Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito

Chicken burritos are a beloved dish that combines hearty flavors and fresh ingredients into a delightful wrap. This recipe provides a perfect balance of spice, protein, and texture, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick dinner option, a satisfying meal prep choice, or a flavorful dish to impress your friends, this chicken burrito has got you covered.

Why Make This Recipe

This chicken burrito recipe is not just delicious; it is also incredibly versatile and easy to customize. You can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste, add extra vegetables, or even swap out proteins, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that saves you time on clean-up! With ingredients that most people already have in their kitchens, this recipe is both accessible and convenient. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meal rotation.

What You Need for Chicken Burrito

For this chicken burrito recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Tortillas: 5 flour tortillas, approximately 20cm or 8” wide.
Spices: 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, dried oregano, and salt; 2 teaspoons each of dried cumin powder and paprika; and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. If you love heat, add 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste.
Chicken: 600g or around 1.2 pounds of chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, separated for cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Vegetables: 1/2 onion chopped, 2 garlic cloves finely minced, and 1 red bell pepper diced.
Beans: 400g or 14oz of canned refried beans.
Water: 1/4 cup for mixing with the beans and chicken.
Rice: 2.5 cups of cooked plain white rice and an additional 2.5 cups of Mexican Red Rice, which is perfect for burritos.
Corn: 400g or 14oz of drained canned corn, or 280g or 9oz of thawed frozen corn.
Cheese: 1.5 cups (150g) of shredded cheese, like a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro (coriander).
Toppings: Avocado sauce, sour cream, and restaurant-style salsa.

How to Make Chicken Burrito

Making chicken burritos is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps to whip up a batch that everyone will love.

Prepare the Burrito Seasoning: Start by mixing the seasoning spices together in a small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and mix to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss until it is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side before turning it over. Cook for an additional 1.5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for about 2 minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Finish the Filling: Add the refried beans, chopped chicken, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes. You want the filling to be thick and juicy, so keep an eye on the moisture level. After cooking, let it cool for about 5 minutes to thicken further.
Assemble the Burritos: Lay your tortilla flat on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of filling in the center, then top it with a scoop of cooked rice, some corn, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Burrito

Once your burritos are assembled, they’re ready to eat! You can serve them as-is with sides like chips and salsa or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, try serving them with a side of guacamole. If you want to make it a fun family night, set up a burrito bar where everyone can customize their burritos with various toppings including sour cream, avocado sauce, and extra salsa.

How to Store Chicken Burrito

If you have leftover chicken burritos, you can wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy tortilla. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing the burritos. Wrap them well and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Tips to Make Chicken Burrito

Customize the Fillings: Feel free to add more vegetables or other proteins like beans or steak to fill your burrito.
Make it Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on how spicy you like your food. For extra flavor, try adding fresh jalapeños or chipotle sauce.
Keep it Fresh: To enhance the flavors, serve your burritos with fresh lime wedges and additional cilantro.

Try These Variations of Chicken Burrito

Veggie Burrito: Skip the chicken and load up with your favorite roasted vegetables and black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
Breakfast Burrito: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a filling morning meal.
BBQ Chicken Burrito: Mix in some barbecue sauce with the chicken for a smoky twist.

Common Questions About Chicken Burrito

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
What can I serve with chicken burritos?
Great sides include Mexican rice, beans, guacamole, or a simple green salad.
Can I make the burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and wrap them, then store in the fridge or freezer for later.

Final Thoughts

Chicken burritos are a delightful meal that combines a range of flavors in a fun, portable wrap. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking. Once you master this recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to customize for different tastes and occasions.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Gather your ingredients and start rolling your chicken burritos today! You’ll create a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy every bite and the satisfaction that comes from making a tasty dish from scratch.

Chicken Burrito

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Author: mohammed-zakaria
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Diet: Omnivore

Description

A delicious chicken burrito recipe combining hearty flavors and fresh ingredients into a delightful wrap.

Ingredients

5 flour tortillas (approximately 20cm or 8” wide)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dried cumin powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
600g chicken breast (sliced horizontally)
2 tablespoons olive oil (separated)
1/2 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
400g canned refried beans
1/4 cup water
2.5 cups cooked plain white rice
2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice
400g canned corn (drained) or 280g frozen corn (thawed)
1.5 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
Toppings: avocado sauce, sour cream, salsa

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Instructions

Prepare the burrito seasoning by mixing the spices together in a bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and coat.
Cook the chicken in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Remove and let rest before chopping.
Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
Finish the filling by adding refried beans, cooked chicken, and water. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Assemble the burritos by laying a tortilla flat, adding filling, rice, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Roll tightly and repeat.

Notes

Customize with additional toppings or fillings to suit your taste. Great for meal prep or family dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican