These Mini Chicken Chimichangas are the ultimate bite-sized Mexican appetizer—crispy on the outside and creamy, spicy, and cheesy on the inside. Perfect for parties, game nights, or Cinco de Mayo celebrations, they use simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Pepper Jack for a flavor-packed filling. Baked to golden perfection (no frying needed!), these chimichangas are easy to prep in advance and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)

• 16–20 soft taco tortillas (6-inch size)

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, taco seasoning, Pepper Jack cheese, and shredded chicken until well combined.

3. Scoop about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.

4. Brush the tops with melted butter.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Nutrients (per serving – approx. 1 mini chimichanga):

• Calories: 190 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 11g

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Sodium: 350mg

• Sugar: 1g

• Fiber: 1g

• Calcium: 150mg

• Iron: 1mg

A Flavor-Packed Filling

The heart of any good chimichanga lies in the filling, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. The creamy, spicy mixture of cream cheese, taco seasoning, and Pepper Jack cheese perfectly complements the shredded rotisserie chicken. Cream cheese serves as a rich, smooth base, adding a velvety texture to the filling, while the taco seasoning infuses the chicken with bold flavors that are essential to any Mexican-inspired dish. The Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick, balancing the creaminess with just the right amount of heat, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for these mini chimichangas. Not only does it save you time by using pre-cooked chicken, but the juicy, tender chicken from the rotisserie also provides an added depth of flavor that fresh chicken might not have. The chicken blends seamlessly with the creamy filling, ensuring that every bite has the perfect ratio of meat to cheesy goodness. This simplicity in ingredients doesn’t compromise flavor—it enhances it, making these chimichangas a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Convenience of Baking Over Frying

One of the best things about these Mini Chicken Chimichangas is that they are baked, not fried. While traditional chimichangas are deep-fried to a crispy golden perfection, baking them eliminates the need for excessive oil, making them a lighter option without sacrificing the crunch and texture we all love. Baking them allows for a crispy exterior with much less mess and fewer calories than deep-frying. This method makes it easy to prepare a large batch of chimichangas at once and serve them hot out of the oven without any hassle.

The result is a healthier version of this classic dish, which is just as crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. You can still achieve the satisfying crunch without the greasy residue that frying can leave behind. This simple oven-baking method makes these chimichangas not only a healthier option but also much easier to clean up after serving.

Customizing the Toppings

While these mini chimichangas are delicious on their own, the right toppings can elevate them to an even more mouth-watering level. Fresh sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo are the perfect complements to these warm, cheesy treats. The cool, creamy sour cream provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the Pepper Jack cheese and taco seasoning, while the guacamole adds a rich, creamy element that balances out the flavors. Pico de gallo, made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, adds a zesty, tangy kick that brightens up the dish and brings a burst of freshness.

These toppings not only enhance the flavor profile of the chimichangas but also add a fun, customizable element to the dish. Guests can top their chimichangas with their favorite condiments, creating a personalized experience that will satisfy everyone’s preferences. You can also experiment with other toppings like shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of salsa verde for an extra kick.

Easy Prep Ahead of Time

Another benefit of Mini Chicken Chimichangas is that they can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy days or when you’re hosting a large group. After assembling the chimichangas and placing them on a baking sheet, you can cover them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This makes it easy to prepare them in advance and simply pop them into the oven when it’s time to serve.

The make-ahead aspect is especially helpful for party planning, as it saves you time on the day of your event. You can assemble the chimichangas earlier in the day, and when your guests arrive, all you need to do is bake them for about 15-20 minutes. This gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your gathering, like drinks or dessert, while still serving a hot and fresh appetizer that will surely impress.

Versatility for Any Occasion

Mini Chicken Chimichangas are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a light appetizer at a cocktail party or as a snack during a casual game night, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re also perfect for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, where the flavors of Mexico take center stage. Their small, hand-held size makes them perfect for grazing and sharing, which is why they’re such a crowd favorite.

For a more substantial meal, these chimichangas can be paired with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, ranch dressing, or chipotle aioli, for even more flavor options. The ability to customize the toppings and sides makes this dish adaptable for any kind of gathering or meal.

The Perfect Party Snack

Mini Chicken Chimichangas are an ideal choice for party snacks due to their easy-to-eat nature. Their bite-sized format makes them easy to pick up and enjoy without needing utensils, which is a plus for guests who want to snack while mingling. The combination of cheesy, creamy filling and the crispy tortilla exterior makes them a universally appealing treat that everyone will enjoy.

Additionally, these chimichangas can easily be scaled up for larger parties. Since the recipe can be doubled or tripled, it’s easy to make a large batch and feed a crowd. Their versatility, quick prep time, and crowd-pleasing flavors make them a go-to choice for any party or gathering.

Healthier Yet Satisfying

Although Mini Chicken Chimichangas are indulgent and delicious, they can also be a bit lighter than traditional deep-fried versions. By baking them instead of frying, you’re cutting down on unnecessary oil and making the dish a little less greasy. The use of rotisserie chicken also contributes to the dish being leaner, as it’s a healthier protein choice that doesn’t require additional cooking. The creamy filling, while rich, is balanced with the spice from the taco seasoning and jalapeños, ensuring that the dish isn’t too heavy.

For those looking to make the chimichangas even healthier, you can use whole wheat tortillas or add extra vegetables to the filling. Substituting some of the cheese for a lower-fat option can also reduce the calorie count, while still maintaining the flavor profile that makes these chimichangas so irresistible.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Chimichangas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these bite-sized treats offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy filling, spicy kick, and crispy exterior make them irresistible, while their make-ahead convenience and easy preparation make them perfect for busy hosts. With customizable toppings and endless ways to adapt the recipe to your preferences, Mini Chicken Chimichangas are guaranteed to satisfy any crowd. So next time you’re in the mood for a fun, flavorful dish, reach for these mini chimichangas—you won’t be disappointed!