Chimichanga vs Burrito: Ultimate Mexican Delight

Chimichanga Vs Burrito

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Chimichanga and Burrito are the two Tex-Mex dishes popular in the whole world. They are good choices for both lunch and dinner. But with their similar appearances, they can confuse anyone easily. So if you are interested to know the differences between them, this article will help you. 

Are you not sure about which one among Chimichanga and Burrito you should choose for a meal? Are you a fitness freak and want to know if Chimichanga and burritos are healthy or not? In this article, you will find all your answers about these delicious foods.

Chimichanga Vs. Burrito 

There are several major differences between Chimichanga Vs. Burrito. From size to shape, they differ in various forms. Burritos are smaller in size compared to Chimichanga. Not only this, Chimichanga is cooked differently. It is fried while the burrito is baked well before serving. 

Both are the evolution of traditional tortillas. Burritos can be considered folded soft tortillas. Talking about their fillings, Burritos have less non-vegetarian food and more vegetables. In contrast, Chimichanga has more meat and fewer veggies. 

If you are unable to still draw a conclusion and choose between the two, we have covered more differences. 

Chimichanga Vs. Burrito – Quick Comparison 

Most menu cards contain these two Mexican foods. But we often find it difficult to make a decision. However, one can look at the differences and features of both before buying them. So, make these mouthwatering dishes a part of your meal someday. 

Indeed, there are a lot of differences between Chimichanga and Burrito. Let’s take a look!

Features ChimichangaBurrito
Texture Golden brown and crunchy Light brown and soft
Ingredients More meat and fewer vegetables Less meat and more vegetables including beans.
Healthy Less healthy More healthy 
Serving Served on a plate Served in a foil 
Dips UsedA lot of sauce on topServed with sour cream
Method of cooking Deep-fried Baked well 
Price Expensive Less expensive 
Origin USAMexico
Taste Crunchy and savory with melted cheese Savory chicken with cheese taste 

Now take a detailed overview of Chimichanga and Burrito.

Overview Of Chimichanga And Burrito

If you are a food lover, you must be excited to try new dishes. What if you end up disliking its taste and flavors?

To avoid such situations, it is best to read and get an idea about any food before you purchase it.

So, let’s move to the two delicious treats and know a little bit more about them.

These two dishes are common in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. They are also a part of Southwestern U.S. cuisines.

Chimichangas are deep-fried tortillas with a thick layer of fillings. This dish was made in the USA first. Later, it became popular in Texas, Mexico, and Arizona.

Chimichanga Overview
Chimichanga

Hence, the fillings and sauces served with Chimichangas change with location. In some countries, you will find enchilada sauce while others serve it with guacamole. 

Taking burritos into consideration, they originated from Chihuahua, a Mexican state. If you prefer baked food over fried, you need burritos for your next meal.

They are tortillas wrapped around various ingredients in a cylindrical shape. The size and fillings differ according to the locations.

Burritos are also served with only one type of fillings in a few countries. 

Chimichanga and burrito are those delicious foods that no one can resist. They have fillings of meat, rice, beans, cheese, etc.

The thicker layers of fillings will make them your favorite foods to eat. And who doesn’t love creamy cheese? It definitely provides a calm feeling and satisfaction.

Chimichanga and burrito are a form of tortilla but with great flavors. They are well cooked and served.

There will be no limit to the amount of Chimichanga and burrito you want to order after having the first bite. 

These foods are similar in appearance.

However, some differences in their nutritional values, ingredients, sizes, method of cooking, etc might help you to make the choices according to your needs.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started. 

Also read our comparison article on Hash Brown vs tater tots

Chimichanga Vs. Burrito [Detailed Comparison]

Purchase a Chimichanga or burrito only when you know the differences. You will appreciate these dishes after understanding their features like health facts, taste, texture, etc.

We don’t want you to hate them just after taking the first bite. Therefore, read all the features carefully.

It’s time to rule out one of these two dishes to enjoy the taste of another. Let’s dive into the comprehensive guide on Chimichanga Vs. Burrito.

Size

As we have mentioned earlier, whether it’s Chimichanga or burrito, the size and shape differ depending on the location.

Chimichanga from the year it originated had a bigger size than a burrito. In some areas like Northern Mexico, they are small. While in the US, you will find bulky Chimichanga. It is not to say that this dish does not have a size according to its price.

Chimichanga has a considerable size due to the ingredients present in it and they are worth the money.

Definitely, the size of burritos is different from Chimichanga. As it is wrapped in a cylindrical-shaped tortilla, it might be smaller than a Chimichanga. 

Origin 

One of the main differences between Chimichanga Vs Burrito is their country of origin. Chimichanga is a well-known dish in the USA.

If we specifically talk about their origin, Texas is the first place to give Chimichanga to the world.

So, it is an American adaptation. Most researchers agree that this dish was created accidentally in a restaurant in the USA. The words “chimi” and “changa” originated from two Mexican Spanish terms.

There is still so much confusion about who gave the Chimichanga word to the world. Still, Woody Johnson claims that he invented this term. 

On the other hand, Burritos originated in a Mexican state.

Burrito Overview
Burrito

The roots of this dish came earlier compared to Chimichanga. It was founded in 10,000 B.C. However, it got modifications in the fillings and sizes in America. In Mesoamerican culture, the burrito is commonly eaten. Not only this, it is a precursor to tacos.

Ingredients 

While both Chimichanga and Burrito are filled with meat, there are some other ingredients used in them. These ingredients will differ in both dishes.

Despite the quality of ingredients, quantity also depends on the location. As Chimichanga belongs to the USA, you will find more meat in comparison to veggies, chili, cheese, rice, and beans. This dish is topped with a lot of hot sauce.

Owing to the roots in Mexico, Burritos contain less meat and more beans. That’s because it is baked and not fried.

So, if a large amount of meat is used in Burritos, you may have to eat it raw. Also, they don’t have sauce. Burritos come with cream in some areas. 

Nutritional Values 

Whatever we eat, it is important to consider its nutritional values. That’s because food with high amounts of fats increases blood cholesterol levels and causes heart problems. 

According to researchers, Chimichanga contains 443 calories. With this, it also has 11 grams saturated fat, 23 grams total fat, 51 mg cholesterol, 20 grams protein, vitamins, calcium, and 39 grams carbohydrates. 

At the same time, Burritos have 6 grams of saturated fat, 13 grams protein, 2 grams sugar, 100 mg calcium, and 165 mg cholesterol. Considering these nutritional values, Chimichanga is less healthy than burritos. 

Cooking Method 

The cooking method of the two dishes is extremely different from each other. Chimichanga is prepared after deep frying.

They may be reheated again after cooking. Burritos are cooked using traditional methods. They are rolled up around ingredients and baked until the fillings get soft. 

Recommended reading – Achiote vs ancho

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nutritional value of Chimichanga?

A 100 grams of Chimichanga contains 11 grams of fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 11 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. But it is unhealthy as compared to Burritos.

What are the ingredients of burritos?

Burritos include beef, lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, beans, chilli sauce, and sour cream. However, these fillings might differ. 

What are chimichanga shells made of?

Chimichanga shells are made of large tortillas, chicken, cheese, spices, refried beans, etc. Pair it with Mexican Rice and a drink to complete your dinner. 

Final Verdict

Hopefully, you have understood which dish to eat when you visit a restaurant. Pick anyone according to their health facts, taste, and texture. 

If you want to eat healthy yet tasty food, prefer burritos over Chimichanga. It has all the essential ingredients that provide you with macro and micronutrients.

But for people who love meat and saucy food, Chimichanga is a perfect choice as it brings a unique taste, unlike other ordinary foods.

You can opt for Chimichanga if you want to taste American cuisine. You can also make burritos as a substitute for Chimichanga to not miss the most beloved dish of Mexican cuisine. 

Lastly, always decide on the basis of your needs. 

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