If you are on the hunt for a satisfying, vibrant meal that packs both flavor and comfort, this Chicken Burritos Recipe is an absolute must-try. Each bite combines tender, well-seasoned chicken with hearty refried beans, fresh vegetables, and cheesy goodness all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, delivering a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, these burritos bring that crave-worthy Tex-Mex vibe straight to your kitchen with easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process that anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Burritos Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play their part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the smoky spices coating the chicken to the creamy beans and melty cheese, everything works beautifully together.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound): Boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces for quick cooking and even seasoning.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the dish without overwhelming it.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a subtle hint of heat and earthiness.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, mild spice that defines this recipe’s character.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Imparts a distinctive smoky and nutty aroma essential to Mexican flavors.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides depth and a touch of smokiness that elevates the chicken filling.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a herbal brightness that balances the spices.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing, giving a smooth texture and subtle richness.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and crunch after cooking down to translucency.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a savory punch that lifts all the savory components.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, chopped): Contributes sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Refried beans (1 ½ cups): Creates creamy body and a luscious texture inside the burritos.
- Water (¼ cup): Helps adjust the bean mixture to a perfect consistency.
- Flour tortillas (8 large): Soft and warm, they are the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious fillings.
- Cooked Mexican rice (2 cups): Adds hearty base and subtle tomato and spice notes.
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Fresh, canned, or frozen, these bring a sweet pop and brightness to each bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, lending gooey, savory richness.
- Salsa: For topping—fresh and tangy to brighten every mouthful.
- Sour cream: Provides cool, creamy contrast for the spices.
- Nacho cheese sauce (optional): For an extra indulgent, cheesy finish.
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 your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Toss the chicken into the hot oil and cook until every piece is nicely browned and cooked through. This spice mix quickly creates a tasty crust that locks in the juiciness, making each bite satisfying.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans
Next, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Cook everything until the onion turns translucent and the peppers soften slightly. This step layers fresh sweetness and aroma into your filling. After that, stir in the refried beans along with a splash of water. Cook until the mixture thickens just a bit, making a creamy, hearty filling that perfectly complements the chicken.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While your filling simmers, warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This softens the tortillas, making them wonderfully pliable and easier to fold without cracking—an essential step for wrapping up those delicious fillings properly.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay each warmed tortilla flat and start layering your ingredients. Begin with a generous helping of cooked Mexican rice, followed by the rich chicken and bean mixture. Sprinkle some corn kernels on top for sweetness and textural contrast, then add a hearty handful of shredded cheddar cheese. This combination builds a layered flavor and texture profile that’s exciting in every bite.
Step 5: Fold and Toast the Burritos
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly to seal all the goodness inside. Once assembled, you have a few delicious options: wrap each burrito in foil and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for melty, warm perfection; pan-fry each side for 2 minutes to get a golden, crispy exterior; or, for a treat, fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy. Each method offers a delightful twist on texture, so choose based on your craving.
How to Serve Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
The best Chicken Burritos Recipe really comes alive with the right garnishes. Fresh salsa adds a zesty, tangy burst that cuts through the richness, while dollops of cool sour cream provide a creamy counterbalance. If you love cheese, drizzle on some warm nacho cheese sauce for a decadent finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad, pickled jalapeños for a bright kick, or extra Mexican rice to round out the meal. Fresh guacamole or a bowl of black beans can also elevate the dining experience and make it feel like a fiesta on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your burritos in half on the diagonal to show off those beautiful fillings, then arrange them on a platter with colorful toppings in small bowls. You can also cut away one end like a burrito bowl or open-faced taco for a shared appetizer-style spread—perfect for parties or family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and hold their flavor and texture beautifully, making them a fantastic quick meal option.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them for easy retrieval when hunger strikes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen burritos by removing any plastic wrapping and warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, unwrap foil and heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway to warm evenly. This helps maintain that just-made taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a more tender and juicy option with a bit more fat and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What if I don’t have refried beans?
You can substitute with black beans or pinto beans mashed with a fork and seasoned well. They will provide a similar creamy texture and complement the other flavors nicely.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To amp up the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the seasoning blend. Serving with spicy salsa also helps deliver an extra kick.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to this Chicken Burritos Recipe?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, textured vegetable protein, or a mix of beans and corn for a satisfying vegetarian version. Adjust seasonings to taste and you’ll have an equally delicious meal.
Can these burritos be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or large corn tortillas. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas are generally smaller and a bit less pliable, so you may want to make smaller burritos or double wrap them.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burritos Recipe has everything that makes a meal memorable — spice, creaminess, warmth, and a touch of indulgence. Whether you follow it exactly or personalize it with your one-of-a-kind twists, you’re in for a delicious, satisfying experience that’s sure to become a household favorite. Don’t wait to bring this easy, crowd-pleasing dish to your table and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chicken Burritos recipe features tender, flavorful chicken seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, combined with sautéed vegetables and refried beans. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas with Mexican rice, corn, and melted cheddar cheese, these burritos are toasted to golden perfection and served with salsa, sour cream, and optional nacho cheese sauce for a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- ¼ cup water
Burrito Assembly
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- 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 oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Beans: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the refried beans and water, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly and is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Warm Tortillas: Place the flour tortillas in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds to make them pliable and easier to fold without tearing.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay each warmed tortilla flat. Layer about ¼ cup cooked Mexican rice, a generous portion of the chicken and bean mixture, some corn kernels, and shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly burrito-style.
- Toast Burritos: Choose one of the following methods to toast the burritos: wrap in foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes; or pan-fry the burritos in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until golden brown; or deep fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Toasting melts the cheese inside and crisps the tortillas slightly.
- Serve: Remove the toasted burritos from heat and serve with sides of salsa, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce if desired for dipping or topping.
Notes
- Using warm tortillas prevents cracking during folding.
- Refried beans add creaminess and help bind the filling.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce inside the burrito.
- Leftover burritos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cooked all the way through for safety and best texture.
