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Be excited to celebrate National Chimichanga Day on Sept. 26! The delicious deep-fried burrito-like dish originated in the American Southwest, and has been around since at least the 1940s. It is believed that the name "chimichanga" is derived from a mispronunciation of the Spanish word for "chimney sweep," which is chimenea. While its exact origin remains unknown, what we do know for sure is that it's an incredibly tasty dish that combines all sorts of flavors and textures in one scrumptious bite!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chimichanga Originates</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Chimichanga is believed to have been created in the 1940s in the American Southwest, bringing together Mexican cuisine and American cooking techniques.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chimichanga Goes Global</div><div class='timeline-text'>As Mexican and Southwestern cuisine became more popular globally, dishes like the chimichanga became well-known worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fast Food Inclusion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chimichangas became a staple item in fast food Mexican restaurants, further popularizing the dish.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vegetarian Variations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Vegetarian and vegan versions of the chimichanga started to emerge, making this tasty meal accessible to a wider audience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gourmet Spin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chefs started to experiment with gourmet versions of chimichangas, adding a new twist to the traditional dish.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Chimichanga Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Chimichanga Day is officially recognized as a day to celebrate this tasty dish, held annually on September 26.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a different chimichanga</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Chimichangas come in all shapes and sizes. Try something new, like a beef barbacoa chimichanga, or a chorizo and cheese chimichanga, or a spicy pork chimichanga. There is no end to the combinations you can try!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own chimichangas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Making your own chimichangas at home is easy and fun. Start with a filling of your choice, wrap it up in a corn or flour tortilla and deep fry it until golden brown. Top it off with some salsa and sour cream for a delicious treat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local Mexican restaurant</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There's nothing like a good chimichanga made by professionals. Visit a local Mexican restaurant and enjoy a delicious chimichanga with all the fixins. Be sure to ask what their special of the day is.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a chimichanga party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite some friends over and have a chimichanga party! Ask everyone to bring their favorite fillings and toppings and have a blast making your own creations. Don't forget the margaritas!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a food truck rally</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local food trucks that serve chimichangas and organize your own food truck rally! Invite friends to join you, grab some chairs and blankets, and enjoy the food and people watching.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chimichangas are delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's something about a deep-fried, cheesy burrito that's hard to resist! The crunchy outer shell combined with the soft and tender filling will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Add some toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you've got a comforting dish that's sure to satisfy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chimichangas are easy to customize</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From spicy chicken to refried beans, the ingredients for chimichangas are only limited by one's creativity! Plus, they can be served as an entree or even as an appetizer. So no matter your preference, you're sure to find a combination that fits your taste.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Chimichangas are fun to make</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Making chimichangas is a great activity for family and friends. Gather around the kitchen table and let everyone assemble their own creations. Then pop them in the oven (or fryer!) and get ready for a yummy Mexican feast!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chimichanga Name Comes from a Culinary Misfortune</h3><p class='facts-content'>The name chimichanga, literally meaning "thingamajig", is said to have been coined by a cook who dropped a pastry into the deep fryer in surprise, and began to utter a Spanish curse-word, but quickly held her tongue and instead exclaimed "chimichanga!"</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children Love Making Mini-Chimis</h3><p class='facts-content'>The miniature counterparts of chimichangas, affectionately known as 'mini chimi', are not only loved by kids for eating but their cute size makes it easier and fun for kids to participate in cooking as well.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>“Chimi” has made its Hollywood Appearance</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Chimichanga" is famously used as a catchphrase by "Deadpool", a popular Marvel Comics character. The unconventional superhero has a particular fondness for the dish, so much so that he even mentions it in his films and comics!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chimichangas can be Sweet Too</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being commonly filled with savory ingredients, Chimichangas can also be a sweet treat. Dessert chimichangas typically consist of a fruit filling, like apple or cherry, and are often drizzled with chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chimichanga isn't Authentically Mexican</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even though we associate chimichangas with Mexican food, it wasn't till the 1950s that this dish got added to the menu in the Mexican border state of Sonora. The deep-fried delicacy is more typical of the Tex-Mex or Southwestern cuisine in the USA.</p></div></div>
National Chimichanga Day is celebrated on September 26 every year. In 2024, National Chimichanga Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Sep 26
Tuesday
2024
Sep 26
Thursday
2025
Sep 26
Friday
2026
Sep 26
Saturday
2027
Sep 26
Sunday
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