
Burritos are a crowd-pleasing favorite, and this recipe elevates them with the smoky kick of chipotle ranch!
Whether you’re a burrito fan or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is sure to impress!
Plus, it’s super easy to make at home and perfect for weeknights, meal preps, or even a casual gathering!
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Flavor Explosion: The bold combination of smoky chipotle and creamy ranch dressing makes every bite unforgettable.
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Marinated in a flavorful blend, the chicken is juicy, smoky, and perfectly cooked.
- Customizable: Swap the protein, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: These burritos store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for busy days.
Ingredients Needed
For the chicken marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the chipotle ranch sauce:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon pureed chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Other burrito ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice (e.g., cilantro lime rice)
- ½ cup black beans or pinto beans
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- Optional: guacamole, sour cream, or salsa
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, pureed chipotle peppers, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust the chipotle level if needed.
4. Assemble the Burritos
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Layer each tortilla with rice, beans, grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce.
- Roll the burrito tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
5. Grill the Assembled Burritos
- Place the rolled burritos seam-side down on a heated grill or skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
Tips for Customizing Your Chipotle Ranch Burrito
- Protein Swaps: Use steak, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add grilled veggies or extra beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to make it milder or spicier.
- Extra Fillings: Add guacamole, corn salsa, pickled jalapeños, or roasted peppers for more flavor.
FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all the components in advance and assemble the burritos when ready to eat.
What’s the best way to make the burritos freezer-friendly?
Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave straight from frozen.
How do I tone down the spice level?
Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in the marinade and sauce, or use mild salsa as a substitute.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.Juicy grilled chicken is seasoned with smoky spices and paired with rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy chipotle ranch dressing, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup corn kernels optional
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro optional
- ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Heat the black beans and rice if they are not already warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay each tortilla flat and spread 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle ranch dressing in the center.
- Add a layer of rice, black beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and corn (if using).
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Serve immediately or lightly grill the wrapped burrito for a crispy exterior.