When was the last time you wrapped your hands around a warm, stuffed burrito and took a bite that felt like a fiesta in your mouth? A chicken burrito is a timeless comfort food that brings together juicy chicken, flavorful seasonings, tender rice, and melty cheese all tucked into a soft tortilla. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this recipe is your ticket to a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
What Makes a Chicken Burrito Special?
Chicken burritos are a culinary celebration of bold Mexican flavors. They’re versatile, portable, and easy to customize. Each bite combines a medley of textures and tastes, from tender chicken to creamy beans and crispy tortillas. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a side of salsa, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Burrito
To make this dish, you’ll need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Burrito Seasoning
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder | 2 tsp |
| Paprika | 2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 3/4 tsp |
Chicken Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 600g / 1.2 lbs | Sliced in half horizontally |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp, divided | For cooking and seasoning |
| Onion, chopped | 1/2 | Adds sweetness and flavor |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 | Essential for aroma |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 | Adds color and crunch |
| Refried beans | 400g / 14 oz | Creamy base for filling |
| Water | 1/4 cup | Prevents dryness |
Rice Options
| Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain cooked white rice | 2.5 cups |
| Mexican Red Rice | 2.5 cups |
Additional Fillings
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn (canned or thawed) | 400g / 14 oz | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Cheese, shredded | 1.5 cups (150g) | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend |
| Cilantro, finely chopped | 1/4 cup | Fresh and aromatic |
Sauces for Dunking
| Option | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Avocado sauce | Creamy and smooth |
| Sour cream | Classic pairing |
| Salsa | Restaurant-style, smooth |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Prepare the Burrito Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients: onion powder, oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the chicken slices.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 1.5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 2 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 5: Combine the Filling
- Add the chopped chicken back to the skillet along with the refried beans and water.
- Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
- Gently warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet. This makes them pliable and easier to fold.
Step 7: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay a tortilla on your work surface.
- Spread a layer of rice on the lower third of the tortilla.
- Add the chicken filling, a spoonful of corn, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
Step 8: Toast or Bake the Burritos
- For a crispy finish, pan-fry the burritos over medium-high heat (no oil needed) for 2 minutes on each side.
- Alternatively, wrap the burritos in foil and bake them at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Serve with Sauces
- Serve the burritos with your choice of sauces like avocado sauce, sour cream, or salsa.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Burritos
1. Customize the Spice Level
If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the seasoning. For extra spice, add hot sauce to the filling or drizzle it over the finished burrito.
2. Use High-Quality Tortillas
Soft, pliable flour tortillas work best. Warm them before assembling to prevent tearing.
3. Make Mexican Red Rice for Authentic Flavor
If time allows, prepare Mexican Red Rice to elevate the dish. Its seasoned, tomato-based flavor pairs beautifully with the chicken filling.
4. Keep the Filling Balanced
Avoid overstuffing the burritos, as they’ll be harder to roll and may fall apart during cooking.
5. Freeze for Later
Wrap assembled burritos tightly in foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 180°C/350°F for 20-25 minutes straight from the freezer.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per burrito (based on 5 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
FAQs About Chicken Burritos
1. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef, shredded pork, or even grilled steak work well as substitutes.
2. How can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly burrito.
3. What’s the best way to reheat a burrito?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 10-15 minutes or on a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes per side.
4. Can I add guacamole to the burrito?
Yes! Guacamole adds creaminess and a rich avocado flavor. Spread it over the rice before adding the other fillings.
5. Are chicken burritos gluten-free?
They’re not unless you use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all ingredients (like refried beans) are certified gluten-free.
6. What side dishes go well with burritos?
Serve with a fresh salad, tortilla chips, salsa, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Recipe
From the smoky spices to the juicy chicken and creamy fillings, this recipe is bursting with bold flavors that’ll make you crave more. Plus, it’s a versatile dish you can adapt to suit any palate, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ready to Make Your Own Chicken Burritos?
Gather your ingredients, warm those tortillas, and let your kitchen be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of this classic dish. With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality chicken burrito in no time.
Enjoy every bite and let the fiesta begin!|
Chicken Burrito: A Flavor-Packed Mexican Classic
Juicy chicken, bold Mexican spices, tender rice, and melty cheese all come together in this irresistible chicken burrito. A comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Chicken Filling
- 600g (1.2 lbs) chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 400g (14 oz) refried beans
- 1/4 cup water
Rice Options
- 2.5 cups plain cooked white rice or Mexican Red Rice
Additional Fillings
- 400g (14 oz) canned or thawed corn
- 1.5 cups (150g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Sauces for Serving
- Avocado sauce
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Optional
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- 5 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches)
Instructions
- Prepare the Burrito Seasoning:
- Mix all the seasoning ingredients (onion powder, oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper) in a small bowl.
- Season the Chicken:
- Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the chicken slices.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 1.5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 2 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Combine the Filling:
- Add the chopped chicken, refried beans, and water to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Gently warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface.
- Spread a layer of rice on the lower third of the tortilla.
- Add the chicken filling, corn, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Toast or Bake the Burritos:
- For a crispy finish, pan-fry the burritos over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side.
- Alternatively, wrap the burritos in foil and bake at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes.
- Serve with Sauces:
- Serve the burritos with avocado sauce, sour cream, or salsa on the side.
Notes
- Customize Spice Level: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for less heat, or add hot sauce for extra spice.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap assembled burritos in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 180°C/350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.