This burrito features juicy grilled chicken mixed with a zesty chipotle ranch sauce. Wrapped up with rice, beans, and fresh veggies, it’s a tasty meal in your hands!
Honestly, the chipotle ranch gives it a kick that’s hard to resist. I love how easy these burritos are to whip up for lunch or dinner—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quick option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. For a veggie option, try using grilled tofu or seasoned black beans!
Chipotle Peppers: Add a spicy kick with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you prefer less heat, use just one pepper or swap it with smoked paprika. For a milder flavor, you might try a dash of sriracha or a mild hot sauce instead.
Rice: White rice pairs perfectly, but feel free to use brown rice for a healthier option or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The rice can be seasoned for extra flavor, like with lime juice and cilantro.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable for wrapping, but corn tortillas can work too! Just note that corn tortillas might need to be warmed a bit longer to avoid cracking.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
The key to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken is in the seasoning and cooking time. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix the spices well and coat the chicken cubes evenly to maximize flavor.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying out the meat. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- To check doneness, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer works best!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it to your burrito, which helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can), minced
For Assembling the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (divided)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or kale
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup guacamole or mashed avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful burrito recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Spice Up the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss the chicken with the spice mix until evenly coated. This rub will add lots of flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely charred and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from heat and set it aside.
3. Make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
In a separate bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and the minced chipotle peppers to create a spicy chipotle ranch sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle based on how spicy you like it!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave so they become pliable and easy to wrap. This will help prevent them from cracking.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of the chipotle ranch sauce over it, followed by a scoop of cooked rice mixed with half of the chopped cilantro.
6. Add Your Fillings:
Next, layer on the grilled chicken pieces and sprinkle diced red onion, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce or kale, shredded cheese, and guacamole on top.
7. Wrap It Up:
To wrap, fold in the sides of the tortilla, and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top to enclose all the tasty fillings inside.
8. Grill the Burrito:
Carefully place the burrito seam side down on a hot skillet or grill pan. Press down slightly and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and has lovely grill marks.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the burritos from the pan and slice them in half. You can garnish with the remaining cilantro if you’d like. Serve warm with extra chipotle ranch on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your flavorful, smoky, and creamy Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito!
FAQ for Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it and toss it in the seasoning mix for added flavor. This saves you cooking time and still delivers a delicious burrito!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want extra heat, add more minced chipotle peppers to the ranch sauce or include a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also serve with sliced jalapeños for a fresh spicy kick!
Can I Make These Burritos Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a vegetarian option! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, seitan, or even add more beans for protein. Grilled vegetables like peppers and zucchini also make a great filling!
How Do I Store Leftover Burritos?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individually for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
