Chicken Burritos Recipe

Chicken Burritos Recipe That’s Perfect for Busy Weeknights

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and customizable, chicken burritos are a perfect choice.

This recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare, and packed with all the right ingredients to make your taste buds dance.

Whether making dinner for the family, prepping a meal for the week, or just craving a tasty treat, chicken burritos are a go-to dish that never disappoints.

Ingredients

Let’s dive right into the ingredients you’ll need to create these mouthwatering burritos. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences, but here’s the basic list:

For the chicken filling:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (for that zesty kick)

For the fillings:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Avocado or guacamole (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the tortillas:

  • 4 large flour tortillas (soft and flexible)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Flavorful chicken is the key to a great burrito, so don’t hold back with the spices!

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into strips or shredding it with a fork.

This gives the juices time to settle, making the chicken tender and juicy. Don’t forget to squeeze a little lime juice over the chicken for that citrusy zing!

2. Preparing the Fillings

Now, let’s prepare the rest of the burrito fillings. If you’re cooking rice, make sure it’s fluffy and tender before adding it to your burritos. You can even season the rice with lime juice and cilantro for extra flavor.

Heat your black beans in a small pot over low heat until warm. Season them with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and a dash of cumin to keep the flavors consistent with the chicken.

Chop up fresh lettuce and prepare the salsa (or use your favorite store-bought version). If you’re using avocado or guacamole, now’s the time to mash it or slice it for topping. These fresh ingredients will add a nice contrast to the rich, savory chicken.

3. Assembling the Burritos

Now that all your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the burritos! To make the tortillas more pliable, warm them in a skillet or microwave for about 10 seconds.

Start by laying a tortilla flat on a surface. Spoon a generous amount of rice in the center of the tortilla, followed by black beans, shredded chicken, cheese, and your fresh toppings. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have trouble wrapping them up!

To wrap, fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it from the bottom, keeping everything snug. You want a tight roll to prevent anything from falling out while you eat. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.

4. Cooking the Burritos (Optional)

Here’s a trick to take your burrito to the next level: grill it! Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the burritos, seam-side down, for 1-2 minutes per side, just until the tortillas are golden and crispy. This step is optional but adds a nice texture and makes the burrito feel more indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Once your burritos are done, you can serve them as they are or with some tasty sides. A side of chips and salsa is always a crowd-pleaser. You could also add a fresh salad with a tangy dressing to balance out the richness of the burritos.

If you want to get extra fancy, drizzle some sour cream or a spicy ranch dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make a quick guacamole dip.

Tips and Variations

Make it healthier: Swap out the flour tortillas for whole wheat ones to lighten things up. You can also load up on extra veggies, like sautéed peppers and onions, to balance out the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Meal prep: Chicken burritos are perfect for meal prepping! Assemble them ahead of time, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze and reheat them when you need a quick meal.

Different fillings: Not a fan of black beans? No problem! You can swap them for pinto beans or refried beans or skip them altogether if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Spicy option: If you like it hot, add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa or add some diced chipotle peppers for smoky heat.

Conclusion

Chicken burritos are a delicious and versatile dish that’s always a hit. You can customize them however you like, making them as simple or loaded as your heart desires.

They’re quick to make, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla makes for a winning meal every time.

So, next time you’re looking for a delicious, fun, and easy meal, try this chicken burrito recipe. You’ll love it!

FAQ

Can I freeze chicken burritos?

Absolutely! Chicken burritos freeze wonderfully. Simply assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, heat them in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave them until heated through.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Ground chicken works great in burritos. Cook it just like ground beef, seasoning it with the same spices, and it’ll be a tasty filling.

How do I make a vegetarian version?

Easy! Skip the chicken and load on extra beans, rice, sautéed vegetables like peppers and onions, and maybe some grilled corn or roasted sweet potatoes. You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors!

Can I make these burritos spicy?

Of course! Add some hot sauce to the chicken, or throw in some diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or chili flakes for some heat. You can also pick up a spicier salsa to add an extra kick.

Enjoy your burrito-making adventure, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings to make it your own!

Chicken Burritos Recipe

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