Classic Chicken Burrito: A Flavorful and Filling Mexican Favorite

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 cup of cooked rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup of diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup of diced onion
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, cut the chicken into thin strips.
  5. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
  6. Divide the cooked rice equally among the warmed tortillas.
  7. Top the rice with the cooked chicken strips, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced onion.
  8. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly to close.
  9. Serve the chicken burritos with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a healthier option.
  • Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp or beef for a different protein.
  • Add diced bell peppers and onions to the filling for added flavor and texture.
  • Include some sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
  • Add a dollop of refried beans or Mexican rice to the filling for an extra hearty burrito.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn.
  • For a vegan option, replace the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives and skip the meat altogether.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Wrap the burrito in foil and bake it in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese and make it extra warm and gooey.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delicious homemade Chicken Burrito with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe takes the classic burrito and elevates it with flavorsome spices and a variety of fresh ingredients. You'll be starting with tender, juicy, well-seasoned chicken and combining it with wholesome black beans, fluffy rice, and shredded cheddar cheese inside a warm, soft tortilla. Then, you'll get to add your favorite garnishes: diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and crunchy onions. Optionally, you can top it off with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for an extra burst of flavor. With this recipe, you'll find that making restaurant-quality burritos at home is not only possible but also quite straightforward and gratifying. Enjoy the process and your delicious creation!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
  3. Do I have to use black beans? No, if you're not a fan of black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or any other beans of your choice.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like grilled peppers, onions, zucchini, or corn.
  5. Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can either heat them in the oven or microwave.
  6. Can I freeze these burritos? Absolutely! Wrap the assembled burritos in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven or microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A frying pan or skillet is needed to cook the chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary to cut the chicken into thin strips.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing the chicken.
  • Skillet or Griddle - A skillet or griddle is required to warm the flour tortillas.
  • Serving Plates - Plates are needed to serve the prepared chicken burritos.
  • Spoons - Spoons can be used to scoop and serve the filling ingredients onto the tortillas.
  • Serving Bowls - Bowls are convenient for serving optional accompaniments like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle the chicken and tortillas while cooking.
  • Aluminum Foil - Aluminum foil can be used to wrap the burritos to keep them warm and help them hold their shape.
  • Optional: Blender or Food Processor - A blender or food processor can be used to make homemade salsa or guacamole.

Origin stories

Burritos, like our Chicken Burrito recipe here, are a delightful gem that finds its roots in the northern regions of Mexico, specifically the state of Chihuahua. It's said that in the 19th century, a man named Juan Méndez used a tortilla to wrap and transport food during the Mexican Revolution, much like a portable meal. This method not only kept the food warm, but also allowed the workers and riders to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal fuss. The burrito soon spread across the border into the southwestern United States, where it was embraced and evolved with new and diverse fillings, like our delicious combination of chicken, rice, black beans, and avocado. The burrito we know and love today is a splendid example of culinary adaptation and the blending of cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.