Chicken burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, rice, and beans all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. They are easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Perfect for lunch or dinner, chicken burritos can bring a taste of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making chicken burritos at home is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, you can control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Additionally, they are quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a family meal. With the ability to customize each burrito, everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a fun meal to share, chicken burritos check all the boxes.
How to Make Chicken Burrito
Ingredients:
- 5 tortillas (flour, approx 20cm/8″ wide)
- 1 tsp each onion powder, dried oregano, salt
- 2 tsp each dried cumin powder, 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 (separated)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 red capsicum/bell pepper (diced)
- 400g/14oz refried beans (canned)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2.5 cups white rice (plain cooked)
- 2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice (the best for Burritos!)
- 400g/14oz canned corn (drained or 280g/9oz frozen and thawed)
- 1.5 cups (150g) cheese (shredded, Mexican blend, cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro (finely chopped)
- Avocado sauce
- Sour cream
- Salsa (restaurant style, smooth)
Directions:
- Burrito Seasoning: Mix the seasoning ingredients together. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the chicken, mix to coat, and sprinkle with the seasoning. Toss to coat well.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Turn the chicken and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Then add the diced capsicum and cook for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Finish Filling: Add in the refried beans, chopped chicken, and water. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes. The mixture should be thick and juicy, not watery or dry. Let it cool for 5 minutes to thicken further.
- Assemble Burritos: Once the filling has cooled, assemble your burritos by placing a portion of the filling onto each tortilla. Add some Mexican red rice, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle with avocado sauce, sour cream, and salsa if desired. Wrap the tortilla around the filling, folding in the sides to secure.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito
Serve your chicken burritos warm on a plate. You can cut them in half to show off the colorful filling inside. Accompany with extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side for additional flavor. These burritos are great for a family dinner or for entertaining friends.
How to Store Chicken Burrito
If you have leftovers, store the assembled burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the burrito in foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, for a few minutes until heated through.
Tips to Make Chicken Burrito
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier burrito, add more cayenne pepper or include jalapeños in the filling.
- Use a variety of cheeses for different flavors—try adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding different proteins such as beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Also, feel free to change up the vegetables and toppings based on your preferences.
FAQs
- Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the burritos just before serving. - Can I freeze chicken burritos?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. - What can I serve with chicken burritos?
Great sides include chips and salsa, a fresh salad, or Mexican corn salad. You can also serve them with a side of refried beans or guacamole for extra flavor.
Chicken Burrito
Ingredients
For the Burrito Filling
- 600 g 600g / 1.2 lb chicken breast (sliced in half horizontally)
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 each 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 each 1 red capsicum/bell pepper (diced)
- 400 g 400g/14oz refried beans (canned)
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup water
- 2.5 cups 2.5 cups white rice (plain cooked)
- 2.5 cups 2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice The best for Burritos!
- 400 g 400g/14oz canned corn (drained or 280g/9oz frozen and thawed)
- 1.5 cups 1.5 cups (150g) cheese (shredded, Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro (finely chopped)
For Serving
- 5 each 5 tortillas (flour, approx 20cm/8″ wide)
- To Taste Avocado sauce
- To Taste Sour cream
- To Taste Salsa (restaurant style, smooth)
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp 2 tsp dried cumin powder
- 2 tsp 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix the seasoning ingredients together. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the chicken, mix to coat, and sprinkle with the seasoning. Toss to coat well.
Cook Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Turn the chicken and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Onion
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Then add the diced capsicum and cook for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Finish Filling
- Add in the refried beans, chopped chicken, and water. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes. The mixture should be thick and juicy, not watery or dry. Let it cool for 5 minutes to thicken further.
Assemble Burritos
- Once the filling has cooled, assemble your burritos by placing a portion of the filling onto each tortilla. Add some Mexican red rice, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle with avocado sauce, sour cream, and salsa if desired. Wrap the tortilla around the filling, folding in the sides to secure.
