Chimichanga Vs Burrito (4 Major Differences)

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If you’re a big fan of portable snacks and meals, then you must be familiar with either chimichanga or burrito – because they are always at the top list of purchase-and-enjoy meals while on the go.

They’re very flavorful, healthy, and pocket-friendly. But most of us cannot tell them apart and are often confused whenever we want to make a purchase.

Chimichanga or burrito basically differ in texture, taste, ingredients, etc. We have already staged a comprehensive Chimichanga vs burrito match on this page so you can finally kiss goodbye to these cuisine’s frustrating resemblance and settle for your favorite.

But first, let’s start with the definitions.

What Is A Burrito?

Burrito is a flour tortilla, a dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that took form in California cuisine –wrapped into a sealed cylindrical shape around various ingredients. 

The size doesn’t matter because it differs depending on your location. In Northern Mexico, they are always quite small, almost like finger food. Whereas, in the United States they are a bit bulky.

Read Also: Enchilada Vs Burrito

What Is A Chimichanga?

Chimichangas are also dishes from Tex-Mex cuisine which has its roots in the Southwestern United States. But they are a deep-fried burrito where the ingredients are rolled up in a wheat tortilla.

Chimichangas VS Burritos: What’s The Difference?

Chimichanga Vs Burrito

Pardon me, I’m not going to talk about the boring histories of these Mexican cuisines, how they were named, and blah! blah!! blah!!!

I’m just going to address the crux of the matter –what makes them different –and we call it a day.

So, this is what you should know:

The most notable difference between these wraps is that the burrito is simply a tortilla folded around multiple ingredients and is easily hand-picked.

Whereas, chimichangas are fried burritos served on a plate with sour cream sauce and need a fork-knife to wind up the task.

The Difference in Texture, Taste, and Nutrition:

1. The Texture

Since chimichangas are deep-fried they always appear doubt crunchy and crispy on the outside.

You will experience two things if you purchase chimichangas.

Firstly, if you try using a fork on it, you can feel how crusty the skin is.

Secondly, after your first bite, you will see some part of the filling, as well as the melted cheese that makes the interior a bit wet –an irresistible look.

Burrito, on the other hand, isn’t deep-fried so the exterior is just like the texture of tortilla –just nice and soft.

Although the inside (according to what kind of filling is used) tends to be soft but not as wet as chimichanga.

The reason for this is because burrito doesn’t experience deep-frying. Hence, it doesn’t absorb extra oil into the filling so the cheese doesn’t really melt.

Read Also: Enchilada Vs Chimichanga

2. The Taste

Chimichangas and burritos are delicious, but they taste slightly different.

Burrito is a combination of soft tortilla, savory chicken, and firm cheese.

Meanwhile, Chimichangas have a combination of crunchy, savory, and melted cheese that mixed wonderfully well. Since it has some oil absorbed by the skin and filling, it’s a bit greasy. So they definitely taste different

3. Chimichanga Vs Burrito Ingredients

Vegetarian burritos contain beans, rice, potatoes, and iceberg lettuce inside their soft tortilla wraps. Meat-filled burritos also have rice and beans. The additional ingredients include salsa, cheese, chipotle sauce, and guacamole.

Meat is also an essential ingredient in chimichanga. Alongside meat, you can find cheese, rice, and beans in your chimichanga. And also guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are normally served on the side of a fried burrito. 

4. Health-wise: Which is Healthier?

There is no doubt burritos are 3X healthier than chimichanga because Chimichangas are high in calories.

A single dish provides 1500 calories approx. It is because chimichanga is first deep-fried and then topped with all heavy stuff like sour cream, guacamole, and other sauces.

A cuisine having such an amount of calories increases the possibility of heart disease and diabetes.

Unlike chimichangas, Burrito contains a decent amount of calories. They are not deep-fried and do not contain high calories ingredients.

Conclusion

If you’ve read up to this point, you must have realized Chimichangas and Burritos might be similar cuisine but are served, taste, and made differently.

And I’m pretty sure the Chimichangas vs Burritos comparison left no stone unturned. So when next you’re out for a breakfast or dinner nothing can hold you back an informed buying decision.

Read Also: What Is Jerk Seasoning Made Of And Used For?