When diving into the world of chicken burritos, you might wonder what to serve alongside this flavorful dish to elevate your meal even further. Here are a few delightful pairing options that will complement your burrito beautifully:
- Fresh Guacamole: A classic! The creamy texture and zesty flavor balance the hearty burrito.
- Salsa: Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, a fresh salsa adds a punch of flavor.
- Rice and Beans: Serve a side of Mexican-style rice or refried beans for a fulfilling combination.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, seasoned corn adds that sweet crunch.
- Chips with Queso Dip: Great for sharing! It’s a crunchy vehicle for more cheesy goodness.
These sides not only enhance the meal but also create a festive atmosphere. Now, let’s unravel the deliciousness of chicken burritos!
Chicken burritos have carved out a special place in the hearts of many food lovers, including mine. They offer a symphony of flavors all wrapped up in a convenient package. When I first tasted a homemade burrito, it felt like a comforting hug on a plate.
The ability to customize fillings means there’s always something new to discover. You’ll find that the combination of tender chicken with savory spices wrapped in a warm tortilla is a combination that can’t be beaten.
Now, hold onto your taste buds as we explore the delightful world of chicken burritos!
What is Chicken Burritos?
At their core, chicken burritos consist of a flour tortilla filled with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and an array of toppings. The tortilla is rolled around the filling, making it easy to hold and eat, whether you’re on the go or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
Burritos originated from Mexican cuisine and have become immensely popular around the globe due to their customization potential. Some may choose to pack theirs with guacamole, cheese, or even sautéed veggies, while others enjoy the simplicity of seasoned chicken and rice.
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What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Chicken Burritos?
What sets this chicken burrito recipe apart is the balance of spices and the quality of ingredients. My years as a food enthusiast have taught me that using fresh, high-quality components elevates any dish.
This chicken burrito features a unique spice blend that complements the chicken beautifully, along with a tangy lime juice that cuts through the richness, making every bite memorable.
Flavor Focus
I’ve also found that incorporating ingredients like refried beans and savory rice adds depth to the burrito. Everybody loves a good chicken burrito, but it’s the extras—like fresh cilantro and sharp cheese—that create that unforgettable taste experience.
How Does It Taste Like?
The flavor profile of a chicken burrito is an exceptional blend of savory and slightly spicy notes. You get the rich, juicy taste of seasoned chicken, punctuated by the crunch of fresh veggies, and the warmth of the tortilla wraps everything in a comforting embrace.
The contrast of creamy fillings like cheese and guacamole, alongside the freshness of lime and cilantro, makes for a mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To whip up your fabulous chicken burritos, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 5 soft flour tortillas (approx. 20cm / 8″ diameter)
Burrito Spice Blend
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Chicken Filling
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 600g / 1.2 lb boneless chicken breast, butterflied and halved horizontally
- 1/4 cup water
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 400g / 14 oz canned refried beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
Rice
- 2.5 cups Mexican-style red rice
- 2.5 cups plain white rice, cooked and fluffed
Dipping Sauce
- Smooth restaurant-style salsa
- Tangy sour cream
- Creamy avocado dipping sauce
Extra Fillings
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
- 400g / 14 oz canned sweet corn kernels, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Burrito Spice Blend
To kick things off, gather your spices and mix them in a small bowl. This blend is essential for adding that punch of flavor to your chicken. The combination of cumin, paprika, and cayenne offers an unforgettable taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once warmed, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking until fragrant.
Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken breast and rub it in. Place the chicken in the skillet and add 1/4 cup of water. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it or cutting it into pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice. If you’re using leftover rice, reheat it gently. If making fresh rice, follow the instructions on the package. Once cooked, mix in your Mexican-style red rice for added flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Start with a generous scoop of rice, followed by refried beans, shredded chicken, corn, cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also add salsa and sour cream at this stage.
Step 5: Fold and Roll
To roll up your burrito, begin by folding the sides in, then roll from the bottom up. Make sure to tuck in the filling as you go. This ensures everything stays packed inside.
Step 6: Grill (Optional)
For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill the burrito. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little olive oil and sear each side of the burrito until crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauces
Slice the burrito in half, arrange on a platter, and serve with your choice of salsa, sour cream, or avocado dip.
Tips & Tricks On Making Chicken Burritos
Here are some handy tips to ensure your burrito game is on point:
Warm your tortillas: This step prevents tearing and makes rolling easier. You can warm them in a skillet or microwave.
Use quality ingredients: Fresh veggies and quality chicken can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t overfill: Load up on flavor, but be cautious not to overstuff. This keeps everything inside.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding fruits like pineapple or mango for a different twist.
Play with textures: Adding crunchy toppings, like shredded carrots or toasted nuts, can take your burrito to the next level.
Nutrition Information
One chicken burrito contains approximately:
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 8g
These numbers will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How Do I Store This Dish?
If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each burrito tightly in foil before placing them in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Chicken Burritos?
If you want to mix things up, here are some substitution ideas:
Beef or Pork: Swap chicken for seasoned ground beef or pork for a different flavor profile.
Fish or Shrimp: Incorporate grilled fish or shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Options: Use black beans or spiced tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian burrito.
Quinoa or Couscous: Replace rice with quinoa or couscous for a protein-packed alternative.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as a wrap instead of tortillas.
Chicken Burritos
Equipment
- skillet
- Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 soft flour tortillas approx. 20cm / 8″ diameter
Burrito Spice Blend
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Chicken Filling
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 600 g / 1.2 lb boneless chicken breast butterflied and halved horizontally
- 1/4 cup water
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 400 g / 14 oz canned refried beans
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
Rice
- 2.5 cups Mexican-style red rice
- 2.5 cups plain white rice cooked and fluffed
Dipping Sauce
- Smooth restaurant-style salsa
- Tangy sour cream
- Creamy avocado dipping sauce
Extra Fillings
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack
- 400 g / 14 oz canned sweet corn kernels drained
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burrito Spice Blend
- To kick things off, gather your spices and mix them in a small bowl. This blend is essential for adding that punch of flavor to your chicken. The combination of cumin, paprika, and cayenne offers an unforgettable taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once warmed, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken breast and rub it in. Place the chicken in the skillet and add 1/4 cup of water. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it or cutting it into pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice. If you’re using leftover rice, reheat it gently. If making fresh rice, follow the instructions on the package. Once cooked, mix in your Mexican-style red rice for added flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
- Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Start with a generous scoop of rice, followed by refried beans, shredded chicken, corn, cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also add salsa and sour cream at this stage.
Step 5: Fold and Roll
- To roll up your burrito, begin by folding the sides in, then roll from the bottom up. Make sure to tuck in the filling as you go. This ensures everything stays packed inside.
Step 6: Grill (Optional)
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill the burrito. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little olive oil and sear each side of the burrito until crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Slice the burrito in half, arrange on a platter, and serve with your choice of salsa, sour cream, or avocado dip.
Notes
Use quality ingredients: Fresh veggies and quality chicken can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t overfill: Load up on flavor, but be cautious not to overstuff. This keeps everything inside.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding fruits like pineapple or mango for a different twist.
Play with textures: Adding crunchy toppings, like shredded carrots or toasted nuts, can take your burrito to the next level.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make chicken burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fillings and assemble the burritos in advance. Just store them wrapped in plastic in the fridge or freezer. They’re great for meal prep!
2. Is it possible to make chicken burritos gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas, which are widely available in stores.
3. What toppings can I add besides cheese and sour cream?
Consider adding jalapeños for heat, diced avocado for creaminess, or even pickled onions for zest.
4. How can I make my burritos spicier?
Incorporate hotter peppers, add more cayenne to your spice mix, or include spicy salsa to amp up the heat.
5. Are there healthier alternatives for tortillas?
There are many options! Consider whole grain tortillas, lettuce wraps, or even rice paper for a lighter choice.
Conclusion
Chicken burritos are a delightful meal that combines so many flavors and textures in every bite. They’re versatile and can be tailored to suit the taste buds of anyone. Whether you crave classic flavors or want to explore new tastes, you can’t go wrong with a homemade burrito.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be on your way to crafting a burrito that will not only impress but also satisfy. So roll up those sleeves, unleash your inner chef, and get ready to enjoy an amazing chicken burrito experience! Happy cooking!
