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chimichanga recipe
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5 from 2 votes

Chimichangas

Filled with jackfruit, vegetables, and an oil-free cheese sauce, or this vegan chimichanga is to die for! Oil-free homemade tortilla recipe included. Try this chimichanga recipe for a healthy crispy oil-free vegan option.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Entrees
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 483kcal

Ingredients

Chimichanga Filling (Jackfruit Filling)

  • 14 ounces jackfruit in water or brine
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 jalapeno diced (deveined, seeds removed)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

OTHER FILLING INGREDIENTS

Homademade oil-free tortillas (or store-bought)

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water

Garnish and Toppings

Instructions

Homemade OIl-Free Tortillas or store-bought tortillas

  • Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  • Stir to combine.
  • The water needs to be warm but not hot.
  • Slowly add the warm water while stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough until smooth.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal-sized pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
  • Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat an ungreased griddle or skillet to 375 degrees F.
  • Roll each dough ball out into a fragile circle. Place on the griddle and cook until lightly browned and blistered.
  • Flip the tortilla over and cook until lightly browned and blistered.
  • Immediately remove the tortilla from the griddle and cover it with a dishtowel while cooking the remaining dough.
  • Serve warm or store in an airtight container.
  • Freeze the oil-free tortillas by placing waxed paper between each tortilla and placing it in a large zip-top plastic bag.

Jackfruit Filling

  • Rinse and drain a can of jackfruit.
  • Place all contents in a food processor with a large blade.
  • Pulse until jackfruit is shredded.
  • In a medium-sized skillet, saute garlic, onions, and jalapeno and cook on medium-low until onions are translucent. 
  • Add a small amount of vegetable broth to avoid sticking. 
  • Then, add chopped cilantro and cook a few more minutes. 
  • Next, add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet with the onion, garlic, cilantro mixture. 
  • Cook jackfruit until brown and dried out. 
  • Add the chili powder, paprika, and cumin. 
  • Stir together and add a little more vegetable broth. 
  • Cook until added fluids have dissipated. 
  • Remove from heat and set aside to cool. 
  • Once the jackfruit is cooled, add nacho cheese sauce or vegan cheese of choice. Or vegan cheese of choice. 
  • Then, add the can of oil-free refried beans.
  • Stir everything together and set it aside.

Rolling/Cooking the Chimichangas

  • Lay each tortilla on a flat surface
  • Spoon a generous amount of filling in the center of the tortillas.
  • Then, fold each side in before rolling each tortilla tightly. 

Air-fried Option: 

  • Preheat the air-frier to 370
  • Brush the exterior of the tortilla with lime juice and sprinkle with chili powder
  • Place two chimichangas in the base of the air-frier
  • Cook for 12 minutes, checking halfway through (cooking time may vary based on the size and type of tortilla chosen)

Baked Option:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
  • Brush the exterior of the tortilla with lime juice and sprinkle with chili powder
  • Place all the chimichangas on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. 
  • Cook for 25 minutes, turning the chimichangas over after 12 minutes. 

Garnish

  • Drizzle the chimichangas with extra vegan cheese sauce
  • Add diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  • Serve with a side of salsa.

Notes

Other vegan chimichanga filling possibilities 

Although I chose jackfruit, select different fillings if you don't care for jackfruit. 
The Best Ultimate Vegan Lentil Black Bean Burrito Ever: this lentil and black bean filling is a beautiful substitution 
Walnut Meat Taco Meat is another excellent option. 
Potato Taco Filling also makes for a fabulous option for a chimichanga recipe.
Mushroom Chorizo Meat combines mushrooms, walnuts, tomatoes, and spices.
Roasted Vegetables with various Mexican spices also make a perfect filling for chimichangas.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1601mg | Potassium: 607mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1684IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 5mg