Flavorful Chicken Burritos: An Easy Homemade Classic
Hearty fillings and bold flavors combine for a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic meal.
Chicken burritos are a beloved staple in Mexican-inspired cuisine, known for their hearty fillings, vibrant flavors, and the comfort of a handheld meal. This recipe delivers a quick, satisfying, and highly customizable chicken burrito using convenient ingredients and classic techniques. With juicy seasoned chicken, black beans, rice, creamy guacamole, and plenty of cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, this dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Thanks to rotisserie chicken, preparation is fast—ready in under an hour.
- Bold Flavors: Homemade broiled tomato salsa, spices, and zesty lime juice pack every bite with flavor.
- Customizable Fillings: Adapt to your taste with your favorite toppings or alternate proteins.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Burritos can be assembled in advance, making lunch and dinner easy any day of the week.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- 4 large plum tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion, cut into 6 wedges
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder (or regular chili powder)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon Mexican-style hot sauce (such as Cholula), plus more for serving
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked white rice, warmed
- 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Char the Vegetables
Preheat your broiler and position an oven rack about 4 inches from the heat. Toss the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the tomatoes cut-side down. Broil until charred and the vegetables are softened, about 6-7 minutes.
Blend the Salsa
Transfer the charred vegetables and any pan juices to a blender. Add lime juice, honey, oregano, cumin, ancho chile powder, and salt. Blend until completely smooth to create a richly flavored salsa-like sauce.
Heat and Season the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the shredded chicken with the pureed tomato sauce. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is fully heated and the sauce is bubbling, about 4 minutes.
Warm the Beans
Place the black beans in a microwave-safe bowl and toss with the hot sauce. Microwave until just warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Assemble the Burritos
- Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface.
- Spread about 3 tablespoons of guacamole on the lower third.
- Add 1/3 cup of warm rice.
- Top with a heaping 1/4 cup of beans.
- Spoon about 2/3 cup of chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded cheese over the filling.
- Fold in the sides, then roll tightly to seal all the ingredients inside.
- Repeat for remaining tortillas and fillings.
Serve
Slice the burritos in half, if desired, and serve hot with extra hot sauce or tortilla chips alongside for crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
- Chicken Variations: Substitute cooked, seasoned chicken thighs or leftover grilled chicken for rotisserie; both add additional flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: Try pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend for a tangier or spicier kick.
- Bean Swap: Pinto beans or refried beans work as alternatives to black beans.
- Toppings: Add sour cream, salsa, cilantro, or pickled jalapeños to personalize your burritos.
- Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Tips for the Best Homemade Burritos
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas until soft and pliable to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Layer Strategically: Start with guacamole to help seal the bottom and lock in fillings.
- Don’t Overstuff: Too many fillings make them hard to roll—stick to the suggested quantities for easy assembly.
- Freezing: Prepare extra burritos, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for about 20 minutes from frozen, or microwave for quick lunches.
- For Crispier Burritos: After rolling, place burritos seam side down in a skillet and toast until the outside is golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Burrito Meal Serving Suggestions
- Tortilla chips with salsa or queso
- Fresh side salads, like a simple avocado-tomato salad
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Roasted vegetables or grilled sweet corn
- Classic margaritas or agua fresca
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Burrito (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
*Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and serving size.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- To Store: Wrap cooked burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Individually wrap and freeze burritos. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen.
- To Reheat: Loosen foil, place on a baking sheet, and heat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave 1–2 minutes until heated through.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and double the beans, or use sautéed veggies and crumbled tofu as your main fillings.
What’s the easiest way to roll a burrito?
After layering your fillings, fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then fold the bottom flap up over the fillings. Roll firmly, keeping ingredients tucked in, until sealed.
How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
Make sure all fillings (especially rice and beans) are not too wet. Avoid overfilling and always serve freshly rolled for the best texture.
Can I grill or bake the assembled burritos?
Absolutely. For a crispier exterior, lightly oil the outside and pan-grill the burrito, or place seam side down on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
What are some fun sides and toppings?
Try tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, a simple slaw, Mexican street corn, or extra hot sauce for dipping.
Easy Chicken Burritos: Comforting, Customizable, Family-Friendly
Whether you’re looking for a reliable weeknight dinner or planning a burrito bar for a crowd, these chicken burritos are a go-to favorite. The combination of savory chicken, colorful beans and rice, creamy guacamole, and melty cheese hits all the right notes for comfort and flavor. Encourage guests or family members to build their own burritos and explore their favorite fillings—it’s a sure way to make everyone happy, with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
For even more Mexican-inspired dishes, pair your burritos with a fresh salad, charred corn, or zesty salsa. Store leftovers for easy lunches or freeze your assembled burritos for a fuss-free meal any time. Enjoy your flavorful creation, and don’t forget the extra hot sauce!
References
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