Oven baked chicken chimichangas are baked in the oven instead of deep fried, which cuts back significantly on fat and calories. Perfect for any family night Mexican food dinner.
Mexican food is one of my all times favorites. I love ordering chimichangas when I go out, but since they are typically deep fried that means they’re loaded with calories. They’re delicious, but around 1,000 calories for one chimichanga. I really enjoy making this homemade version that is “oven-fried.” All the flavor is still there, and you could eat two (or 3!) for less calories than eating out. The butter that is brushed over the top gives the tortilla the perfect crispiness when baked in the oven.
I use boneless, skinless chicken breast that I cook then shred. You can also buy a rotisserie chicken too and shred that up too to save time. Any picante sauce will work, so if you have a favorite already then that’s great. We rotate different sauces, but feel free to use whatever you like or have on hand. This is a meal the whole family likes and it’s ready in under and hour, with prep time and cooking.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Baked in the oven and not greasy
- Can be made using leftover chicken
- Perfect for a family meal
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this recipe.
- Boneless, skinkess chicken breast
- Picante sauce
- Dried oregano
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Flour tortillas
- Butter
How to make this recipe
1 – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, so it’s ready to go while the chimichangas are being assembled.
2 –In a medium bowl, mix cooked chicken, picante sauce, oregano, cheese and onion together.
3 – Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the tortillas then fold the tortillas tightly into burritos, placing them seam side down into the baking dish.
4 – Brush the tortillas with melted butter.
5 – Place the chimichangas in the oven and cook for approximately 25 minutes.
What do I serve with chicken Chimichangas?
There are so many great sides to serve with chimichangas. A few ideas are refried beans, black beans, Mexican or white rice, grilled zucchini, grilled corn or corn on the cob.
What can I put on top of my chicken Chimichangas?
Some favorites are salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
How do I store my homemade chimichangas?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the chimichangas will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze homemade chimichangas?
Yes! Properly stored in an airtight container, the chimichangas will last up to 6 months in the freezer.
How to I reheat frozen chimichangas?
Thaw chimichangas in refrigerator overnight, bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. If frozen, bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
Calories per serving (1 chimichanga): 336
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Oven Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 3/4 cup picante sauce or your favorite salsa
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 8 8" flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium bowl, mix chicken, picante sauce, oregano, cheese and onion together.
- Divide chicken mixture evenly in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold tortillas into burritos by folding in sides of tortilla, then rolling tightly until closed. Place burrito seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Brush burritos with melted butter. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- If desired, garnish cooked chimichangas with additional cheese, green onions, and salsa.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Nutrition
Other chicken recipes you’ll love
Salsa Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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Enjoy!
I am a huge fan of recipes that require no deep frying. These oven baked chimichangas look amazing.
Thanks! This is such an easy way to make these.
I love chimichangas, but always hesitate to order them because they are fried. So I love that you made a baked version! I’m going to have to give this one a try for sure. Thanks for the recipe
Thanks! We love them baked as well!
Thanks for sharing a baked method for chimichangas. I gave up eating the fried version.
Thanks! We love baking them too!
I honestly think this looks way better than the deep fried chimichangas! And I bet the butter adds a really nice saltiness to the tortilla.
Thanks so much! The butter does make these really good.
I love how easy and simple this looks! Perfect protein serving aside a salad, cannot wait to try !
Thanks, Dee! I hope you enjoy.
Can you believe that I have never tried a chimichanga before?? Maybe it’s not really big in Canada. But I JUST moved to Chicago, so maybe there are a lot more food options available to me!
Now’s the perfect time to give one a try. They are so flavorful. 🙂
What an easy to make recipe, I’ve added some jalapeños too and it was awesome. Thank you so much for this. My kids want me to make it again already. 😉
That’s awesome, Ramona! The addition of jalapeños is smart. I’m glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Oh yum! Chimichangas is my favorite, too and I love your oven-baked version better. Do you think it will work in an air fryer?
Hi Linda, yes I do they they should work in the air fryer, especially since everything is already cooked. Same process of buttering the tortillas and they should come out delicious. 🙂
They look moutb-watering. I often oven bake my food to make it healthier,I try to fry as little as possible these days.
These chimichangas will be perfect then! 🙂
Love this unique, low cal alternative to chimichangas. Thanks for this recipe.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy!
What a great family meal and I love that my girls can help me prepare it as well.
Thanks, Kelly! It’s a great meal for kids to help make.
Such a brilliaant idea to oven bake these chimichangas! So much healthier than frying them! Def adding these to next week’s meal plan!
Thanks! They are just as delicious when baked. 🙂
I love Mexican food, too. And I love it for both eating out and making at home. It just never disappoints. This is why I can’t wait to try your chimichangas – they must be so flavorful!
Thanks, they are! Mexican food is a top favorite here too.
Wow, I’m so impressed you crammed so much flavor into these chimichangas for just a bit over 300 calories! I love chimichangas, but they’re definitely not something I eat often. So excited to put these on the rotation — thanks for another wonderful recipe!
Thanks, Amanda! My whole family loves them.
Now this looks like something my husband would actually eat for dinner! Thanks for this recipe !
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
With low cal, this chimichangas caught my attention. Love to try this. Hope this perfect to pack in the lunch box. Do you agree?
You definitely could pack this in a lunch box. You just might want to heat it up before eating. 🙂
What a great alternative to deep-frying! I love recipes that are quick to make without any complicated prep.
Thanks! Me too! 🙂
I haven’t had a chimichanga in years, but boy they bring back memories. Love this healthier version — ’cause I don’t need the extra calories.
They are delicious and taste great baked in the oven. 🙂
I always hesitate to making these at home because of frying, now that you share the baked version, we’re going to eat more homemade chimichangas. 🙂
That’s great! I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Love chimichangas, but not the greasiness, so this recipe is perfect for me! I would top them with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and maybe a few jalapeno slices.
That sounds delicious! 🙂
Love me some chimichangas! Thanks so much for another delicious recipe.
You’re welcome, Megan. 🙂
Yum! these chimichanga’s look marvelous. Really like that they are baked not fried.
Thanks, Andrea! 🙂