Chicken Burritos Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and pure comfort, this Chicken Burritos Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture tender, smoky-spiced chicken mingling with sautéed veggies, creamy refried beans, and vibrant Mexican rice, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla and toasted to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers hearty, satisfying burritos that taste like a fiesta in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to create a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and fresh notes in your burritos. Each item adds its own unique texture and flavor dimension, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The star protein, cut into small pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, drawing out the natural juiciness of the chicken.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings in that signature smoky heat essential for authentic burritos.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Infuses a nutty, earthy aroma that complements the chili perfectly.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a smoky sweetness that ties the spices together beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends a herbaceous, slightly peppery punch to the chicken.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The cooking medium that helps the chicken brown and the veggies soften.
- Small onion, chopped (1): Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the filling.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds bold flavor and just the right amount of pungency.
- Medium red bell pepper, chopped (1): Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Refried beans (1½ cups): Creamy texture that binds the filling and adds richness.
- Water (¼ cup): Used to loosen the bean mixture to a perfect consistency.
- Large flour tortillas (8): The soft, warm carriers that hold all the delicious ingredients together.
- Cooked Mexican rice (2 cups): Adds heartiness and a subtle tang from traditional spices.
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Sweet bursts of flavor that add fun texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to bind the ingredients and add a sharp, creamy finish.
- Salsa: The perfect fresh, zesty topping for added brightness.
- Sour cream: Adds coolness and a tangy balance to the spices.
- Nacho cheese sauce (optional): For a decadent, gooey twist when you want to indulge.
How to Make Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. As it warms, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. This spice mix makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and aromatic. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step sets the stage for the entire burrito filling.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans
Once your chicken is ready, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and soft, releasing lovely sweetness. Then stir in the refried beans along with a splash of water. Cook this mixture a bit longer until it thickens slightly, forming a creamy but chunky layer that beautifully complements the chicken. The combination of textures here makes the filling absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While your filling is simmering, warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This softens them, making them pliable and easy to roll without cracking or tearing when you assemble the burritos.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay each warmed tortilla flat and start layering with a generous scoop of Mexican rice, followed by a hearty helping of your flavorful chicken and bean mixture. Scatter the corn kernels evenly, then top with a good handful of shredded cheddar cheese. The layering builds the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 5: Toast the Burritos
To finish, fold and roll the tortillas burrito-style, tucking in the edges tightly. You can toast these burritos in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil, or pan-fry them for 2 minutes on each side in a nonstick skillet for that crispy outer layer. For an extra indulgent touch, frying in oil until golden adds unbeatable crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving these chicken burritos is layering on fresh, vibrant garnishes. Classic dollops of sour cream and zesty salsa brighten the rich, smoky flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce for an extra creamy finish that melts into every nook of your burrito.
Side Dishes
While the burritos are a meal on their own, pairing them with sides like a crisp green salad or guacamole ramps up the freshness. For a heartier spread, try black beans or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up every last bit of filling and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve burritos sliced in half at an angle on a colorful plate, letting the vibrant layers peek out. Customize each with different salsas or add a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an inviting burst of color and acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken burritos store wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the tortilla from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make this Chicken Burritos Recipe in advance, wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals or when you crave a quick, homemade option.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burritos and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy, or microwave for 1-2 minutes wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep the tortilla soft. If you froze them, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, grilled veggies, or even tofu. The spices and beans bring enough flavor and protein to keep your burritos satisfying.
What type of beans works best for this recipe?
Traditional refried beans are ideal because of their creamy texture that binds the filling. You can use canned refried beans or make your own at home if you prefer.
How spicy is this Chicken Burritos Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, mainly from the chili powder and black pepper. You can adjust the amount or add fresh jalapeños for more kick according to your taste.
Can I use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are preferred for their flexibility, especially when rolling. Whole wheat can work but may be a bit stiffer, and corn tortillas tend to break when rolled. If using corn, consider making burrito bowls instead for easier eating.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burritos Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a burst of warmth and bold flavors to your table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you make them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these burritos are sure to become a beloved regular. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious homemade burritos can be!
Print
Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Burritos recipe offers a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired meal perfect for a quick dinner or a party snack. Tender, seasoned chicken combined with sautéed vegetables, refried beans, Mexican rice, corn, and melted cheddar cheese are wrapped in warm flour tortillas and toasted to perfection. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and optional nacho cheese sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- ¼ cup water
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Nacho cheese sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables are tender. Stir in the refried beans and ¼ cup of water, cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly and is well combined with the chicken and vegetables.
- Warm Tortillas: To make the flour tortillas pliable for rolling, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until soft.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay out each warm tortilla and layer it with a portion of Mexican rice, the chicken and vegetable filling, corn kernels, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortillas burrito-style by folding in the sides and rolling tightly.
- Toast Burritos: Choose your preferred toasting method: wrap the burritos in foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes; or pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side; or deep-fry in hot oil until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy. This step ensures the cheese melts and the burritos are warmed all the way through.
- Serve: Serve the toasted burritos warm with sides of salsa, sour cream, and optional nacho cheese sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.
Notes
- Using fresh or thawed frozen corn will add a sweeter flavor, but canned corn also works well.
- Refried beans can be substituted with black beans for a different texture and taste.
- To make this recipe spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- For crispier burritos, pan-fry or deep-fry rather than baking.
- You can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling ahead of time and assemble the burritos when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
