A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that originated in Tucson, Arizona. It is made by filling a flour tortilla with a savory filling, then folding it into a rectangular package and deep-frying it until crispy. The chimichanga is served fresh and hot, sometimes with salsa or other condiments on the side for dipping. Its unique crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside texture makes the chimichanga a popular Tex-Mex food. But what exactly goes into a normal or traditional chimichanga filling? Here we will explore the classic ingredients found in an authentic chimichanga.
Meat
The most common chimichanga fillings contain some type of meat. Traditional options include:
Beef
Shredded or ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning is a popular chimichanga filling. The beef provides hearty, savory flavor and substance.
Chicken
Shredded chicken, either grilled or stewed, is commonly used in chimichangas. It provides a lighter meat option.
Pork
Pulled pork or carnitas, made by braising or slow-roasting pork in spices, work well in chimichangas with their succulent and flavorful meat.
So in terms of meat, the most standard chimichanga contains either beef, chicken or pork; seasoned and prepared Mexican-style for a tasty filling.
Beans
Adding beans increases the nutrition and heartiness of a chimichanga. The most typical include:
Refried Beans
Smooth, creamy refried pinto or black beans are an essential chimichanga ingredient. They add protein and fiber.
Whole Beans
Whole pinto beans, black beans or pink beans can also be used. They provide texture and body.
Beans complement the flavor of the meat in a chimichanga filling.
Rice
Rice is another common component in chimichanga fillings. Options include:
White Rice
Plain white rice acts as a neutral base to absorb other flavors.
Spanish Rice
Rice cooked in tomato sauce adds tangy flavor and color.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice seasoned with cilantro and lime juice provides fresh taste.
The rice stretches the filling while soaking up the seasonings.
Vegetables
Vegetables add nutrition, color and textural contrast in a chimichanga filling. Popular choices are:
Onion
Diced white, yellow or red onion gives chimichangas savory bite.
Tomatoes
Chopped tomatoes provide juiciness and acidity.
Jalapeños
Minced or sliced jalapeños bring spicy heat and crunch.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro leaves lend herbal, citrusy notes.
Lettuce
Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce gives refreshing crispness.
A mix of sauteed onions, tomatoes, jalapeños and fresh cilantro is a classic chimichanga veggie combo.
Cheese
Ooey, gooey melted cheese is often incorporated into chimichanga fillings or used as a topping. Common options include:
Monterey Jack
Mild, buttery Monterey Jack melts smoothly.
Cheddar
Sharp cheddar adds bold, tangy flavor.
Queso Fresco
Crumbly queso fresco provides salty accent.
Oaxaca
Stretchy Oaxacan cheese lends mozzarella-like texture.
Cheese increases the richness and binds together a chimichanga filling.
Seasonings
Chimichangas are highly seasoned with spices and sauces. These can include:
Chili Powder
Red chili powder provides essential Southwest flavor.
Cumin
Earthy cumin complements the other spices.
Oregano
Dried oregano adds herbal notes.
Garlic
Minced garlic provides pungent aroma.
Salsa
Tomato-based salsa adds zesty flavor.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce brings heat and vinegary tang.
A blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, salsa and hot sauce give chimichanga fillings their characteristic Mexican zing.
Tortilla
Of course, the final key component of a chimichanga is the tortilla wrap enclosing the filling. The most common choices are:
Flour Tortilla
A pliable flour tortilla is traditionally used for its durability during deep-frying.
Corn Tortilla
A corn tortilla provides added corn flavor, though is more prone to breaking.
Wheat Tortilla
For a gluten-free option, a wheat tortilla can be used with similar pliability to flour.
Tortilla Size
A burrito-size tortilla around 10 inches works best to fully enclose the chimichanga filling.
The flour tortilla provides the characteristic outer shell of a chimichanga.
Conclusion
In summary, a traditional chimichanga contains a savory Mexican-spiced meat like beef, chicken or pork, refried or whole beans, rice, sautéed veggies, melted cheese and zesty seasonings. This flavorful filling gets wrapped in a flour tortilla and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. The specific ingredients can vary, but this combination encapsulates the core elements of a classic chimichanga filling. When you bite into the fried exterior and get to the flavor-packed interior, you’ll see why the chimichanga has become such a popular Tex-Mex dish.