chicken burrito recipe
A hearty and flavorful chicken burrito recipe packed with juicy shredded chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and fresh toppings — wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or freezing ahead of time.
Ingredients
- For the Burrito Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cooked and shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional: guacamole jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir until heated through.
- Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side, until pliable.
- Assemble the burritos: Spread refried beans on each tortilla, then layer with rice, black beans, chicken, peppers and onions, shredded cheese, and toppings of choice.
- Roll tightly: Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom.
- Optional crisping: For a golden finish, place burritos seam-side down in a skillet with a touch of olive oil and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Slice in half if desired, and enjoy warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for roasted veggies or extra beans.
- Burritos freeze well: wrap in foil, freeze, and bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Don’t overstuff — it makes rolling harder and messier.
- Great toppings include salsa verde, queso, or pickled jalapeños for extra kick.