Chicken Burrito – This quick burrito is bursting with flavor, loaded with juicy chicken, and wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Recipe
Chicken burritos are a fantastic choice for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Here’s why they’re a crowd-pleaser:
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find in any grocery store.
- Customizable: Easily tweak fillings, toppings, and seasonings to fit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These burritos can be made ahead, stored, and even frozen for quick meals later on.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and loads of veggies, chicken burritos can be a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Essential Ingredients for a Classic Chicken Burrito
Creating a great chicken burrito starts with the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. The key is marinating and seasoning them well.
- Tortilla: Look for large flour tortillas, around 10–12 inches, for an ideal burrito wrap.
- Rice: A burrito staple! Cilantro-lime rice adds a nice flavor punch, but plain or seasoned rice works too.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans are classic choices; they add protein and texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend is perfect for that gooey melt.
- Vegetables: Common options include diced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and peppers. Grilled or sautéed veggies work great too.
- Salsa and Sauce: A bit of salsa, pico de gallo, or a spicy chipotle sauce brings everything together.
- Seasonings: Essential spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips and Tricks for Burrito Success
- Wrap It Right: Start with a warm tortilla to avoid tearing. Fold in the sides first, then roll up tightly to secure all the fillings.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Less is more when it comes to fillings. An overfilled burrito can be difficult to wrap and may fall apart.
- Crisp It Up: After wrapping, grill your burrito in a pan for a toasty finish and to help it stay together.
- Make It Creamy: Adding a layer of sour cream or a creamy sauce like chipotle mayo can elevate the burrito’s flavor.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best parts of making chicken burritos is how easy it is to customize them. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Chicken Burrito: Add a touch of heat with sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy chipotle crema.
- Fajita Chicken Burrito: Sauté bell peppers and onions with the chicken for a fajita-style burrito.
- Cheesy Chicken Burrito: Double up on cheese or add queso for a super cheesy twist.
- Chicken Avocado Burrito: Add slices of fresh avocado or a dollop of guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Low-Carb Burrito Bowl: Skip the tortilla and layer everything in a bowl for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
How to Serve Your Chicken Burrito
Chicken burritos are delicious on their own, but here are some tasty accompaniments:
- Sides: Serve with chips, guacamole, or a fresh side salad.
- Dips: Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole make excellent dips.
- Beverages: Pair with a cold cerveza, margarita, or refreshing agua fresca.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Burritos
Chicken burritos are great for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Wrap each burrito in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each burrito in foil, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: For crispy burritos, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. For faster reheating, microwave for 1–2 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just season it with your favorite spices or sauces for added flavor.
How can I make my chicken burrito spicy?
To add heat, use spicy salsa, add sliced jalapeños, or mix in hot sauce. For an extra kick, you could also add cayenne pepper or a touch of chipotle powder to the chicken marinade.
Are chicken burritos healthy?
Chicken burritos can be a nutritious option when made with lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of veggies. To keep it light, go easy on cheese and sauces, or opt for a low-carb burrito bowl version.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace chicken with seasoned tofu, beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What’s the best way to keep burritos from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much salsa or watery toppings. You can also place a paper towel inside the burrito wrap while assembling, which can absorb any excess moisture.
Chicken Burrito
Chicken Burrito - This quick burrito is bursting with flavor, loaded with juicy chicken, and wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla.
Ingredients
- Tortillas: 5 large flour tortillas (approx. 8” wide)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp each of onion powder, dried oregano, and salt
- 2 tsp each of cumin powder and paprika
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Chicken Filling:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 600g / 1.2 lb chicken breast, sliced horizontally
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can refried beans (400g/14oz)
Rice Options (choose one):
- 2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice (perfect for burritos)
- 2.5 cups plain white rice (cooked)
Other Toppings:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
- 1 can corn, drained (400g/14oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sauces:
- Sour cream, avocado sauce, salsa (smooth restaurant style)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Mix the seasoning ingredients. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with seasoning and toss to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over high heat. Add chicken, cooking for about 2 minutes on one side and 1.5 minutes on the other. Rest for 2 minutes, then chop.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook until onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Finish the Filling: Add refried beans, chopped chicken, and water. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, letting the filling thicken slightly (should be juicy, not watery). Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Burritos: Warm tortillas gently in the microwave for flexibility. On each tortilla, layer rice, chicken filling, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Roll up burrito-style.
- Toast (Optional): For a crispy finish, pan-fry burritos over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side (no oil) or wrap in foil and bake at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Dunk in your choice of sauces like avocado, sour cream, or smooth salsa—or get creative with hot sauce or queso!
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 955Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 128mgSodium 1264mgCarbohydrates 103gFiber 12gSugar 7gProtein 58g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making a chicken burrito at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to create the perfect blend of flavors and textures tailored to your taste. From spicy and cheesy variations to the perfect storage tips, this guide has you covered. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a filling, flavorful meal, whip up this chicken burrito recipe and enjoy every bite.
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