What does chimichanga mean?
A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito, a beloved staple of Tex-Mex and Southwestern American cuisine. It consists of a flour tortilla wrapped around fillings such as seasoned shredded beef or chicken, refried beans, rice, and cheese, which is then immersed in hot oil until the exterior turns golden and crisp. Chimichangas are commonly served garnished with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce. The dish is strongly associated with the American Southwest, particularly Arizona, where competing restaurants claim its invention — one popular account attributes it to a burrito accidentally dropped into a deep fryer. The word itself is informal and almost always appears in culinary contexts, on menus, or in casual conversation about food. For English speakers, 'chimichanga' is a useful term for identifying this specific preparation, distinguishing the crunchy fried version from an ordinary soft-wrapped burrito. Its playful sound and colorful origin story have made the word as memorable as the dish itself.
nounA chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito, typically filled with meat, cheese, beans, and rice, popular in Tex-Mex and Southwestern US cuisine.
- A deep-fried burrito filled with ingredients such as seasoned meat, cheese, beans, or rice, common in Tex-Mex and Southwestern American cuisine.
"She ordered a beef chimichanga smothered in salsa verde."
"The restaurant's signature chimichanga comes stuffed with shredded chicken and topped with sour cream."
"After the game, they split a chimichanga and a plate of nachos at their favorite taqueria."
Standard English plural, formed by adding -s.
"The platter came with two chimichangas and a side of Mexican rice."
Legend says the chimichanga was invented when a burrito accidentally fell into a deep fryer — one of food history's happiest accidents.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chimichanga
Chimichanga entered English from Mexican Spanish in the twentieth century, primarily through the cuisine of the Southwestern United States. In Spanish, 'chimichanga' is a colloquial term whose literal sense relates to 'trinket' or 'thingamajig', suggesting a whimsical, informal origin. Some accounts trace the word to Texas or to Tucson, Arizona, though the exact inventor and date remain disputed. The word's playful, reduplicated sound is characteristic of informal Spanish coinages.
How chimichanga is actually used
Informal register; chiefly used in the context of Mexican-American or Tex-Mex food. The word is often associated with Arizona and the broader Southwestern United States.
Easily confused with chimichanga
A burrito is a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling and served as-is, while a chimichanga is essentially a burrito that has been deep-fried until crispy.