Instant Pot Chimichangas (+ Recipe Video) (2024)

FAQs

Are chimichangas always deep fried? ›

A Chimichanga is simply a fried burrito. Many Mexican restaurants use a deep fryer to make it easy and fast, but we don't want to serve you a plate of grease with a side of meat. Instead, we'd rather lightly pan fry the Chimichanga and let the fresh flavors do the talking.

Chimichangas, as opposed to burritos, are often served on a plate and eaten with a knife and fork.

A chimichanga can be a rich, occasional treat, rather than a diet staple. Chimichangas are high in calories, saturated fat and trans fats. According to the American Heart Association, eating a diet high in saturated fat puts us at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Any fan of Mexican food is likely familiar with the chimichanga, but the reality is not many people know how they were invented. Many don't know that they're not really Mexican. Most culinary historians suggest this delectable dish was accidentally created in the United States.

Supposedly, a worker dropped a king sized burrito into a deep fryer and accidentally began to let a Mexican curse word slip out but caught herself as there were children present. She changed what she had started to say mid word, and the resulting word was “chimichanga.”

They were called “chivichanga,” which means “thingamajig.” The dish was likely brought to the United States by Mexican immigrants and has since become a popular Tex-Mex dish in many parts of the country.

Chimichangas vs. Burritos? Burritos usually come out on top here. They aren't fried, often have more vegetables, and the fattiest ingredients, like sour cream and cheese, are entirely optional in a burrito.

A chimichanga is a type of burrito that is deep-fried until crispy, giving it a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other burritos. The deep-frying process makes the chimichanga more compact and easier to eat, as the filling is tightly wrapped and held together by the crispy outer layer.

Chimichanga is a Mexican appetizer or entre that includes a tortilla filled with a meat or bean mixture, typically deep fried to make it crispy on the outside. Chimichangas are basically deep-fried burritos. They're usually served topped with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, and a side of Mexican rice.

The most obvious difference between chimichangas and burritos is that the former is deep-fried, but there are some other differences, too. Burritos come from Mexico rather than the United States, and often contain more filling than chimichangas.

What is in a traditional chimichanga? ›

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. The Tex-Mex staple usually features a flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, cheese, and meat – but you can get as creative as you want with specific ingredients.