The chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito popular in mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Its exact origin is a subject of debate, with multiple claims to its invention. One story attributes its creation to an mexican american cook, who, in the 1920s, accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer at her restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, and then exclaimed a Spanish curse word that sounded like “chimichanga,” meaning “thingamajig” or “whatchamacallit.”
Another claim comes from a known Mexican Restaurant chain, which states that its founder, invented the chimichanga in 1946 by deep-frying a burrito to reheat it.
Regardless of its precise origin, the chimichanga has become a beloved dish in Mexican-American cuisine, known for its crispy exterior and flavorful interior. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.