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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• chimichangas
  plural

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:

• burrito vs. chimichanga

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chimichanga chimichangas

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

Noticeably absent from the Tucson Pride talking points, however, was the chimichanga, which is not a locally sourced ingredient but certainly a regional star: a deep-fried burrito stuffed with steak, chicken or what-have-you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2016

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

Ms. Johnson insists it was her late father, Woody, who was tinkering in the kitchen in 1946 when the chimichanga was born.

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

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

From Washington Post ● Aug. 2, 2021

Regrettably, chimichangas aren’t on its bare-bones menu, which offers a selection of willowy burritos of bean and cheese, beef birria, chicken tinga, chicharrón or shredded beef.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2016

Giant cupcakes, skinny California rolls, Tex-Mex chimichangas and southern fried chicken – we mock super-sized US portions even as we stuff ourselves silly.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 5, 2014

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

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