If your idea of the perfect burrito is a symphony of smoky flavors, creamy tang, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh, colorful toppings bundled up in a soft tortilla, then this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is about to become your go-to meal! The secret is in the bold chipotle-spiced chicken—grilled to juicy perfection—layered with fluffy rice, hearty black beans, crunchy lettuce, zesty corn, and a lavish swirl of chipotle ranch, all finished with a sprinkling of cilantro. Each bite delivers a fabulous mix of spice, richness, and freshness that epitomizes Mexican-inspired comfort food at its best.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward this ingredient list is—yet each and every item plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture for your burrito. When you gather these simple staples, you’re setting yourself up for a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with personality.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (1 ½ pounds): Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up all that chipotle marinade.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps it juicy as it grills.
- Chipotle Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): Delivers the signature smoky heat that makes this burrito so addictive.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and enhances the grilled essence of the chicken.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a sharp, savory kick that ties all the flavors together.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides sweetness and an extra boost of flavor without the bulk of fresh onion.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip this—it seasons the chicken all the way through.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a dash of heat and earthiness.
- Large Flour Tortillas (4): These sturdy wraps hold all your fillings without falling apart.
- Cooked Rice (1 cup): Acts as a delicious fluffy base, soaking up that glorious chipotle ranch.
- Black Beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Brings protein and a satisfying creaminess to every bite.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that essential gooey, comforting texture.
- Shredded Lettuce (1 cup): Adds crisp freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
- Tomato (1 medium, diced): Brings a juicy burst of color and flavor.
- Corn Kernels (½ cup): Sweet, vibrant pops that play perfectly with the smoky chipotle.
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing (½ cup): The creamy, smoky sauce that ties the whole experience together.
- Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends a bright and herbaceous finish to your burrito masterpiece.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss in your chicken breasts, making sure they’re thoroughly coated in all those smoky, spicy flavors. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—this infuses each bite with incredible taste and keeps the chicken juicy on the grill.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the marinated chicken on the grates. Grill for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don’t rush this part—the charring and grill marks add both taste and visual appeal! After grilling, set the chicken aside to rest for five minutes before slicing it into thin, juicy strips.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas and Prep the Fillings
Take a few moments to gently warm your flour tortillas—either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Gather your rice, black beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, corn, chipotle ranch dressing, and freshly chopped cilantro so assembly will be a breeze. The warmth of the tortillas helps everything roll up smoothly and keeps the cheese extra melty.
Step 4: Assemble the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Lay out a tortilla and build your burrito from the ground up: fluffy rice, black beans, a generous layer of grilled chicken strips, and then the cheese so it starts to melt from the residual heat. Add the fresh lettuce, tomato, and corn for crunch and color. Generously drizzle chipotle ranch dressing over the fillings and finish with a scatter of cilantro. For a neat burrito, fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
Step 5: Serve (or Crisp Up!)
Serve your burrito immediately for a soft, pillowy wrap. If you’re craving a little crunch, brush the outside lightly with olive oil and toast it for a few minutes on the grill or a pan until golden and crisp. This extra step gives your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito an irresistible texture that’s hard to beat!
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Garnishes
Garnish is where you can make each burrito feel extra special! A humble sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevates the flavor and adds a gorgeous pop of green. For even more pizzazz, serve with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime. Each ingredient not only makes your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito look restaurant-worthy, but also brings bright, fresh notes to the plate.
Side Dishes
Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, complement your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with classic sides like tortilla chips and guacamole, a tangy corn salad, or cooling cucumber slices. A bowl of tortilla soup or a simple mixed greens salad rounds out the meal beautifully. Every side enhances the burrito experience and transforms dinner into a true fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Unleash your creativity by serving your burritos “deconstructed” in bowls, letting everyone build their own masterpiece. Or, offer a burrito bar with all the toppings and let guests customize to their heart’s content. For handheld fun, cut each burrito in half and secure with parchment and twine for an Instagram-worthy picnic or lunchbox treat. However you present it, the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is always the star!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra burritos, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best results, store sauces and fresh toppings separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These burritos are surprisingly freezer-friendly! Once assembled and cooled, wrap each burrito tightly in foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For longer storage, leave out watery veggies like tomato and lettuce, then add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy a reheated Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, unwrap the foil, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat for 2–3 minutes, rotating halfway through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet, brushing the outside with a little oil until golden and heated through. If adding extra toppings, sprinkle them on after warming for the freshest flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with a different protein?
Absolutely! Swap out chicken for grilled steak, juicy shrimp, or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust your cooking time based on the protein of choice, but keep that flavorful chipotle ranch dressing on hand—it goes with everything!
Is there a way to make this burrito spicier?
Totally! Add sliced jalapeños inside the burrito, bump up the chipotle chili powder in the marinade, or drizzle with some hot sauce before rolling it up. Customizing the heat level lets every Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito match your spice tolerance.
What’s the best way to keep the burritos from getting soggy?
The trick is to let hot ingredients like rice and chicken cool slightly before assembling, and to avoid overfilling with wet toppings like tomatoes. For meal prep, consider packing sauces and fresh vegetables separately to add right before eating.
Can I use store-bought chipotle ranch dressing?
Yes, and it’s a big time saver! But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can quickly mix ranch dressing with a spoonful of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers—the flavors blend beautifully with the rest of the burrito’s fillings.
What type Main Course
Both cheddar and Monterey Jack are fantastic for melting, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor that’s perfect for the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. Feel free to experiment with a blend, or add a sprinkle of pepper jack for extra spice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to upgrade your burrito game, give the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito a try! Each handful is a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s sure to please both family and friends. Have fun with the toppings, play with the heat, and enjoy every single bite of this soon-to-be classic!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your cravings with this flavorful Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe. Tender marinated chicken, savory rice, and a blend of delicious fillings wrapped in a warm tortilla create a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Burrito:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas and layer with rice, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, corn, and chipotle ranch dressing. Top with cilantro. Fold sides and roll tightly.
- Final Touch: Serve warm or lightly grill the assembled burritos for a crispy exterior.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with grilled steak or shrimp.
- Enhance with sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
- For convenience, use store-bought chipotle ranch or mix ranch with adobo sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
