If you have ever craved a meal that is bursting with bold flavors, hearty textures, and comforting warmth, this Chicken Burritos Recipe will be your new favorite go-to. It combines tender, perfectly spiced chicken with creamy refried beans, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. From the first bite, you’ll taste a harmonious blend of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes that make every mouthful unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a satisfying dinner, this Chicken Burritos Recipe strikes the ideal balance between simple preparation and rich taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but absolutely essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this dish alive. Each component adds something special—from the tender chicken pieces to the playful crunch of corn and the gooey melted cheese.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into small pieces for quick and even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a warm and smoky spice that is signature to burritos.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives a nutty, earthy warmth that ties the spices together.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smokiness that elevates the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a herbaceous note that lifts the filling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and keeping everything juicy.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides a sweet crunch once cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant richness that’s hard to resist.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and mild sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups refried beans: The creamy base that makes the burrito filling so satisfying.
- ¼ cup water: Helps loosen the beans to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- 8 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, ready to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice: A fluffy and flavorful layer inside each burrito.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Adds delightful texture and a bit of natural sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness that binds everything together.
- Salsa: For serving, providing a fresh and tangy counterpart.
- Sour cream: Offers creaminess and a cooling balance.
- Nacho cheese sauce (optional): A decadent, cheesy drizzle that’s pure indulgence.
How to Make Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to create a vibrant spice blend. Cook the chicken in the skillet until it is nicely browned on the outside and cooked through. This step infuses the chicken with bold, smoky flavors and gives it an appealing texture.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper into the same skillet. Cook the ingredients until the onion becomes translucent and soft, allowing all the natural sweetness to develop. Then, stir in the refried beans along with the water to loosen the mixture. Let this cook until slightly thickened, forming a creamy and hearty filling that beautifully complements the seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier and to avoid tearing, warm your flour tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This small step ensures your burritos hold together perfectly when assembled.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part—layering! Spread a base of cooked Mexican rice over each tortilla, then spoon a generous amount of the chicken and bean mixture. Add corn kernels for a little crunch and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the sides over the filling and roll the burrito tight so everything stays inside.
Step 5: Toast the Burritos
For that irresistible golden-brown crust, toast your burritos in one of three ways: wrap them in foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, pan-fry each side for 2 minutes in a hot skillet, or fry in a little oil until crisp and golden. This finishing step adds texture and warmth, turning these wraps into culinary delights.
How to Serve Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your burritos by adding dollops of fresh salsa and sour cream on the side. If you want an extra cheesy appeal, drizzle some warm nacho cheese sauce over the top. These garnishes bring a bright, creamy, and indulgent contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your chicken burritos alongside a freshly tossed green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or even a zesty guacamole. These sides complement the hearty filling with refreshing flavors and a variety of textures, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, slice burritos in half diagonally to show off their colorful insides or arrange them in a circle for a sharing platter with bowls of dips in the center. Wrapping burritos in parchment paper tied with twine can make for adorable picnic or packed lunch presentations, inviting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while retaining flavor and moisture.
Freezing
Chicken burritos freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one individually in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing is great for prepping meals in advance or saving portions for a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and warm it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. For a crispier texture, pan-fry reheated burritos for a couple of minutes on each side.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Chicken Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is fantastic in this recipe, you can easily swap it for beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein to customize your burrito to your liking.
Is it necessary to use refried beans, or can I substitute them?
Refried beans provide creaminess and help bind the filling, but you can substitute with black beans or pinto beans for a chunkier texture or to suit dietary preferences.
How spicy is this Chicken Burritos Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust by using more or less chili powder or by adding chopped jalapeños if you like extra heat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken and bean filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, which makes assembling and toasting your burritos much quicker on the day you want to eat.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas soft and pliable?
Warming tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet before assembling helps prevent cracking and makes rolling the burritos easier and neater.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burritos Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate—packed with flavors and textures that never disappoint. Whether you’re feeding a bunch of hungry friends or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a delightful mix of ease and richness that’s perfect for any day. So, gather your ingredients, whip up these burritos, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chicken Burritos recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Tender chicken seasoned with a blend of spices is cooked with sautéed vegetables and creamy refried beans, then combined with Mexican rice, corn, and cheddar cheese inside warm flour tortillas. The burritos can be toasted in the oven, pan-fried, or deep-fried until golden and crispy, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and optional nacho cheese sauce for a deliciously hearty dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
Beans and Fillings
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- ¼ cup water
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
To Serve
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Nacho cheese sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans: To the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and vegetables soften. Stir in the refried beans and ¼ cup water to loosen the mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bean mixture thickens slightly and is well combined with the other ingredients.
- Warm Tortillas: Place the flour tortillas in the microwave and heat each for about 30 seconds to make them soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay each warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Layer with ¼ cup cooked Mexican rice, a generous scoop of the chicken and bean filling, some corn kernels, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards and roll tightly to form a burrito.
- Toast Burritos: Choose your preferred toasting method: wrap the burritos in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes; or pan-fry in a skillet for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown; or deep fry in a small amount of oil until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve the toasted burritos hot with salsa, sour cream, and optional nacho cheese sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.
Notes
- Mexican rice can be store-bought or homemade, providing a flavorful base for the burritos.
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels based on availability—both work well.
- For a spicier variation, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped individually in foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For gluten-free options, substitute flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
