Name: Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 large flour tortillas; 1 cup cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: The ultimate weeknight warrior, this flavor-packed creation is designed to satisfy those hearty cravings and elevate your average meal into something truly spectacular. We all love a good burrito, but this isn’t just any burrito. What sets this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito apart is the perfect harmony of smoky, spicy chipotle peppers and the cool, creamy tang of homemade ranch, all embraced by tender, perfectly grilled chicken. Imagin extracte juicy chicken marinated to perfection, then kissed by the grill, providing a satisfying chew that contrasts beautifully with the fresh, vibrant fillings. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing and leaves you feeling utterly content, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary experiences. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)

Marinating the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

This is where we build the flavor foundation for our Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The lime juice will not only add a bright, zesty note but also help tenderize the chicken. The chipotle chili powder is the star here, providing that smoky heat that defines the “chipotle” part of our burrito. Smoked paprika amplifies that smoky essence, while the garlic and onion powders offer savory depth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Breasts

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the prepared marinade. Ensure each piece is fully coated. You can do this directly in the bowl, or for even better distribution and less mess, use a zip-top bag. If using a bag, add the chicken and the marinade, then seal it tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intensely flavored the chicken will become. For a quick weeknight meal, 30 minutes is sufficient. If you have more time, letting it marinate longer will yield even better results.

Grilling the Chicken

Step 3: Grill the Marinated Chicken

Preheat your grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken. Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Step 4: Shred or Dice the Grilled Chicken

After resting, the chicken will be easy to handle. You have a couple of options for preparing it for your burritos. You can either shred the chicken using two forks, pulling it apart into smaller, manageable pieces, or you can dice it into bite-sized cubes. Shredding is great for a more traditional burrito texture, while dicing offers a more distinct bite. Both methods work beautifully and will soak up the other delicious ingredients in your burrito.

Assembling the Burritos

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble the Burrito

This is where all the delicious components come together! Gently warm your large flour tortillas. You can do this by briefly heating them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds. Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear when you roll them.

Now, it’s time to build your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito! Lay a warm tortilla flat. Down the center of the tortilla, layer your ingredients. Start with a base of the cooked white or brown rice, followed by a generous portion of the drained and rinsed black beans. Next, add the shredded or diced grilled chicken. Sprinkle a good amount of the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken. Top with the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. If you’re using fresh cilantro, add a sprinkle of that now for an extra burst of freshness.

To finish, drizzle a good amount of your favorite ranch dressing over the fillings. Don’t be shy with the ranch – it complements the smoky chipotle perfectly! If you like, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Rolling and Grilling (Optional)

To roll your burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom up. If you prefer a slightly crisped exterior and melted cheese, you can grill the assembled burrito. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the rolled burrito seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is delightfully melted. This step adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito truly irresistible.

Conclusion:

We’ve reached the delicious end of our journey to creating the perfect Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito! This recipe offers a fantastic balance of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The grilled chicken, infused with that signature chipotle ranch goodness, is the star of the show, complemented beautifully by the fresh fillings. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience its amazing taste for yourself. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to assemble once your chicken is prepped.

For serving suggestions, this burrito is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of seasoned tortilla chips and salsa, or even a simple corn salad. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap the chicken for seasoned steak or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Add some black beans for extra protein and fiber, or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for an extra layer of richness. The possibilities are endless!

I encourage you to experiment and make this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito your own. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even for meal prepping. Enjoy the process and most importantly, savor every bite of this flavor-packed burrito!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of chipotle seasoning should I use?

For the best flavor in our Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, you can use either a pre-made chipotle ranch seasoning blend, or create your own. To make your own, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference.

Can I make the chipotle ranch sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chipotle ranch sauce for the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the burritos even quicker when you’re ready to eat.

What are some good vegetables to add inside the burrito?

Beyond the typical lettuce and tomato, consider adding sautéed onions and bell peppers, grilled corn, black beans, or even some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. These additions will further enhance the flavors and textures of your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.