Chicken Burritos Recipe

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These Chicken Burritos are packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or freezing them for later, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality burritos in under 45 minutes. Serve them fresh, grilled, or smothered with enchilada sauce for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Serving Size: 1 burrito
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice & Bean Filling:

  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Assembling the Burritos:

  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

For Serving:

  • Extra salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Hot sauce
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
  3. Rest and shred: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.

Making the Rice & Bean Mixture:

  1. Cook the rice: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
  2. Season the beans: Stir in black beans, cumin, and salt. Let it cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.

Assembling the Burritos:

  1. Warm the tortillas: Heat each tortilla in a dry pan for 15-20 seconds per side to make them pliable.
  2. Layer the fillings: Spread sour cream in the center of each tortilla. Add shredded chicken, rice, beans, shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro, and avocado slices.
  3. Fold the burritos: Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up.

Cooking the Burritos:

  1. Grilled burrito (optional): Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook each burrito seam-side down for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Smothered burrito (optional): Place burritos in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Serving:

  1. Slice in half and serve with salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce.
  2. Enjoy warm with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for the Best Chicken Burritos

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version, shred a rotisserie chicken and mix with the seasoning.
  • Prevent Soggy Burritos: Avoid overloading with salsa or wet ingredients to keep them from getting soggy.
  • Make It Crispy: Lightly grill the burrito in a skillet for a crunchy exterior.
  • Double Wrap for Extra Sturdiness: Use two tortillas if you’re packing them for meal prep.

Creative Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce inside the burrito.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and extra beans.
  • Breakfast Burrito: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a morning-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. How do I reheat frozen burritos? Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. What’s the best cheese for burritos? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and add great flavor.

These Chicken Burritos are loaded with flavor and easy to customize. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or on-the-go lunches, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves Tex-Mex flavors. Try them today!

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