Crispy Golden Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe for Dinner

Crispy, golden chimichangas packed with spicy chicken and melted cheese call to hungry dinner crowds.

The chicken chimichangas recipe blends Mexican-inspired flavors with irresistible crunch.

Tortillas wrap around seasoned shredded chicken, creating a delectable handheld meal.

Baked until perfectly golden and crisp, these chimichangas deliver a satisfying bite every single time.

Each piece bursts with zesty spices and tender meat that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together faster than you might expect.

Serve these mouthwatering chimichangas alongside fresh salsa or creamy guacamole for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes In Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables with subtle flavor depth.
• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances overall savory profile.
• Green Bell Pepper: Brings crisp texture and mild vegetable freshness to filling.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, punchy flavor that elevates entire chicken mixture.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, protein-packed protein that serves as primary filling component.
• Green Chilies: Introduces gentle heat and authentic southwestern zest.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers complex, spicy flavor profile typical of Mexican cuisine.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and deepens savory undertones of filling.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy binding agent for filling.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrapper that transforms filling into portable meal.
• Refried Beans: Optional creamy layer that adds richness and traditional Mexican element.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables crispy, golden exterior when frying chimichangas.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that balances spicy filling.
• Salsa: Fresh, zesty condiment adding bright flavor contrast.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado-based topping providing luxurious texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Vibrant herb that introduces fresh, herbaceous finish.

Kitchen Tools For Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken filling and frying chimichangas.
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking method, helps create crispy exterior.
• Tongs: Great for safely flipping and moving chimichangas in oil or oven.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, peppers, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for dicing vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Toothpicks: Optional for securing tortilla rolls if needed.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate taco seasoning measurement.

Simple Steps For Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Sizzle the Flavor Base

Warm up a skillet and dance some olive oil around. Toss in chopped onions and green peppers, letting them soften and whisper their delicious secrets. Sprinkle in minced garlic for an aromatic punch. Blend shredded chicken, green chilies, zesty taco seasoning, and a splash of chicken broth. Let everything mingle and heat through, then fold in melty cheese.

• Wrap and Roll

Grab a tortilla and create a canvas. Layer refried beans if you’re feeling adventurous. Plop a generous scoop of your sizzling chicken mixture right in the center. Fold the sides like a cozy blanket, then roll from the bottom up into a neat little package. Each chimichanga should look tight and ready for action.

• Crisp to Perfection

You’ve got two paths: golden frying or oven baking. For frying, heat oil in a skillet until it’s shimmering. Carefully nestle your chimichangas seam-side down, turning until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. If baking, slide them into a 400F oven, brushed with oil, and bake until they’re crispy and singing.

• Serve with Flair

Crown your chimichangas with dollops of sour cream, salsa’s zesty embrace, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Dive in while they’re hot and enjoy the flavor fiesta!

Tips To Perfect Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Flavor Boost Tip: Marinate chicken in lime juice and cumin for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the depth of taste and tenderize the meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken filling and assemble chimichangas up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator before final cooking.
• Healthier Baking Hack: Use whole wheat tortillas and swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese to reduce calories while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potato, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version that's equally satisfying and protein-packed.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas For Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant Mexican-style spread with multiple chimichangas arranged on a large wooden board, surrounded by colorful garnishes like lime wedges, fresh cilantro sprigs, and extra salsa varieties.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair these crispy chimichangas with Mexican rice, black beans, or a zesty corn salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that offers delightful flavor contrasts and textures.
• Dipping Delight Station: Set up a fun condiment bar featuring different salsas (mild, medium, hot), fresh guacamole, sour cream, and chopped jalapeños, allowing guests to customize their chimichanga experience with personalized toppings.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve chimichangas family-style on a large platter, encouraging everyone to grab their favorite version and mix and match with various accompaniments for an interactive and engaging dining experience.

How To Store Baked Chicken Chimichangas

• Smart Refrigeration Plan: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Restore crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results and maintain the original golden crunch.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked assembled chimichangas for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between each chimichanga to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer-safe container or sealed bag.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Keep chicken filling and tortillas separate if planning to make chimichangas later. Store cooked chicken mixture in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when you're ready to assemble.

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker honey garlic meatballs combine tender beef with a sweet and tangy sauce. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a simple yet irresistible dish that satisfies hungry guests with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

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• 1 kg (2 lbs) frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using raw meatballs)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Searing Preparation: Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, browning meatballs until they develop a golden exterior. For frozen meatballs, transfer directly into the slow cooker without searing.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl until achieving a glossy, uniform mixture.
3. Coating and Flavor Infusion: Gently drench meatballs with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage and even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing meatballs to become tender and absorb the rich sauce completely.
5. Sauce Thickening: Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker and increase to high temperature.
6. Final Reduction: Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, clingy sauce consistency that perfectly coats the meatballs.
7. Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the meatballs, then serve immediately atop fluffy white rice or tender noodles.

Notes

• Perfectly Brown Meatballs: Sear meatballs in a hot skillet with olive oil to develop a rich golden crust, which locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior before slow cooking.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that coats meatballs evenly without becoming gloopy or thin.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Let meatballs simmer slowly in sauce for the full recommended time, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for maximum taste absorption.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to transform this dish into a keto-friendly meal without sacrificing the rich, savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg