Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

This chipotle ranch grilled chicken burrito combines smoky marinated chicken with fresh veggies and a zesty sauce for a perfect meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds alike. The blend of Tex-Mex flavors creates a restaurant-quality burrito you can easily make at home.

I first created this recipe when my family needed a quick dinner after soccer practice. The combination of smoky chipotle chicken and cool ranch dressing was such a hit that it's now requested weekly in our rotation.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide the protein foundation and perfectly absorb all the marinade flavors
• Chipotle chili powder: Adds authentic smoky heat that makes these burritos special
• Lime juice: Tenderizes the chicken while adding brightness to balance the spices
• Flour tortillas: Hold everything together. Choose the large burrito size for easy wrapping
• Black beans: Offer plant protein and fiber to make the meal more satisfying
• Chipotle ranch dressing: Creates a creamy, spicy element that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine olive oil, lime juice, and all spices in a bowl until well mixed. This marinade is the flavor foundation of your burrito. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly and allow at least 20 minutes for the flavors to penetrate. For maximum flavor, I recommend marinating for a full 2 hours when time permits.

Grill to Perfection:

Heat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This ensures proper searing and locks in juices. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes depending on thickness, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. The resting period after grilling is crucial as it allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Prepare Fillings:

Warm your tortillas just before assembly to make them pliable and prevent cracking. A dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side works perfectly. Heat beans and rice separately to ensure every component of your burrito is at the ideal temperature.

Assembly Strategy:

Start with a thin layer of chipotle ranch on the tortilla as your flavor base. Then add warm components first rice and beans, followed by the sliced chicken. Top with cheese while ingredients are still warm to encourage melting. Finish with cold toppings like lettuce and tomatoes for textural contrast.

Perfect Wrapping:

Fold in sides first, then roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go to create a tight cylinder. For an extra touch, you can briefly grill the wrapped burrito in a pan with a touch of oil to create a crispy exterior and seal the edges.

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My family especially loves the chipotle chili powder in this recipe. We discovered it on a trip to New Mexico and have been using it in our Mexican-inspired dishes ever since. The smoky depth it adds to the chicken transforms an ordinary burrito into something truly memorable.

Make-Ahead Options

These burritos freeze beautifully for quick meals later. Simply assemble without the lettuce and tomatoes, wrap tightly in foil, then in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove plastic, loosen foil, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes from frozen.

Customization Ideas

The basic recipe provides a perfect foundation for endless variations. Try adding avocado or guacamole for creaminess, swap the black beans for pinto beans, or include roasted bell peppers for sweetness. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra beans and rice.

Serving Suggestions

While these burritos are a complete meal on their own, they pair wonderfully with Mexican-style rice, a simple side salad, or tortilla chips with homemade salsa. For entertaining, consider setting up a burrito bar where guests can assemble their own with various toppings.

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With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality burrito that's perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these burritos in advance. Assemble them completely, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For freezing, wrap the assembled burritos in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for chipotle chili powder?

If you don't have chipotle chili powder, you can substitute regular chili powder mixed with a small amount of smoked paprika. Alternatively, finely chop a canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and use 1-2 teaspoons in the marinade for a similar smoky, spicy flavor.

→ How do I make chipotle ranch dressing?

To make homemade chipotle ranch, combine 1 cup of ranch dressing with 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped chipotles in adobo sauce (adjust to your heat preference). Add 1 teaspoon of lime juice and mix well. For a quick version, simply mix ranch dressing with chipotle chili powder to taste.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, or use plant-based protein alternatives like seasoned tofu, tempeh, or commercial meat substitutes. Season with the same chipotle marinade for authentic flavor.

→ What sides go well with these chicken burritos?

These burritos pair perfectly with Mexican-inspired sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, elote (Mexican street corn), guacamole, pico de gallo, or a simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing. For a complete meal, serve with tortilla chips and fresh salsa.

→ How can I make this spicier or milder?

To increase heat, add more chipotle chili powder to the marinade, include diced jalapeños in your filling, or mix hot sauce into your chipotle ranch dressing. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle powder, replace with a milder chili powder, and ensure you remove all seeds from any fresh peppers used.