National Chimichanga Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Comfort Food Fast Food Mexican food
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 26
Holiday emoji:: 🌯

National Chimichanga Day arrives every September 26, celebrating the delicious deep-fried burrito that began as a happy accident. Dive into the history of this Mexican-American favorite, explore its regional variations, and find the best ways to enjoy its crispy, savory goodness. Get ready to indulge in a culinary treat!

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Expected National Chimichanga Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Chimichanga Day brings flavorful deals. Many local and national Mexican restaurants, such as Chipotle, Qdoba, and Del Taco, often offer discounts on burritos and bowls which can easily be adapted into chimichanga-style meals. Look for special offers from chains like On The Border, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, and El Torito, which frequently feature chimichangas on their menus. Some grocery stores like Walmart and Target might also have promotions on frozen chimichangas or ingredients for homemade versions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Chimichanga Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalChimichangaDay. Film a ‘chimichanga mukbang’ or a quick recipe tutorial for a homemade version.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ChimichangaDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite chimichanga, whether from a restaurant or homemade.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalChimichangaDay. Ask your followers to share their go-to chimichanga fillings and toppings.

National Chimichanga Day Hero

Monica Flin

Monica Flin, the founder of El Charro Cafe in Tucson, Arizona, is widely credited with the accidental invention of the chimichanga in 1946. The story goes that she accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep-fryer, exclaimed a Spanish 'thingamajig' (chimichanga), and a culinary legend was born. Her innovation transformed a simple burrito into a crispy, golden-brown delight that has since become a staple of Mexican-American cuisine.

History of National Chimichanga Day

The chimichanga is a humble food item—a deep-fried burrito stuffed with meat and other ingredients. However, as with many staple dishes, the origin of the chimichanga is disputed.

Over the years a number of restaurants based in Tucson, Arizona have proclaimed themselves as the inventors of the chimichanga. The most popular origin story dates back to the late 1940s or early ’50s, and is credited to Monica Flin—owner of El Charro Cafe. According to legend the modern-day chimichanga was the result of Flin accidentally flipping a burrito into the deep fryer. Flin exclaimed, using a Spanish swear word “Chimichanga!” What came out of the fryer that day was a crisp, savory burrito that became a legend in its own right.

Similar to a burrito, the chimichanga is loaded with a number of fillings; rice, beans, and of course, seasoned meat. The meat is usually pork, steak, or braised beef. The beans are either black or pinto, and the rice is typically Mexican-style. Cheese is also a popular filling—Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Chihuahua. Many people pairing their chimichangas with Tex-Mex sauce, queso, and salsa.

The impact of the chimichanga has grown into a cultural phenomenon and we have the serendipitous marriage of a burrito and a deep fryer to thank for it. On National Chimichanga Day, let’s all think about the roots of this delicious dish and its creators.

National Chimichanga Day timeline

1922

Happy Accident

Monica Flin, who started the restaurant El Charro Cafe in Arizona, creates the chimichanga when a burrito falls into the deep fryer.

1946

A Timeless Classic Gets a New Spin

Another story claims that the chimichanga was created by accident when Macayo’s founder drops a meat burrito into the deep fryer at their restaurant in Phoenix.

2009

Hail to the Chimi

Chimichangas are among the most popular dishes at Mexican restaurants and they attract the attention of the first family—President Barack Obama orders a signature chimi while celebrating his daughter Malia’s birthday.

2020

National Chimichanga Day is Launched

To give this dish the recognition it deserves, Kind Macayo sponsors the first National Chimichanga Day. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Chimichanga Day

Local Mexican restaurants and food trucks can celebrate National Chimichanga Day by offering special chimichanga combos or limited-time fillings. Consider a ‘Chimichanga of the Day’ feature with unique flavor profiles. Grocery stores could highlight ingredients for homemade chimichangas, such as tortillas, shredded cheese, and various protein options, perhaps with recipe cards. Food bloggers and culinary schools can host online cooking classes or share unique chimichanga recipes to engage their audiences.

National Chimichanga Day FAQs

When is National Chimichanga Day?

National Chimichanga Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 26, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to enjoy this crispy dish. It’s a great excuse to visit your favorite Mexican restaurant or try making one at home.

How did the chimichanga originate?

The chimichanga is believed to have originated in 1946, most famously attributed to Monica Flin of El Charro Cafe in Tucson, Arizona. The story recounts her accidentally dropping a burrito into a deep-fryer, leading to the creation of the now-iconic deep-fried burrito.

How popular are chimichangas in the U.S.?

Chimichangas are a widely popular item on Mexican restaurant menus across the United States, particularly in the Southwest. They are a comfort food favorite, with millions enjoying their crispy exterior and savory fillings annually.

What's the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito?

The key difference lies in preparation: a chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. While both feature a tortilla wrapped around various fillings, the chimichanga’s deep-frying process gives it a distinct crispy, golden-brown exterior.

National Chimichanga Day Activities

Go get a chimichanga
The most obvious (and most obviously delicious) way to celebrate is to head out to your local Mexican restaurant and grab a chimichanga. The dish has become so ubiquitous, you’d be hard-pressed not to find one.
Throw a Mexican-themed party
Who doesn't love a themed party and dressing up? Throw a Mexican party and serve tequilas, nachos, and of course, chimichangas!
Make your own chimichanga
For those of us who can’t experience a chimi directly from a Mexican kitchen, making one at home is a good alternative. Assemble your favorite burrito-making ingredients, heat up that frying oil, and recreate the iconic moment when the two came together.

5 Accompaniments For Chimichangas

Guacamole
This avocado dip goes very well with chimichangas.
Salsa
You can choose from several varieties including tomato-based, fruit-based, and spicy or mild salsas.
Sour cream
The tangy, creamy topping balances the heat of any spices.
Rice and beans
It's a common pairing that makes the dish eve more filling.
Salad
A side salad adds a refreshing contrast to the chimichanga's savory flavors.

Why We Love National Chimichanga Day

It celebrates a classic dish
National Chimichanga Day gives us all a reason (like we needed one?) to celebrate this iconic dish.
It reminds us to embrace happy accidents
The chimichanga was invented by someone who accidentally dropped a burrito in the fryer. If this didn't happen, we might not have had this staple of Mexican food today!
It’s a chance for us to come together
To celebrate the chimichanga on this day, there are many events and promotions designed to bring the community together around their favorite deep-fried dish.