chicken burrito recipe that wraps tender, spice-kissed chicken, creamy mashed avocado, bright salsa, and buttery rice in a warm flour tortilla. Imagine coming home to the scent of cumin and smoky chili powder dancing from the kitchen, while juicy chicken simmers alongside sautéed bell peppers and onions. A splash of zesty lime juice and a hint of cilantro bring sunshine to every bite. Folded snugly and grilled to golden perfection, these burritos offer a satisfying crunch that echoes laughter around the table. Quick to assemble and endlessly customizable, this family-friendly feast turns any weeknight into a festive fiesta!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This chicken burrito recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and fillings.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein and veggies.
- Great for meal prep, enjoy leftovers for lunch!
chicken burrito recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat it evenly for the best flavor.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s done, about 6-8 minutes per side. You want it golden and cooked through.
- 3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
- 4. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. This makes them pliable and easier to roll.
- 5. Lay a tortilla flat. In the center, layer rice, black beans, shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and cilantro. Don’t overfill; you want to be able to roll it up!
- 6. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom up. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight.
- 7. Optional: Grill the burrito seam-side down for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up. This adds a nice texture!
- 8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken burrito! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 60g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious chicken burrito that the whole family will love!
- 1 lb – boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 – large flour tortillas
- 1 cup – cooked rice
- 1 cup – canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup – shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup – salsa
- 1/4 cup – chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp – olive oil
- 1 tsp – ground cumin
- 1 tsp – chili powder
- 1/2 tsp – garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
How to Make the Recipe
This easy chicken burrito recipe is perfect for a family meal. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 16 minutes, you’ll have delicious burritos ready in no time. Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding!
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat it evenly for the best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s done, about 6-8 minutes per side. You want it golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Rest and Shred
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. This makes them pliable and easier to roll.
Step 5: Assemble the Burrito
Lay a tortilla flat. In the center, layer rice, black beans, shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and cilantro. Don’t overfill; you want to be able to roll it up!
Step 6: Roll the Burrito
Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom up. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight.
Step 7: Optional Grilling
Optional: Grill the burrito seam-side down for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up. This adds a nice texture!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken burrito! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 16 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 36 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and fresh with your favorite toppings! |
Pro Tips for Making chicken burrito recipe
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture.
- Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill the burritos to make rolling easier.
- Experiment with different toppings like avocado or salsa for variety.
How to Serve this chicken burrito recipe
- Serve with a side of zesty guacamole for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a burst of flavor.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Accompany with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
- Include a fresh green salad to balance the meal.
- Try a side of Mexican street corn for a fun twist.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your chicken burrito recipe later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow burritos to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped burritos in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date for easy identification.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- For refrigerated burritos, microwave for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For frozen burritos, microwave for 3-4 minutes, checking for warmth.
- Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is in a classic Chicken Burrito?
A classic chicken burrito typically includes seasoned chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as guacamole or sour cream, to make it even more delicious!
2. What is the secret to the best burrito?
The secret to the best burrito lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Use high-quality ingredients, season your chicken well, and don’t overload the tortilla. Wrapping it tightly and toasting it slightly can also enhance the overall experience, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors!
3. What to marinate chicken in for burritos?
For a flavorful chicken burrito, marinate your chicken in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. This combination adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in your burrito!
4. Which chicken is best for burritos?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best choices for burritos. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference, and either option will work wonderfully in your burrito!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this chicken burrito recipe as we are! It’s a simple, delicious way to bring the family together for a fun meal. So roll up those tortillas, fill them with love, and enjoy every bite. Remember, cooking is all about joy, so have fun and make it your own!