If you are craving a bursting blend of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors wrapped up in a warm tortilla, you are going to fall in love with this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe. It combines perfectly spiced grilled chicken with zesty chipotle ranch dressing and fresh ingredients all rolled into a handheld feast. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish delivers an exciting mix of textures and tastes that feels hearty, fresh, and downright delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet vibrant ingredients. Each element brings its own flair, creating a harmonious blend of smoky spices, tangy creaminess, and satisfying warmth that makes every bite unforgettable.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the smoky, spiced marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy on the grill.
- Spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin): These give the chicken its irresistible smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft, warm wraps perfect for packing all the tasty fillings.
- 1 cup cooked cilantro lime rice: Adds a fresh, zesty base that complements the smoky chicken.
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained: Provide hearty texture and earthiness.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness.
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce: Offers a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Brightens the burrito with juicy, acidic notes.
- 1/3 cup chipotle ranch dressing: The star flavor that ties everything together with a smoky, creamy kick.
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for grilling: Ensures the burritos get golden and crisp on the pan.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix olive oil with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is what gives the chicken its mouthwatering smoky flavor. Coat both chicken breasts evenly with this mixture to ensure every bite is packed with zest. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and juicy, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juices before slicing into tender strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas and Fillings
While the chicken rests, warm the tortillas just enough to make them flexible and easy to roll. This step is key to preventing tearing later. Lay each tortilla flat and begin layering your ingredients: first the cilantro lime rice for a subtle tang, then black beans for richness and texture. Add a generous portion of your grilled chicken strips on top, followed by shredded cheese, crisp romaine lettuce, and diced tomatoes for freshness.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch and Roll
Drizzle the chipotle ranch dressing evenly over the fillings to add that signature smoky, creamy flavor that makes this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe truly special. Fold in the sides of the tortilla snugly and roll tightly from the bottom up to encase all those delectable ingredients within a neat, portable package.
Step 4: Grill the Burritos to Perfection
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each burrito seam-side down and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing lightly until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp. This extra step not only warms your burrito through but also adds a delightful crunch and seals in all those delicious flavors.
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the vibrancy, top your burrito with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. Thinly sliced jalapeños or a wedge of lime on the side can provide an extra zing that brightens every bite and elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This burrito pairs wonderfully with a crunchy side of tortilla chips and guacamole or a refreshing corn and avocado salad. The contrast of cool, creamy sides with the warm, smoky burrito is pure bliss for your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Slice the burritos in half and arrange them on a platter to showcase the colorful fillings. Or serve them in rustic cast-iron skillets with tiny bowls of extra chipotle ranch and salsa for dipping — perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the tortilla soft without becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these burritos for up to 2 months. Wrap each tightly in foil and then place in an airtight freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to restore that lovely grilled crispness. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the tortilla, so use it when you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a bit more richness, which complements the smoky spices beautifully. Just adjust grilling times until they reach 165°F internally.
Is the chipotle ranch dressing spicy? Can I make it milder?
The chipotle ranch does have a pleasant smoky heat, but you can easily tone it down by adding more ranch or sour cream to mellow the spiciness while keeping the creamy texture.
Can I prepare this burrito recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just keep the chipotle ranch separate until serving to prevent the tortilla from getting soggy, and reheat as needed.
What can I substitute for the chipotle ranch dressing?
If chipotle ranch isn’t available, a mixture of plain ranch dressing with a touch of smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce can mimic the flavor well.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to this recipe?
Definitely! Swap grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Add extra beans or avocado for protein and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is a wonderful celebration of bold flavors and easy cooking that will quickly become a household favorite. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again whenever you crave something hearty, smoky, and absolutely satisfying. Grab your grill pan, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this deliciously vibrant burrito experience!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful and satisfying meal combining juicy grilled chicken seasoned with a smoky spice blend, cilantro lime rice, black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy chipotle ranch dressing all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Burrito
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked cilantro lime rice
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for grilling burritos
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this spice mixture for bold flavor.
- Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable and easy to roll without tearing.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay each tortilla flat and layer with cilantro lime rice, black beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, romaine lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Drizzle chipotle ranch dressing over the filling for a creamy and spicy element.
- Wrap Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
- Grill Burritos: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each burrito seam-side down and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the outside is golden brown and lightly crisped.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and serve the burritos warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled shrimp or steak for the chicken for a different protein option.
- Use a low-carb wrap if you prefer a lighter or gluten-free alternative.
- Adding avocado slices or corn kernels inside the burrito can enhance flavor and texture.
