Grilled Chicken Burrito – This easy grilled burrito is busting with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken paired with fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
What Makes a Grilled Chicken Burrito So Special?
A grilled chicken burrito is not your average burrito. It’s an ideal combination of grilled marinated chicken, zesty sauces, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled to crispy perfection. The grilling process adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the tortilla a slight crunch and sealing in all the delicious ingredients inside.
Not only is it a complete meal in itself, but it’s also versatile—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping!
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Marinate for maximum flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can make a difference, but overnight is best.
- Grill the tortilla: This is a game-changer! Grilling or toasting the burrito once it’s wrapped adds a delicious crunch.
- Don’t overstuff: Less is more when filling your burrito. Too many ingredients make it hard to wrap and might cause it to fall apart.
- Meal prep friendly: Grilled chicken burritos are excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, then assemble and grill them when you’re ready to eat.
Variations of Grilled Chicken Burritos
The beauty of a grilled chicken burrito is that it’s endlessly customizable! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Burrito: Add some extra heat by marinating the chicken with hot sauce or including spicy peppers like habaneros or chipotle peppers.
- Grilled Chicken Fajita Burrito: Incorporate grilled onions and bell peppers to turn your burrito into a fajita-style feast.
- Burrito Bowl: Not a fan of tortillas? Skip them and serve all the ingredients in a bowl with a side of tortilla chips.
- Low-Carb/Keto Burrito: Use a low-carb tortilla or wrap the burrito ingredients in a large lettuce leaf for a keto-friendly version.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu or roasted veggies like zucchini and peppers for a plant-based burrito.
How to Serve a Grilled Chicken Burrito
Grilled chicken burritos are a meal in themselves, but you can elevate your dining experience by serving them with:
- Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- A side of Mexican street corn (Elote)
- Chips and guacamole or queso dip
- A light green salad with lime vinaigrette
For beverages, consider pairing your burrito with a refreshing margarita, Mexican beer, or a cold agua fresca.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Burritos
Storing Leftovers:
- If you have leftovers, tightly wrap the burritos in aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Grilled chicken burritos also freeze beautifully! Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- For refrigerated burritos, simply pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For frozen burritos, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the tortilla crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great for burritos. Just adjust your grilling time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook.
What’s the best tortilla for burritos?
Large flour tortillas are the classic choice for burritos because they’re flexible and don’t break easily. However, you can experiment with whole wheat, spinach, or low-carb tortillas.
How do I prevent my burrito from getting soggy?
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to avoid excess juices in the burrito. Also, avoid overloading with wet ingredients like salsa or sour cream. Adding a layer of rice or cheese between the tortilla and moist ingredients helps create a barrier.
Can I grill the burrito on an indoor grill or skillet?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a skillet, grill pan, or even a panini press. It will still get that crispy, grilled effect.
Grilled Chicken Burrito
Grilled Chicken Burrito - This easy grilled burrito is busting with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken paired with fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: diced tomatoes, avocado slices, jalapeños, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Get the grill ready for both direct and indirect cooking. You’ll need a flat griddle or cast iron skillet for this.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat a little butter or oil on the griddle, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft—about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the griddle and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, grill whole chicken breasts first, then dice them afterward for extra sear.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out the flour tortillas. Layer the chicken mixture, black beans, rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa evenly across each tortilla.
- Roll It Up: Fold in the sides and roll the burritos tightly.
- Grill the Burritos: Place them seam-side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and marked with grill lines.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or jalapeños. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 828Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 141mgSodium 1551mgCarbohydrates 74gFiber 15gSugar 6gProtein 57g
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
A grilled chicken burrito is a flavorful, satisfying dish that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll end up with a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a burrito that rivals anything you’d get from a restaurant!
Still Hungry! Try these other chicken recipes: