Burrito vs. Chimichanga — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
A burrito is a soft tortilla wrapped around fillings like meat and beans, while a chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito, often crisped and served with toppings.
Difference Between Burrito and Chimichanga
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Key Differences
A burrito consists of a soft flour tortilla typically filled with a combination of ingredients such as rice, beans, meat, and vegetables. Whereas, a chimichanga takes these same fillings but is then deep-fried, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a hot, melted interior.
Burritos are often eaten handheld, making them a convenient and portable meal option. On the other hand, chimichangas, because of their crispy, fried nature, are usually served on a plate and eaten with a fork and knife, often topped with sauces like guacamole, sour cream, or cheese.
The preparation of a burrito is simpler and requires less cooking time as it involves just wrapping the fillings in a tortilla. In contrast, preparing a chimichanga involves an additional step of frying, which adds complexity and cooking time but also texture and flavor.
Burritos can be found in many variations, from breakfast versions filled with egg and sausage to vegetarian options loaded with fresh vegetables. Chimichangas, while also versatile, are more indulgent due to the frying process, which adds calories and gives it a richer taste.
Health-conscious diners might prefer burritos, which are generally lower in fat and calories because they are not fried. Chimichangas, however, are often seen as a treat or indulgence due to their richer, fried composition.
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Comparison Chart
Preparation
Wrapped and served without cooking
Deep-fried after wrapping
Texture
Soft and pliable
Crispy and golden
Serving Method
Handheld or lightly plated
Typically plated with sauces
Nutritional Content
Generally healthier, fewer calories
Higher in calories and fat
Variations
Wide range, including breakfast
Often limited to meaty, cheesy types
Compare with Definitions
Burrito
A Mexican dish consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around various fillings like beans, rice, and meat.
He ordered a chicken burrito for lunch.
Chimichanga
Known for its crispy texture.
The crispy shell of a chimichanga makes it very appealing.
Burrito
Often enjoyed as a portable meal.
She grabbed a burrito on her way to the meeting.
Chimichanga
Contains higher calories due to being fried.
He avoided chimichangas due to their high calorie content.
Burrito
Customizable with a range of fillings and sauces.
I love adding extra guacamole to my burrito.
Chimichanga
A Mexican-inspired dish consisting of a deep-fried burrito.
She ordered a beef chimichanga at the new Mexican restaurant.
Burrito
Popular in fast-food and sit-down restaurants alike.
Their menu features several types of burritos.
Chimichanga
Typically served with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or guacamole.
The chimichanga was smothered in cheese and sour cream.
Burrito
Can be a healthier food option depending on the fillings.
He chose a vegetarian burrito with lots of fresh vegetables.
Chimichanga
Considered more indulgent compared to other Mexican dishes.
I treat myself to a chimichanga on special occasions.
Burrito
A burrito (English: , Spanish: [buˈrito] (listen)) is a dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that took form in California cuisine, consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped into a sealed cylindrical shape around various ingredients. The tortilla is sometimes lightly grilled or steamed to soften it, make it more pliable, and allow it to adhere to itself when wrapped.
Chimichanga
A chimichanga (; Spanish: [tʃimiˈtʃaŋɡa]) is a deep-fried burrito that is common in Tex-Mex and other Southwestern U.S. cuisine. The dish is typically prepared by filling a flour tortilla with various ingredients, most commonly rice, cheese, beans, and a meat such as machaca (dried meat), carne adobada (marinated meat), carne seca (dried beef), or shredded chicken, and folding it into a rectangular package.
Burrito
A flour tortilla wrapped around a filling, as of beef, beans, or cheese.
Chimichanga
A deep-fried burrito.
Burrito
A Mexican dish consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of meat and/or beans, cheese etc.
Chimichanga
(US) A deep-fried wet burrito
Burrito
(slang) To wrap someone or something up like a burrito.
Burrito
A flour tortilla folded around a filling.
Burrito
A flour tortilla folded around a filling
Common Curiosities
Is a chimichanga served differently than a burrito?
Yes, a chimichanga is usually plated and served with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or guacamole, unlike a burrito which can be handheld.
What makes a chimichanga different from a burrito?
A chimichanga is essentially a burrito that has been deep-fried, giving it a crispy texture.
Which is healthier, a burrito or a chimichanga?
Generally, burritos are healthier because they are not fried, making them lower in calories and fat.
Can you make a vegetarian chimichanga?
Yes, you can make a chimichanga with vegetarian fillings, although it's traditionally made with meat.
How do you eat a chimichanga?
It's typically eaten with a fork and knife due to its crispy texture and toppings.
Can you make a burrito without meat?
Yes, there are many vegetarian and even vegan burrito options available.
What is a burrito?
A burrito is a Mexican dish where a flour tortilla is filled with ingredients like meat, beans, rice, and vegetables, and then wrapped closed.
What types of fillings can you put in a burrito?
Burritos can include a wide range of fillings including meats, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables.
Are burritos suitable for breakfast?
Yes, breakfast burritos with fillings like eggs and sausage are quite popular.
Is a burrito or chimichanga more filling?
Both can be quite filling, but the rich, fried nature of a chimichanga might make it feel more substantial.
What are common occasions to eat chimichangas?
Chimichangas are often considered a treat or indulgence and might be chosen for special dining occasions.
Can chimichangas be part of a healthy diet?
While higher in calories, they can be enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet.
What are popular toppings for a chimichanga?
Popular toppings include sour cream, cheese, and guacamole.
What is the origin of the chimichanga?
The chimichanga is believed to have originated in Arizona when a burrito accidentally fell into a deep fryer.
Do all Mexican restaurants serve chimichangas?
Not all, but many Mexican restaurants in the United States offer chimichangas.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
