Chicken Burrito Recipe

This chicken burrito recipe, inspired by Chipotle, combines convenience with bold flavors. It features marinated cilantro lime chicken, vibrant veggies, and either white or brown rice, all wrapped in uncooked tortillas for enhanced texture and taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, offering a healthier, homemade alternative to fast food.

How To Make Chicken Burrito Recipe:

To create the perfect chicken burrito recipe, start with well-marinated chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and marinate them in lime juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least two hours, or overnight if possible, to soak up all the flavors.

When ready to cook, grill, bake, or smoke the chicken until it’s juicy and fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, prepare some cilantro lime rice. You can make it from scratch or use a pre-made option for convenience.

As you get ready to assemble your burrito, start by sautéing diced onions until they caramelize, adding a sweet base to your filling. Warm up your tortillas over medium heat to make them soft and pliable. If you’re using uncooked tortillas, cook them until they develop a nice texture.

Key Tips – Chicken Burritos

Use Premade Cilantro Lime Rice For A Quicker Meal!

When making chicken burritos, quick tips can save you time. Using premade cilantro lime rice is a great shortcut. It’s easy—just grab a bag of microwaveable rice, heat it up, and you’re ready! Each bag gives you about 2 cups of rice, perfect for four burritos.

Buying in bulk can also save money. Places like Costco often have good deals on premade rice, but check your local grocery store too.

I Strongly Suggest Trying Uncooked Tortillas!

When making chicken burritos, uncooked tortillas are a key factor. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, and they only take 1-2 minutes in a warm skillet to cook. These fresh tortillas are softer and chewier than the packaged ones, making every bite taste better.

Uncooked tortillas also hold everything together nicely and soak up the flavors from your chicken and toppings. Whether you’re adding grilled veggies or spicy salsa, these tortillas make your burritos even more delicious.

Press The Burritos In A Sandwich Press.

Using a sandwich press for your rotisserie chicken burrito is a very crucial step. It seals in all the tasty fillings and melts the cheese to gooey perfection. The press heats everything evenly, giving you a warm, crispy burrito that’s easy to eat without anything falling out.

A tool like the Cuisinart Griddler makes this even better, crisping up the tortilla and warming your burrito quickly. No need to stand by the stove—the press does all the work, giving you that satisfying crunch and melted cheese that’ll have you wanting seconds!

Make A Huge Batch Of Chicken, Then Freeze It For These Burritos.

Preparing rotisserie chicken burritos can be quick and easy if you plan ahead. Cook a large batch of marinated chicken, like Chicken Al Pastor, and freeze it in portions. When you need a meal, just thaw and reheat.

For a fresher option, freeze the raw chicken in the marinade, then cook it when you’re ready. Buying chicken in bulk and dividing it into smaller, marinated packs saves time and adds flavor to your meals.

Make Larger Burritos If Desired.

When making a rotisserie chicken burrito, tortilla size is very important. While my favorite tortillas provide a good balance of filling and wrap, using larger tortillas can enhance your burrito. If you want something similar to the big burritos from restaurants like Chipotle, consider using an XL tortilla.

With a larger tortilla, you can double or even triple the ingredients, creating a burrito packed with flavor. You’ll have more room for a mix of fillings like beans, rice, avocado, and jalapeños, giving each bite a blend of textures and tastes.

Dietary Restrictions – Chicken Burritos

Make this Dairy-Free:

When making a cilantro lime chicken burrito, skip the cheese to let the zesty lime and fresh cilantro stand out. For creaminess, use avocado or vegan cheese. Enhance the flavor with different salsas like mango or tomatillo. Enjoy a flavorful, dairy-free burrito!

Make This Gluten-Free:

When making a chicken burrito for gluten-free eaters, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and add an authentic flavor. Lightly toast them on a skillet for a nutty taste and better pliability. They wrap well around the chicken, beans, and veggies, making your burrito both delicious and gluten-free.

A Note On Serving Sizes

When making your chicken burrito recipes, serving sizes are important for satisfying meals. I suggest one burrito as a serving, about half the size of what you’d get at Chipotle.

Consider setting up a burrito bar where everyone can customize their burrito with their favorite toppings. This makes the meal interactive and lets each person choose their portion based on their appetite.

Ingredients

For Chicken, Choose One:

• 12 oz prepared marinated chicken click for recipe, 12 oz cooked comes from about 1 lb raw chicken
• 12 oz prepared chicken al pastor click for recipe, 12 oz cooked comes from about 1 lb raw chicken

For Burritos:

• 4 8″ diameter flour tortillas uncooked tortillas strongly suggested, see notes
• ½ medium-sized white onion finely diced
• 1 ½ cups shredded Oaxaca or low-moisture mozzarella cheese

For Cilantro Lime Rice (or sub-premade, see notes)

• 1 cup jasmine rice or similar
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 lime zested and juiced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cilantro leaves roughly chopped, lightly packed

Instructions

Prepare The Cilantro Lime Rice:

• For the perfect cilantro lime rice in your chicken burrito, start by rinsing jasmine rice until the water runs clear to ensure fluffiness. Cook the rice with water, salt, and freshly grated lime zest to infuse it with a vibrant flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes until the water level is even with the rice. The result is fluffy, citrus-infused rice that enhances the flavor and texture of your chicken burrito.

• Once the rice is cooked, mix in fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. The lime brightens the cilantro, creating a refreshing contrast that enhances the flavor of your chicken burrito.

• Cover the seasoned rice to keep it warm and let the flavors meld until you’re ready to assemble your burritos. This step keeps the rice fluffy and enhances its flavor, making it a great complement to grilled chicken or sautéed veggies.

Prepare The Chicken Burritos:

• For the perfect chicken burrito, preheat your sandwich press to 400°F for a crispy finish. If using a skillet, heat the seasoned chicken to enhance its aroma and flavor. Using 12 oz of cooked marinated chicken simplifies prep and makes good use of your freezer stash.

• Warm defrosted chicken over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist. For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers. These simple steps ensure a tasty and easy-to-make chicken burrito.

• To assemble your chicken burritos, start with about a cup of cilantro lime rice. Spread it evenly on the tortilla to add flavor and moisture, creating a base that binds all the ingredients together.

• Layer tender, seasoned chicken on the rice, then add thinly sliced onions and shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese. Roll the burrito tightly, warming the tortillas if needed for flexibility.

• For the perfect chicken burrito, use a sandwich press to achieve a golden crust and heat the filling evenly. In about two minutes, you’ll get a crispy, satisfying meal.

• For a traditional approach, use a skillet over medium heat to crisp each side evenly. Turn the burritos as needed to avoid burning. Serve with your favorite salsa, like creamy avocado salsa, for added comfort and flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken burritos with cilantro lime rice are a standout meal, offering a perfect blend of zesty rice and tender chicken. The rice adds a bright, refreshing twist that complements the savory chicken beautifully.

These burritos are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make, making them ideal for quick dinners or meal prep. With a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fresh ingredients, they provide a wholesome and satisfying meal.

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