If you’re craving a meal that bursts with smoky, creamy, and vibrant flavors, this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, perfectly grilled chicken infused with chili spices, wrapped up with black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a luscious chipotle ranch dressing all inside a warm tortilla—that’s a party in every bite! This recipe balances smoky heat with cooling creaminess, making it an instant favorite for any casual lunch or weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to whip up anytime you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with something deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own unique texture, flavor, or color that makes this burrito truly irresistible. From the juicy seasoned chicken to the fresh avocado slices, every component plays a starring role in this dish.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, which becomes tender and smoky when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings the deep chipotle flavor and a warm kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory note that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Builds depth in the spice blend.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Amplifies the smoky undertone that defines this burrito.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening flavors.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and warm carriers for all the delicious fillings.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds body and a gentle texture contrast.
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained): Creamy and hearty with a mild flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly to bind the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Sweet bursts of color and crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and an herbal lift.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy freshness that balances richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Provides sharpness and a bit of crunch.
- 1 avocado (sliced): Creamy texture and mellow flavor to smooth heat.
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing: The star of the show—creamy with just the right smoky spice.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend creates a deeply flavorful coating. Rub it all over the chicken breasts and let them soak up those fantastic flavors for at least 15 minutes. Marinating helps the chicken become juicy and tender while locking in the smokiness essential for the burrito.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful char and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked perfectly. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing into strips. This step guarantees your chicken stays moist and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas and Fillings
Warm your flour tortillas slightly to make them nice and pliable—this will prevent any tearing when you roll them up. While the tortillas warm, have your cooked rice, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and avocado slices ready to go. Having everything prepped ensures an easy, no-hassle assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each tortilla and begin layering: start with the rice and black beans as a hearty base. Add the grilled chicken strips, then sprinkle with cheese and corn kernels. Top with the cilantro, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices. Finally, don’t be shy with that half cup of chipotle ranch dressing—a generous drizzle ties all the bold flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Roll and Grill the Burrito
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly into a burrito to keep all those luscious fillings secure. For that extra touch of texture and flavor, place the burrito seam-side down on your hot grill or pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side—this creates a lightly crisped tortilla with beautiful grill marks that make every bite downright delicious. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes takes this burrito from tasty to irresistible. Fresh slices of avocado or a sprinkle of additional cilantro add visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. A wedge of lime on the side gives guests a zesty squeeze that brightens each bite. If you love a little extra heat, diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce complement the smoky chipotle dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This burrito pairs beautifully with light and fresh side dishes that balance the richness. Think crunchy Mexican street corn salad, tangy pickled vegetables, or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette. Even simple tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole make for a festive spread that turns your meal into a full-on fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the burrito into rounds to create handheld “burrito sushi” bites—perfect for parties or casual snacking. Another idea is to serve the ingredients deconstructed in a burrito bowl style, allowing everyone to customize their own perfect scoop. Wrapping your grilled burritos in foil and serving them picnic-style makes this recipe a great option for outdoor gatherings or lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the burrito tightly sealed helps maintain the moisture of the grilled chicken and preserves the fresh textures of the veggies and avocado as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to make this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe ahead for busy days, wrap each burrito individually in foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date so you can enjoy the smoky, creamy goodness anytime without fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the foil and place the burrito on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until the tortilla crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortilla texture nice and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with grilled steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this burrito gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Many brands offer soft and pliable tortillas that work perfectly for wrapping and grilling.
Can I prepare the chipotle ranch dressing at home?
Definitely! Making your own chipotle ranch is easy and allows you to control the spice level. Combine ranch dressing with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blend until smooth, and adjust seasoning to taste.
What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through. You can also pan-sear it for a nice crust.
Can I add other vegetables to the burrito?
Of course! This recipe is very flexible. Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, shredded lettuce for crunch, or roasted zucchini to boost vegetable goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, easy preparation, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe promises mouthwatering results every time. So grab your grill pan, gather those delicious ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a burrito that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful Tex-Mex favorite combining smoky, spicy grilled chicken with creamy chipotle ranch dressing, fresh veggies, and hearty beans and rice all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for a satisfying main course, it offers a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Burrito Filling
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a spice rub.
- Marinate the chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips for easy layering in the burrito.
- Warm the tortillas: Briefly heat the flour tortillas to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Assemble the burritos: On each tortilla, layer cooked rice, black beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, corn kernels, cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, and a generous drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing.
- Wrap the burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll tightly to enclose all the fillings securely.
- Finish on the grill: Place the wrapped burritos seam-side down onto the hot grill or grill pan. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is lightly crisped and warmed through.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve the burritos warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to skip grilling.
- Swap chipotle ranch dressing for plain ranch or salsa depending on preference.
- Customize your burrito with jalapeños, lettuce, or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
