The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a delightful fusion of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Juicy grilled chicken is paired with fresh vegetables, crunchy tortilla strips, and a zesty chipotle ranch sauce, making it a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of chipotle peppers and ranch dressing creates a unique and tantalizing taste.
- Texture Variety: Enjoy the contrast between tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and crunchy tortilla strips.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These burritos can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Ranch dressing
- Large flour tortillas
- Cooked rice (e.g., cilantro lime rice)
- Black or pinto beans
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Optional: guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
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Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing with pureed chipotle peppers and lemon juice. Adjust the chipotle amount to suit your spice preference.
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Assemble the Burritos: Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. On each tortilla, layer rice, beans, grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
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Grill the Burritos: Place the assembled burritos seam-side down on a heated grill or skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 burritos.
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Cook Time: Around 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with grilled steak, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, along with extra beans.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the amount of chipotle peppers to make the sauce milder or spicier according to your taste.
- Additional Fillings: Incorporate ingredients like corn salsa, pickled jalapeños, or avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap burritos in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, remove any plastic wrap, keep the burrito wrapped in foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. For a crisper exterior, unwrap the burrito for the last 5 minutes of heating.
FAQs
What can I use instead of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
If chipotle peppers are unavailable, you can substitute with smoked paprika or a combination of chili powder and a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.
Can I make the chipotle ranch sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
What type of cheese works best for this burrito?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and complement the flavors of the burrito.
How do I prevent the burritos from becoming soggy?
Ensure that warm ingredients like rice and chicken are slightly cooled before assembling, and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients. Grilling the assembled burrito also helps create a barrier that keeps moisture out.
Can I add rice to the burrito?
Yes, adding cooked rice, such as cilantro lime rice, enhances the burrito’s texture and makes it more filling.
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is packed with bold, smoky flavors and a zesty chipotle ranch sauce. Made with juicy grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, this hearty burrito is perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pureed
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
½ cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pureed
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Burrito Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked rice (e.g., cilantro lime rice)
1 cup black or pinto beans
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup crunchy tortilla strips
Optional toppings: Guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, pureed chipotle peppers, and lemon juice. Adjust spice level to taste.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas to make them pliable. Layer rice, beans, grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
- Grill the Burritos: Place seam-side down on a heated skillet or grill. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice in half and serve warm with extra chipotle ranch sauce, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use steak, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled veggies and extra beans.
- Spicy Level: Adjust chipotle peppers for a milder or hotter flavor.
- Prevent Sogginess: Let hot ingredients cool slightly before assembling.
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