Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Preparation Time
- Nutrition
- Instructions
- Tips and Variations
- FAQ
- Reflection Questions
- Conclusion
Delicious Chicken Burrito Recipe for Every Meal
# Chicken Burrito: The Perfect Easy Meal for Busy Cooks If you’ve ever struggled with messy filling falling out of a burrito, you’re going to love this Chicken Burrito recipe. It’s packed with juicy seasoned chicken, refried beans, corn, cheese, and flavorful Mexican Red Rice — all wrapped tightly in soft flour tortillas. The refried beans hold everything together beautifully without making it soggy, giving a perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re a busy parent, young professional, or food enthusiast exploring new cuisines, this simple chicken burrito recipe is a hit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When I developed this recipe, I realized that the balance between moist and firm filling was key, especially for those who dislike the chaotic mess of falling ingredients. What’s your biggest challenge when making burritos?
Ingredients
- 5 flour tortillas (approx 20cm/8″ wide)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 600g / 1.2 lb chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 red bell pepper (capsicum), diced
- 400g / 14oz canned refried beans
- 1/4 cup water
- 2.5 cups cooked white rice
- 2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice
- 400g / 14oz canned corn, drained (or 280g frozen thawed)
- 1.5 cups (150g) shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander/cilantro
- Avocado sauce (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Smooth restaurant-style salsa (for serving)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Sodium: 2051 mg
Instructions
- 1. **Prepare Burrito Seasoning:** Mix onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- 2. **Season Chicken:** Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over chicken breast halves. Toss to coat evenly, then sprinkle seasoning mix on top, coating all sides.
- 3. **Cook Chicken:** Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken, cook for 2 minutes on one side, then turn and cook 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- 4. **Sauté Vegetables:** In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers soften.
- 5. **Finish Filling:** Stir in refried beans, chopped chicken, and water. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until mixture thickens slightly. It should be thick and juicy, not dry or watery. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes—it will thicken further.
- 6. **Warm Tortillas:** Microwave tortillas for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- 7. **Assemble Burritos:** Lay tortillas flat. Place cooked Mexican red rice on the lower third of each tortilla. Add a generous layer of the chicken filling, then top with corn, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped coriander.
- 8. **Wrap Burrito:** Fold bottom of tortilla over filling, fold sides in, then roll tightly to close.
- 9. **Toast Burritos (optional):** For a crispy outside and melted cheese, pan-fry burritos over medium-high heat for 2 minutes each side without oil, or wrap in foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- 10. **Serve:** Dunk in avocado sauce, sour cream, or restaurant-style salsa. Enjoy!
- *Freezer friendly:* Wrap assembled burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, bake frozen burrito wrapped in foil at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Tips and Variations
This **simple chicken burrito recipe** is very versatile. For an authentic Mexican chicken burrito recipe experience, use fresh homemade Mexican red rice and a Mexican cheese blend for richer flavor. If you want a **chicken burrito bowl** version, skip the tortilla and serve filling over rice with your favorite toppings. Spice lovers can increase cayenne or add jalapeños for heat. Use cooked shredded chicken instead of diced for easier prep, transforming it into a shredded chicken burrito recipe. Don’t forget to toast your burrito well for that crispy outer layer like in a **Cantina chicken burrito**. How do you adapt chicken burrito ingredients to suit your family’s taste? Try swapping corn for black beans or adding avocado slices inside. For fast weeknight meals, this recipe competes with favorites like **Chicken Burrito Taco Bell** offerings but lets you control ingredients and calories. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and personalizing. Enjoy your burritos!
FAQ
How many calories is a chipotle chicken burrito?
A Chipotle chicken burrito typically has around 700-900 calories depending on fillings and size.
How to make chicken burritos?
To make chicken burritos, prepare seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and toppings; assemble in warm tortillas and optionally toast.
What is usually in a chicken burrito?
Usually, chicken burritos contain chicken, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and sometimes corn or peppers.
What sauce is good on chicken burritos?
Popular sauces include avocado sauce, sour cream, salsa, queso, and hot sauce.
What cheese is best for chicken burritos?
Mexican blend cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Tasty cheese are great choices for chicken burritos.
How to wrap a chicken burrito?
To wrap, place filling on the lower third of a warm tortilla, fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a secure burrito.
What goes well with chicken burritos?
Chicken burritos go well with sides like chips, guacamole, Mexican rice, and fresh salsa.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, this Chicken Burrito recipe is freezer friendly. Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; reheat by baking in foil.
Reflection Questions
- What’s one cooking habit you want to improve?
- How do you adapt recipes for your taste?
- When did you last slow down in your cooking process?
Conclusion
This Chicken Burrito recipe offers a balanced, flavorful, and mess-free meal for any time of day. Perfect for families and home cooks looking for a quick yet satisfying dish. Remember: 1) Prepare seasoning & filling; 2) Assemble & wrap; 3) Toast for crunch; 4) Serve with sauces; 5) Customize toppings. Try it today, share your Burrito success stories on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes from an experienced home cook who knows how to bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table.
Tags: Chicken Burrito, Burrito Recipe, Mexican food, Easy dinner, Family meals, Healthy chicken recipes, Comfort food, Quick meals