Chicken burritos are a fantastic meal that combines juicy, seasoned chicken with flavorful fillings wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, making chicken burritos at home is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to make your burritos tasty, juicy, and perfectly wrapped every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic chicken burritos, gather the following ingredients:
– Chicken: About 1.2 to 1.5 pounds of chicken breast, sliced or shredded
– Tortillas: Large flour tortillas (around 8 to 10 inches wide)
– Rice: Cooked white rice or Mexican red rice for extra flavor
– Beans: Refried beans or black beans, canned or homemade
– Vegetables: Onion, garlic, bell peppers, and corn
– Cheese: Shredded Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack
– Seasonings: Onion powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optionally cayenne pepper for heat
– Extras: Fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving
These ingredients create a balanced filling that’s juicy but not soggy, with layers of flavor and texture.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by seasoning your chicken with a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can add cayenne if you want a spicy kick. Drizzle some olive oil over the chicken and coat it well with the seasoning.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then chop or shred the chicken.
In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and soft. Add diced bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken, canned beans (refried or black beans), and a splash of water to keep the mixture moist. Cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly but remains juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice. You can use plain white rice or opt for Mexican red rice, which adds a smoky, tomato-based flavor that pairs perfectly with burritos. Cook the rice according to package instructions or your preferred method.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas flexible and easy to roll, warm them up briefly. You can microwave them for 20-30 seconds or heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. Warm tortillas are less likely to tear when you roll your burrito.
Step 4: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start layering the fillings in the center:
– Spread about ¼ cup of beans
– Add ½ cup of cooked rice
– Spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken and vegetable mixture
– Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of corn kernels
– Top with ¼ cup shredded cheese
– Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro
Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult.
Step 5: Wrap It Up
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly away from you, keeping the filling snug inside. Place the burrito seam-side down to keep it closed.
Step 6: Heat the Burritos
To melt the cheese and crisp the tortilla, you have two great options:
– Oven method: Place the burritos in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
– Skillet method: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and cook the burrito seam-side down for 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken burritos with sides like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh avocado sauce. A simple salad or tortilla chips on the side make a perfect meal. You can also add diced tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños for extra freshness and heat.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Burritos
– Use cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie for a shortcut.
– Avoid watery vegetables or too much sauce inside to keep tortillas from getting soggy.
– Customize fillings with your favorite beans, rice, or veggies.
– Freeze assembled burritos wrapped in foil for quick meals later. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
– Add cheese last before wrapping to help bind everything together.
Making chicken burritos at home is fun, easy, and endlessly customizable. With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that beats takeout any day.
Enjoy your homemade chicken burritos—packed with flavor, juicy fillings, and all wrapped up in a warm tortilla!