichangas.

How spicy are these chimichangas?

The spice level mainly depends on the jalapeños and the salsa you use. Removing the seeds from jalapeños tones down the heat, so you can customize the recipe to your preferred spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this tried-and-true Easy Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring these crispy, cheesy delights to your table. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that’s approachable for cooks of all levels and perfect any night of the week. Give it a whirl and watch your friends and family ask for seconds every single time!