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Chipotle Chicken Burrito

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

These homemade chicken burritos beat takeout any day The chicken gets seasoned just right while fresh fajita veggies add color and crunch Black beans bring heartiness and that cilantro lime rice soaks up all the amazing flavors Everything gets wrapped up in a warm tortilla creating the perfect balance in every bite Its like having your favorite burrito shop right in your kitchen but you get to control exactly what goes inside Plus they're actually pretty fun to make and you can prep extra filling for easy meals all week
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:07:19 GMT
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A close-up of a chicken burrito filled with black beans and cilantro, served with rice, diced tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. Pin it
A close-up of a chicken burrito filled with black beans and cilantro, served with rice, diced tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. | cookingkeys.com

Started making these burritos when my takeout habit was getting out of hand! After lots of kitchen experiments, I finally nailed that smoky chipotle chicken taste we all love. My teenagers actually leave their rooms now when they smell the chicken cooking. Last week my daughter texted from soccer practice just to make sure I was making 'the good burritos' for dinner!

The Good Stuff

The secret's all in that chicken marinade! Those chipotle peppers and spices really work their magic if you let them sit overnight. My friend Mike tried them and said they're even better than his usual takeout spot. Plus, that lime-cilantro rice soaks up all the good chicken juices. The whole kitchen smells amazing while everything's cooking!

Shopping List

  • Must-Haves:
    • Chicken breasts
    • Fresh limes
    • White rice
    • Black beans
    • Big tortillas
  • Flavor Boosters:
    • Chipotle powder
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Green peppers
    • Red onions
    • Sharp cheese

Let's Cook

The Marinade
Mix up those spices with some olive oil it'll make your kitchen smell like a Mexican restaurant! Coat that chicken well and let it hang out in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
Rice Magic
While the rice is still hot, hit it with lime juice and cilantro. Give it a good stir and watch it soak up all that flavor. My son says this step is key!
Veggie Time
Cook those peppers and onions in the same pan as the chicken picks up all those tasty bits left behind. Keep them slightly crisp they add such nice crunch to the burrito.
A close-up of a burrito filled with seasoned chicken, black beans, colorful bell peppers, and topped with guacamole and cilantro, served alongside rice and salsa in small bowls. Pin it
A close-up of a burrito filled with seasoned chicken, black beans, colorful bell peppers, and topped with guacamole and cilantro, served alongside rice and salsa in small bowls. | cookingkeys.com

Pro Tips

Here's what I've learned from countless burrito nights: marinate that chicken overnight if you can, and let it come to room temp before cooking. Don't skip warming those tortillas they'll tear if they're cold. And always drain those beans super well nobody likes a soggy burrito!

Get Ready

I've got my routine down pat now. Start the marinade the night before, cook rice while the chicken's going, then tackle those veggies. Set up a little station with all your fixings lined up tortillas, rice, beans, chicken, veggies, cheese. Makes rolling way easier, and cleanup's a breeze!

Mix It Up

Feel free to play around! Sometimes I'll use chicken thighs instead of breasts they stay super juicy. Brown rice works great too, just needs a bit more cooking time. My vegetarian friend swaps the chicken for roasted sweet potatoes says it's amazing. Make it your own that's half the fun!

Time to Eat

The best part's watching everyone build their perfect burrito! My husband loads up on extra chicken, daughter's all about that cheese, and my son drowns his in hot sauce. Put out some guac, sour cream, different salsas let everyone get creative. Just remember to roll them tight, or you'll end up wearing your dinner!

A close-up of a burrito wrapped in foil, filled with grilled chicken, black beans, rice, corn, diced tomatoes, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Pin it
A close-up of a burrito wrapped in foil, filled with grilled chicken, black beans, rice, corn, diced tomatoes, cheese, and fresh vegetables. | cookingkeys.com

Money Saver

Making these at home has saved us so much money on takeout! Plus, everyone gets exactly what they want. I usually make extra chicken and rice for lunch the next day you can make burrito bowls, tacos, whatever you're craving. Feels good knowing exactly what's going into our food, and hey, the guac isn't extra at home!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these burritos ahead of time?

You can prepare all components ahead and store them separately. The assembled burritos keep well in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in foil.

→ What's the best way to reheat these burritos?

For refrigerated burritos, warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes while still wrapped in foil. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then heat. You can also use an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

→ Can I use different types of rice?

Any rice works well in this recipe. Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrition, while white rice keeps it authentic to Chipotle. Just cook according to package directions before adding lime and cilantro.

→ How spicy is the chicken?

The spice level is moderate with chipotle chili powder. For milder flavor, use regular chili powder or reduce the amount. For extra heat, add more chipotle powder or some cayenne.

→ What can I use instead of flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are traditional, you can use whole wheat tortillas for more fiber. For a low-carb option, try making it into a bowl without the tortilla.

Chipotle Chicken Burrito

Create your favorite Chipotle-style burritos at home with marinated chicken, fresh fajita veggies, seasoned black beans, and zesty cilantro lime rice.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (8 burritos)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1½ pounds chicken breasts, cut small.
02 ½ tablespoon chipotle powder.
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
04 ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
07 2 fresh garlic cloves.
08 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
09 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
10 2 fresh bell peppers.
11 1 red onion.
12 1 can black beans.
13 2 fresh limes.
14 1 cup white rice.
15 ¼ cup fresh cilantro.
16 8 large flour tortillas.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix chicken pieces with spices, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Let sit at least 30 minutes.

Step 02

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and done, about 10 minutes.

Step 03

In same pan, cook sliced peppers and onions with oregano and salt until soft.

Step 04

Heat beans with spices and lime juice. Stir occasionally until warm.

Step 05

Cook rice, then mix in oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 06

Warm tortillas. Layer rice, chicken, veggies, and beans. Fold sides in, roll up tight, wrap in foil.

Notes

  1. Keeps in fridge for 3 days.
  2. Can freeze up to 3 months.
  3. Add optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 454
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 27 g