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Chicken Chimichangas with White Cheese Sauce

These chicken chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and filled with nostalgic Tex-Mex flavor, topped with a creamy white cheese sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Chimichangas
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken works great
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sautéed onions and bell peppers, cooled
  • 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • Oil, for frying
White Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk with a splash of cream)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream and guacamole

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers. Mix until evenly combined and season lightly with salt and pepper if needed.
Fill and Roll
  1. Warm the flour tortillas briefly in the microwave so they are soft and flexible. Place about one-third cup of filling in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito, placing the chimichangas seam-side down.
Fry Until Crispy
  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F (175–180°C). Fry the chimichangas in batches, seam-side down first, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Make the White Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Reduce heat to low, add the cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir until the sauce is creamy and silky.
Serve
  1. Place the hot chimichangas on plates, spoon warm white cheese sauce generously over the top, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy chimichangas, ensure oil temperature is around 350°F. You can bake the chimichangas at 400°F for a lighter alternative.