Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? You know that feeling, right? We’ve all been there. But guess what? Finding amazing dinner ideas doesn’t have to be a chore.
Today, we are diving into one of our absolute favorite, no fuss, and incredibly tasty meals: the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. This isn’t just any burrito; it’s a flavor packed adventure that brings those popular restaurant vibes right to your kitchen. Think bold, smoky, and creamy all in one bite!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good burrito? This particular recipe for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito hits all the right notes for a fantastic weeknight meal or even a fun weekend lunch. It’s one of those Chipotle inspired Meal Ideas that truly shines.
First off, it’s super customizable. Got picky eaters? No problem! Everyone can pick their favorite fillings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever veggies you have hanging out in your crisper drawer. Talk about smart dinner ideas!
Secondly, the flavors are just out of this world. The smoky heat from the chipotle, the zing of lime, and the cool creaminess of ranch dressing come together in a symphony for your taste buds. It’s a delightful combination that makes this Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito truly unforgettable.
And let’s not forget how easy it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment or a culinary degree to whip up these delicious Grilled Chicken Burritos. It’s perfect for beginners and budget conscious cooks alike. Seriously, you’ll be making these Burritos Chicken style every chance you get!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry or are easy to find at any grocery store. Let’s get cooking!
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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 pepper to taste
For the Burritos
- 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 lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup corn kernels, optional
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, optional
- ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these Delicious Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time. These are truly some great dinner ideas.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This creates that incredible, smoky base for your Chipotle Grilled Chicken Burrito.
Coat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this flavorful marinade. Make sure every piece is well covered. Then, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for an even deeper flavor. This step is key for a juicy Chicken Chipotle Burrito.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a trusty grill pan to medium high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, it’s time to cook your marinated chicken. This is where the magic happens for your Grilled Chicken Chipotle Burrito!
Grill the chicken breasts for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want them cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it nice and juicy. After resting, slice it into strips, ready for your Burritos Chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings
While your chicken is resting, warm your flour tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 15 to 20 seconds per side until they’re pliable, or a quick zap in the microwave works too. This makes them easier to roll and prevents tearing.
Next, heat your black beans and rice if they aren’t already warm. A quick spin in the microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop will do the trick. Having all your fillings warm makes for a much more enjoyable Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now for the fun part: assembly! Lay each warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of that delicious chipotle ranch dressing right in the center. This is the foundation of your incredible Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.
Layer on the good stuff! Start with a generous portion of rice, followed by black beans, your perfectly grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and diced tomatoes. If you’re using corn kernels and chopped cilantro, sprinkle those on top for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. This is how you build a truly satisfying Grilled Chicken Burrito.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
Time to wrap it up! Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the fillings. Then, starting from the bottom, roll it up tightly to form a neat burrito. A tight roll keeps all those wonderful fillings in place. You’ve just created a masterpiece!
Serve your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito immediately. If you like a slightly crispy exterior, you can lightly grill the wrapped burrito for a minute or two on each side. It adds a lovely texture and warmth. Enjoy these fantastic dinner ideas!
How To Store Leftovers
Got some extra Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos? Lucky you! Storing them properly means you can enjoy these tasty dinner ideas again later. This recipe is great for meal prepping, honestly.
To store, wrap each assembled burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out. Pop them into an airtight container or a freezer safe bag.
They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply unwrap and warm them in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, until heated through. For best results, avoid freezing burritos with fresh lettuce or tomatoes, as they can get watery when thawed. You can always add those fresh elements later.
Tips
Want to make your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito even better? Here are a few insider tips to elevate your experience and make these Chipotle inspired Meal Ideas truly shine.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished burrito. For a milder flavor, reduce the chipotle chili powder slightly. It’s all about what you like!
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add more vegetables! Sautéed bell peppers and onions, roasted sweet potatoes, or even some spinach can be wonderful additions. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and bulk up your Grilled Chicken Burritos.
Homemade Dressing: While store bought chipotle ranch dressing is super convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy. Just combine ranch dressing with a bit of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. It tastes incredibly fresh and zesty.
Crispy Exterior: As mentioned, a quick grill or pan fry after wrapping gives your burrito a lovely crispy shell. This also helps seal the burrito, keeping all those yummy fillings inside. It’s a game changer for any Burritos Chicken recipe.
Protein Swaps: Not a chicken fan? This recipe works beautifully with grilled steak, seasoned ground beef, or even plant based protein like extra firm tofu or tempeh. The marinade is versatile, making it a fantastic base for many different dinner ideas.
Conclusion
There you have it! A truly delicious, easy, and satisfying recipe for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It’s one of those dinner ideas that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something fun to make with the family, or just a way to spice up your lunch routine, this Chipotle inspired Meal Idea has got you covered. The smoky chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh fillings create a perfect harmony that everyone will love.
So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and treat yourself to the best Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito you’ve ever made at home. Happy cooking, friends!
FAQ
Can I Use Pre Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can save you a ton of time. Just shred or dice it, then toss it with the marinade ingredients for flavor before assembling your Grilled Chicken Burritos.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop, or simply cook the chicken in a regular skillet over medium high heat until cooked through. Baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes also works well for these dinner ideas.
Can I Make These Burritos Vegetarian?
Yes, you certainly can! Omit the chicken and instead use extra black beans, pinto beans, or seasoned sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You could also use a plant based ground meat substitute for a hearty vegetarian Chipotle inspired Meal Idea.
What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?
Large flour tortillas are best for wrapping burritos tightly. Look for “burrito size” tortillas, usually around 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Whole wheat tortillas can also be a great choice for these Burritos Chicken.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
A smoky, creamy, and totally satisfying restaurant-style burrito you can whip up in your own kitchen. This no-fuss meal is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat your chicken breasts in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors sink in.
- Preheat your grill or a Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet to medium high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a Digital Instant Read Food Thermometer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Warm your flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.
- Assemble the burritos: Spread chipotle ranch dressing on each tortilla, then layer rice, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Fold the sides inward and roll tightly. For a crispy finish, lightly toast the wrapped burrito in a dry skillet for a minute on each side.
Notes
To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken tossed in the marinade spices.
If you want more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
This recipe is great for meal prep! Just store the assembled burritos in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready.
Avoid freezing burritos with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, as they can become watery upon thawing.
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