Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Smoky Flavor: The chipotle marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, smoky taste, balanced by the creamy ranch dressing.
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Marinated and grilled to perfection, the chicken is juicy and tender.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or add extra toppings to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: These burritos store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for quick meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon pureed chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Burrito:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice (e.g., cilantro lime rice)
- ½ cup black beans or pinto beans
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- Optional: guacamole, sour cream, salsa
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, pureed chipotle peppers, and lemon juice. Adjust spice level if needed.
4. Assemble the Burritos
- Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
- Layer rice, beans, grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce.
- Roll the burrito tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
5. Grill the Burritos (Optional)
- Place the rolled burritos seam-side down on a heated grill or skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled veggies, tofu, or extra beans.
- Spicier Option: Add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the components in advance and assemble the burritos when ready to eat.
How do I make this burrito freezer-friendly?
Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave.
How do I reduce the spice level?
Use less chipotle peppers or substitute mild salsa in the sauce.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a bold, smoky, and delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the grill or as a meal prep option, this burrito is sure to satisfy your cravings
