Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

chimichanga

American  
[chim-ee-chahng-guh, chee-mee-chahng-gah] / ˌtʃɪm iˈtʃɑŋ gə, ˌtʃi miˈtʃɑŋ gɑ /

noun

  • chimichangas
    plural
  1. Mexican Cooking. a crisp, often deep-fried tortilla containing a spicy filling of pork, chicken, etc., usually served as an appetizer with sour cream, salsa, melted cheese, etc.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of chimichanga

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish (Veracruz, Tabasco) chimichanga, chivichanga “trinket, trifle,” of uncertain origin

Compare meaning

How does chimichanga compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Many restaurants have staked the claim that they invented the chimichanga, each with a similar story of accidentally dropping a burrito in the fryer.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 8, 2022

When Scott craves a chimichanga in the middle of a challenge, we all know who’s going to bring it.

From Slate Apr. 10, 2020

The menu says “Northwest cuisine” but whispers “upscale bar fare,” with a kimchi Reuben, black-bean-and-sweet-potato chimichanga, cider-brined pork chops and, my choice, a seared yellowfin salad.

From Washington Post Dec. 13, 2017

I enjoyed the sturdy chimichanga plumped with spicy house-made chorizo, as much as the comforting pozole, a thick stew of pulled pork studded with hominy.

From Seattle Times Feb. 7, 2013

One upscale French style restaurant in Phoenix even offers a lobster chimichanga, an appetizer featuring basil beurre blanc and avocado corn salsa, priced at $18.50.

From New York Times Nov. 16, 2011

In 2020, Taste of Home published a list of "39 recipes husbands can't get enough of," including some real "meat and potatoes" fare like beef chimichangas and burgers with grilled cheese sandwiches as buns.

From Salon Feb. 12, 2023

Eric Greenspan prepares lobster rolls, Maneet Chauhan serves a Southern-belle mint julep, Christian Petroni makes teriyaki meatloaf and Justin Warner fries fajita chimichangas.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 18, 2021

Prices: $2 to $21 for starters, sides, snacks, tacos, burritos, chimichangas, entrees and desserts.

From Washington Post Aug. 2, 2021

Besides the famous chilaquiles, there are tacos, burritos, chimichangas, tortas, huaraches, sopes, enchiladas, tostadas, and more, along with soups and stews.

From The Guardian Nov. 16, 2015

If his mother was home, he was happy, even if she smelled like chimichangas.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training