Enchilada vs. Chimichanga: What’s the Difference?

5 min readMar 24, 2022

Enchilada vs. Chimichanga: What’s the Difference?

Difference Between Enchilada and chimichanga are classic Mexican cuisine that are ideal when you want a nice, flavorful, and satisfying snack or supper. Aside from the fact that they are both Mexican cuisine, they are fairly similar in that they are both deep-fried and made with many of the same filling components. Enchiladas and chimichangas, on the other hand, differ in several ways.

What exactly is the distinction between an enchilada and a chimichanga? The only distinction between an enchilada and a chimichanga is in their packaging. An real enchilada is wrapped in corn tortillas, but a chimichanga is usually wrapped in flour tortillas.

Wants to know the Difference Between Enchilada and chimichanga

What Other Distinctions Do an Enchilada and a Chimichanga Have?

Aside from the obvious difference in wrapping, there are several other distinctions between an enchilada and a chimichanga. For starters, they differ in one major element. A chimichanga typically has rice in its filling, but an enchilada does not. Enchiladas and chimichangas can both feature cheese, beans, shredded meat, and other ingredients. Because a chimichanga is a sort of burrito that is deep-fried, the filling must include rice.

Difference Between Enchilada and chimichanga

Second, an enchilada is a classic and indigenous Mexican dish. A chimichanga, on the other hand, is a Tex-Mex dish. It is not a true Mexican dish. The name is essentially a combination of Mexican and Spanish words (chamuscado). In 1946, Woody Johnson, the owner of Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen, mistakenly placed a burrito in a deep fried and thought he developed chimichangas. After being added to the menu, the product soon became popular.

Third, an enchilada is always served with either a chili-based or a cheese-based enchilada sauce. Chimichangas may be paired with a variety of sauces and salsas. That being stated, you may match your enchilada with whatever sauce or salsa you like.

Is an Enchilada the same as a Chimichanga?

In a nutshell, yes and no. An enchilada and a chimichanga may taste similar due to the use of similar sauces and filling components. The type and seasoning of rice used in a chimichanga, on the other hand, can significantly alter the overall flavor of your chimichanga. Furthermore, people with sensitive taste buds may distinguish between the flavors of a corn tortilla and a flour tortilla.

Is it healthy to eat enchiladas and chimichangas?

They are, indeed. The meat, beans, and cheeses in an enchilada and chimichanga provide a good source of protein. You can receive roughly 20 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 400 calories depending on how much you ration. The amount of salt and fat in the dish will be determined by the amount of oil and salt used, as well as the meat-fat ratio of the beef utilized.

What Are the Ingredients in a Chimichanga?

cheese with beans To make it a more complete dinner, add some meat. Shredded pork and chicken are usually excellent options. You may also use dried or marinated beef chunks, as well as minced meat.

What Are the Ingredients in an Enchilada?

People typically utilize meat, beans, potatoes, cheese, and other veggies as enchilada fillings. As with chimichangas, you may add meat for a more complete supper. Shredded pork and chicken are other excellent options, as are dry or seasoned beef mince or slices.

Enchiladas are served with either chili or cheese sauces as a topping.

Can You Make an Enchilada and a Chimichanga in the Oven?

You certainly can. Those trying to reduce their fat intake can bake their enchiladas and chimichangas for a change. Temperatures and baking times differ depending on the oven. Begin with 175° C for 25 minutes and modify as needed.

Is it Simple to Prepare an Enchilada or a Chimichanga?

Yes. If you want to avoid take-out, you can cook one yourself at any time of day.

Here’s how it’s done:

- Make a decision on your fillings.

- Grate the cheeses.

- Prepare your veggies by chopping or slicing them.

- Cook and season your beef pieces or mince.

- Choose, prepare, and season your preferred rice for chimichangas.

- Combine your fillings well.

- Prepare a corn tortilla for your enchilada and a flour tortilla for your chimichanga.

- Filling should be spooned out around the edge of the tortilla. Use little more than a third of a cup per tortilla.

- Roll your tortilla gently but securely. Keep the seams tucked in so the wraps don’t open up before frying or baking.

- Prepare your chili or cheese sauce for enchiladas.

Preheat the oil for deep frying. You can use so much cooking oil that the entire enchilada or chimichanga sinks. You may also use oil that dips your enchilada or chimichanga halfway. However, after a few minutes, you will need to flip the pieces.

Enchiladas and chimichangas should be fried on medium-high heat. Also, take care not to burn them too rapidly. Aim for a golden brown tone that is crisp and clean.

Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on a rack or a plate lined with paper towels.

Plate the enchiladas and pour the sauce over them, or serve the chimichangas with sauce or salsa.

Can Enchiladas and Chimichangas Be Freeze-Dried?

Yes, you may make enchiladas and chimichangas ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Take them out whenever you want to cook something. The components do not need to be thawed. You may immediately drop them into the medium-heated oil for deep frying.

What Goes Well With Enchiladas and Chimichangas?

Enchiladas and chimichangas can be topped with spicy sauces, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Conclusion

Enchiladas are wrapped in corn tortillas, but chimichangas are wrapped in flour tortillas.

A chimichanga typically has rice in the filling, but an enchilada does not.

For a chimichanga, you may add almost any sauce or salsa. An enchilada, on the other hand, is always served with a special enchilada sauce (chili sauce or cheese sauce).