Looking for a fast, flavorful, and filling meal that hits all the right notes? This easy chicken burrito recipe is your go-to solution. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm tortillas filled with tender chicken, seasoned rice, creamy beans, fresh toppings, and a burst of zesty flavor. The best part? You can easily customize it to suit your tastes—make it spicy, keep it cheesy, or go big on veggies.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make 4 large chicken burritos:
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover shredded chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime (optional, for added zest)
For the Burrito Fillings:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- ½ avocado or guacamole
- 1 cup chopped lettuce or baby spinach
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch burrito-size)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken is already cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the chicken is hot and fragrant. Squeeze in a bit of lime juice for a flavor boost.
Quick Tip: Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes this even faster!
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for 10–15 seconds per side, or microwave them with a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. This keeps them soft and easy to fold.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat and layer the following in the center (leave room to fold):
- ½ cup seasoned chicken
- ¼ cup cooked rice
- ¼ cup black beans
- 2 tablespoons salsa or pico de gallo
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon diced tomato
- A few slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole
- A handful of lettuce or spinach
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom up like a burrito. If needed, secure with foil or a toothpick.
Want a crispy finish? Place the burrito seam-side down in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side to toast it!
🧠 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your diet (low-carb, vegetarian, spicy).
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and leftovers.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch and store in the fridge or freezer.
- Family-approved: Customize burritos for picky eaters or adventurous taste buds.
🥑 Customization Ideas
Want to take your chicken burrito recipe to the next level? Try these tasty variations:
| Variation | Swap or Add |
|---|---|
| Spicy Kick | Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers in adobo |
| Low-Carb | Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas |
| Vegetarian | Replace chicken with grilled veggies or tofu |
| Tex-Mex Style | Add corn, sautéed onions, and bell peppers |
| Extra Cheesy | Mix shredded cheese into hot rice before adding it in |
❄️ Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store: Wrap burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a skillet for a crispier exterior.
🌯 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but it will take longer. Dice raw chicken and sauté with the spices until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
What’s the best rice for burritos?
Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime rice adds a lot of flavor, but plain white or brown rice works too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream, or replace it with avocado or a plant-based yogurt.
✅ Final Thoughts
This easy chicken burrito recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you want a delicious, filling meal without a long prep time. With just a few ingredients and a little assembly, you’ll have a burrito that rivals your favorite takeout spot—fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
So grab those tortillas and let’s wrap up dinner in no time!
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