Chicken Burrito

A Chicken Burrito is a flavourful and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish filled with tender chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and zesty seasonings—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, chicken burritos are not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favourite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Burritos:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the chicken absorbs the spices. Add lime juice for a burst of freshness.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
   Lightly heat each tortilla in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
   On each tortilla, layer rice, black beans, chicken mixture, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
4. Fold and Roll:
   Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
5. Optional Step – Toast the Burrito:
   Place burritos seam-side down in a skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
   Slice in half and serve hot with guacamole, extra salsa, or a side salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Mexican rice or corn salad for a complete meal.
• Add avocado slices or jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Drizzle with chipotle mayo or queso sauce for creamy texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Heat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 6 g

Tips for the Best Chicken Burrito

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Add fajita-style vegetables (bell peppers, onions) for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Don’t overfill the burrito — it makes rolling easier and prevents tearing.
• Toasting enhances the flavor and texture of the tortilla.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Burrito: Add hot sauce or jalapeños.
• Healthy Burrito: Use whole wheat tortillas and brown rice.
• Cheesy Burrito Bake: Arrange rolled burritos in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• Customizable to suit all tastes.
• Great for meal prep and on-the-go lunches.
• Packed with protein and Mexican flavor.