Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
If you crave a zesty, smoky, and ridiculously satisfying wrap, the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is about to become your new obsession. Every bite captures juicy, spiced chicken, a blend of creamy, tangy chipotle ranch, the fresh crunch of corn and tomatoes, a generous sprinkle of melty cheese, and all rolled up in a golden, crispy tortilla. This burrito isn’t just delicious—it’s a delightful way to bring together vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors with just the right punch of heat and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to building layers of flavor and color in this mouthwatering burrito. These simple pantry and fridge staples are carefully chosen to give each bite its own burst of taste, texture, and vibrancy.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken ensures the perfect protein-packed filling that’s tender when grilled.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy during grilling.
- Chipotle chili powder: Delivers that signature smoky kick essential for a chipotle ranch vibe.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savoriness without overpowering the other spices.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice mix.
- Cumin: Lends a warm, earthy note that feels instantly familiar in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a sharp, aromatic finish.
- Flour tortillas: Large and soft—perfect for holding all those delicious fillings without tearing.
- Cooked rice: White or brown, rice makes the burrito hearty and satisfying.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained for creamy texture and extra protein.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is non-negotiable for true burrito bliss!
- Corn: Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen for sweet pops of flavor and color.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy freshness that brightens up every bite.
- Chopped cilantro: Fragrant, leafy green herbs that deliver a burst of freshness.
- Chipotle ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy, and smoky—a true star in this recipe, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Fresh lime juice: A squeeze of lime cuts the richness and wakes up all the flavors.
- Butter or oil for grilling: Gets your burritos perfectly golden and crisp on the outside.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing your olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts evenly in this spicy marinade, cover, and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this step is where the magic happens! If you love even more flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s charred, smoky, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it thinly for perfect burrito filling strips.
Step 3: Prep Your Filling Ingredients
While the chicken rests, warm the tortillas slightly so they’re flexible and easy to roll. Prep your rice, black beans, cheese, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and gather up your creamy chipotle ranch dressing. Having everything ready to go makes assembly a breeze.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay each warm tortilla on a flat surface. In the center, layer on some rice, black beans, those irresistible grilled chicken slices, shredded cheese, kernels of corn, juicy tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with a generous amount of chipotle ranch dressing and finish with a big squeeze of fresh lime juice. Don’t be shy—stuff your burrito generously, then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly.
Step 5: Grill and Crisp the Burritos
Heat a bit of 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 tortilla is golden, crisp, and slightly charred. This final step takes the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito from good to absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Garnishes
Finish your burritos with a flourish. Try topping with extra chipotle ranch, fresh cilantro leaves, a scattering of diced tomatoes, or thinly sliced jalapeños for heat. If you really want to show off, add avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty burrito pairs wonderfully with sides like crunchy tortilla chips and salsa, tangy coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad. For an even bigger meal, serve alongside street corn or a bright citrusy fruit salad—both add freshness and balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in half and arrange the pieces open-side up to show off all the colorful layers inside. Want to party-ify your meal? Make mini burritos or slice them into rounds and serve burrito “sushi” with chipotle ranch for dipping. It’s always fun to play with presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay remarkably tasty and make for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, these burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap each one tightly, place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remember to label them so you can grab one easily whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw a frozen burrito overnight in the fridge if possible. Unwrap and warm in a skillet over medium heat until the outside is crisp and the inside is hot, or microwave on a plate with a damp paper towel for a softer texture. Add a fresh squeeze of lime after heating for a boost of flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or even rotisserie chicken works well—just slice, toss with a bit of the chipotle ranch dressing and spices, and assemble as directed for a speedy meal.
What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?
You can substitute regular chili powder, but the chipotle version brings that extra smoky punch. If you want to mimic the depth, add a small pinch of smoked paprika for every teaspoon of chili powder used.
Are there gluten-free alternatives for the tortillas?
Definitely! Replace the flour tortillas with large, sturdy gluten-free wraps or warmed corn tortillas. Just be aware that corn tortillas are smaller, so you may need to adjust your filling amounts or make multiple mini burritos.
Can I make this burrito vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the grilled chicken for grilled veggies, roasted sweet potatoes, or a hearty plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. The chipotle ranch flavor is fantastic with veggies too!
What’s the best way to keep the burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, and warm your tortillas before rolling—they’ll be less likely to tear. When grilling, always place the seam side down first to seal the burrito shut. Using a toothpick can also help keep everything together until it crisps up.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito a spot on your dinner lineup—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let your creativity shine with fillings, sides, and garnishes, and don’t forget to savor those bold, creamy, smoky flavors in every bite. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal filled with flavorful seasoned chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and veggies all wrapped in a warm tortilla and grilled to perfection. The smoky chipotle marinade adds a spicy kick, while the creamy chipotle ranch dressing ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients
For Chipotle Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Burrito:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare Chipotle Chicken: Mix olive oil, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Marinate chicken and refrigerate. Grill until cooked.
- Assemble Burrito: Warm tortillas. Layer rice, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, chipotle ranch dressing, and lime juice in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly.
- Grill Burrito: Heat butter in a skillet. Grill burritos until golden and crisp on both sides.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for more flavor.
- Customize with avocado, jalapeños, or lettuce.
- Use store-bought or homemade chipotle ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
