These Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are packed with juicy chicken and tangy ranch flavor. You’ll love how quick and tasty they are!
Every bite is a fiesta in your mouth! I like to add extra toppings like cheese and guacamole because who doesn’t love a bit of extra yum? 🌯
Making these burritos is a breeze. Just grill the chicken, mix in some ranch, and wrap it all up. Perfect for lunch or dinner on busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for these burritos, but thighs work well too. They’re a bit juicier! Feel free to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Spices: Chili powder and smoked paprika give flavor and smokiness. If you want to tone down the heat, use mild paprika instead of smoked. You could also experiment with different spice blends if you have them on hand.
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are great for burritos. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain, or corn tortillas are good choices, but they might be a bit more fragile.
Ranch Dressing: This adds a creamy, zesty flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, you could try a vegan ranch or mix avocado with lime juice and herbs for a fresh alternative.
Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend add richness. However, if you’re lactose-intolerant, consider using dairy-free cheese options available in stores.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly for Burritos?
Getting beautifully grilled chicken is essential for tasty burritos. Grilling the chicken makes it flavorful and juicy. Here’s a simple guide:
- Marinate the chicken with spices beforehand. This packs in flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill sears the chicken, giving it a nice char.
- Grill each chicken piece for 5-7 minutes, turning only occasionally. This helps it cook evenly and keeps it juicy.
- Always check if the chicken is done by cutting into a piece; it should be white with no pink inside. Use a meat thermometer for perfection, aiming for 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after grilling makes it more tender. Enjoy grilling!
Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembling the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 ripe avocado or 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup cooked white rice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes for cooking, resulting in delicious burritos ready in about 30-35 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this spice mix until they are well coated. This step adds a lot of flavor!
2. Grill the Chicken:
Heat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, throw on the chicken pieces and grill them for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a nice char on the outside. When they are fully cooked with no pink inside, take them off the grill and set aside.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
To make our tortillas nice and pliable, warm them on the grill or in a dry skillet for around 30 seconds on each side. This makes rolling burritos so much easier!
4. Spread the Ranch:
Take each warm tortilla and spread about 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing in the center. This will add a creamy, zesty flavor to your burrito.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Now for the fun part! Layer each tortilla with grilled chicken, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, and avocado or guacamole. If you like rice, add that too! Feel free to customize based on your favorite flavors.
6. Roll Up the Burritos:
To roll the burritos, first fold in the sides of the tortilla. Then, starting from one end, roll it up tightly to enclose all the yummy fillings inside. A snug wrap helps keep everything together!
7. Grill the Burritos:
Once your burritos are rolled, place them seam side down on the grill or skillet. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly. This helps get a crispy, golden outside and ensures that the cheese inside melts.
8. Serve Up & Enjoy!
Remove the burritos from the heat. If you like, slice them in half for an appetizing look. Serve immediately and enjoy your savory, smoky chipotle ranch grilled chicken burritos!
Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite! 🌯
FAQ About Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose for even results.
How Should I Store Leftover Burritos?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through, making sure to wrap them in foil if grilling to retain moisture.
Can I Make These Burritos Without Rice?
Definitely! You can omit the rice altogether if you prefer a lighter burrito. Alternatively, consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder or use regular paprika instead. For more heat, feel free to add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the fillings for an extra kick!