These Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burritos are packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty ranch sauce. They’re great for a quick lunch or dinner!
I love how simple they are to make! Just grill the chicken, wrap it with all your favorites in a tortilla, and enjoy. Perfect for busy days or a fun taco night! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they grill nicely. If you want to save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or even shredded turkey as a great substitute.
Chipotle Peppers: The chopped chipotle peppers give a lovely smokiness. If you’re looking for less heat, you can reduce the amount or swap in smoked paprika. For a milder flavor, use diced green chilies instead.
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are traditional here, but you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas based on your preference. Smaller tortillas can work too—just make mini burritos!
Ranch Dressing: If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can substitute it with sour cream mixed with a bit of lime juice for a tangy flavor, or try yogurt for a lighter version.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for Burritos?
Cooking chicken for burritos requires some care to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Start by seasoning the chicken generously. The spices help retain moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high—this helps to get a nice sear!
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches 165°F internally. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make a cut to check that the juices run clear.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in those juices for tender, juicy strips!
Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
For the Burrito Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced avocado or guacamole, lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken. Including assembly, you’ll be enjoying delicious burritos in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend adds fantastic flavor to the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. This will give your chicken lots of flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped chipotle peppers with the ranch dressing to create your chipotle ranch sauce. You can adjust the amount of chipotle to match your heat preference—spicy or mild!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Briefly warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
6. Assemble Your Burrito:
To each tortilla, spread about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle ranch sauce. Then, layer on the cooked rice, black beans, chicken strips, corn, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, cheese, and cilantro. Feel free to add sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess!
7. Roll the Burrito:
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to enclose all the delicious filling.
8. Toast the Burrito (Optional):
If you like a crispy exterior, you can toast the burritos in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Serve:
Cut the burritos in half and serve with lime wedges and extra chipotle ranch sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito!
FAQ for Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shredded beef, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any meat is cooked through before assembling your burrito.
How Can I Make These Burritos Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or including jalapeños, either fresh or pickled. You can also season the chicken with additional cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra spice!
Can I Prepare These Burritos in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, rice, and all ingredients ahead of time. Assemble the burritos and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage. Just thaw and heat before enjoying!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burritos?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap from any foil and warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, flipping halfway for even warming.
