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This loaded burrito recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality Mexican flavors right to your dinner table. Each burrito contains seven distinct layers that create the perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.
I first made these burritos when my sister-in-law visited with her picky eaters. To my surprise, every plate was cleaned that night, and now these burritos are requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Brings convenience and rich flavor without hours of cooking
- Olive oil: Helps bind the seasonings to the meat while adding moisture
- Salsa: Adds instant flavor complexity and saves chopping vegetables
- Chili powder: Provides classic Mexican warmth without excessive heat
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire filling
- Cumin: Offers that distinctive earthy note essential to authentic Mexican cuisine
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory notes throughout the chicken
- Canned black beans: Offer convenience while providing protein and fiber
- Jarred salsa: Infuses the beans with flavor while creating a saucy texture
- Chili powder: Creates cohesion with the chicken flavors
- Cumin: Enhances the consistency of the dish
- Hot cooked rice: Serves as the perfect absorbent base for the burrito
- Melted butter: Adds richness that helps the lime and cilantro cling to each grain
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens the entire dish with necessary acidity
- Chopped cilantro: Brings fresh herbaceous notes that balance the heavier ingredients
- Burrito sized tortillas: Create the perfect wrapper for holding everything together
- Shredded cheese: Both binds ingredients and adds creamy richness
- Pico de gallo: Provides fresh texture and brightness
- Guacamole: Contributes creamy healthy fats that balance the spices
- Sour cream: Cools the palate and adds tangy contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, salsa, and all seasonings, stirring to coat every piece of meat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the chicken has absorbed the flavors. The chicken should be moist but not swimming in liquid.
- Create the Seasoned Beans:
- Combine black beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should become slightly creamy as they break down. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before assembling.
- Mix the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Place hot cooked rice in a medium bowl and immediately add the melted butter, stirring until each grain is coated. The heat from the rice will help the butter distribute evenly. Sprinkle with lime juice and chopped cilantro, then gently fold everything together with a fork to keep the rice fluffy. Season with salt to taste, adjusting lime if needed for brightness.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Heat and lightly grease a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese about 1½ inches in from the edge in a horizontal line. The cheese acts as a barrier that helps prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy. Layer chicken, rice, more cheese, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream on the bottom two thirds of the tortilla, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold and Grill the Burritos:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then bring the bottom edge up and over the ingredients, keeping everything tucked tightly as you roll upward. The result should be a compact cylinder with the seam on the bottom. Lightly spray the outside with cooking spray and place seam side down on the heated skillet. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crisp, then carefully flip and repeat on the other side. The ideal burrito has a crispy exterior that crackles when cut.
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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it several years ago when experimenting with traditional Spanish cuisine, and now I add it to nearly all my Mexican recipes. My husband claims he can always identify my cooking by that subtle smoky flavor that lingers after each bite.
Make-Ahead Options
These burritos excel as meal prep solutions. You can prepare all components separately up to three days ahead and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken filling actually improves after a day as the flavors meld. For busy weeknights, you can also assemble the entire burritos, wrap them individually in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just add about 2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through completely.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of seven layer burritos lies in their adaptability. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the chicken mixture. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or additional beans seasoned with the same spice mixture. If you prefer a lower carb option, wrap the fillings in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a fresh burrito bowl experience. For breakfast burritos, add scrambled eggs as an eighth layer.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty burritos shine as a standalone meal, but they pair beautifully with complementary sides. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of Mexican street corn provides a traditional accompaniment, or offer tortilla chips with additional guacamole and salsa for a festive spread. For entertaining, cut the burritos into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for an impressive appetizer presentation.
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These burritos are a family favorite that blend convenience, flavor, and customizability into one perfect meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components (chicken, beans, rice) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also fully assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply heat them in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
- → What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
You can substitute rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken breast, leftover roasted chicken, or even seasoned ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, you could use crumbled tofu or additional black beans seasoned with the same spices.
- → How can I make these burritos spicier?
To increase the heat level, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to your chicken mixture, use a spicier salsa, add hot sauce to your layers, or use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. You can also serve with additional hot sauce on the side.
- → Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes, these burritos freeze well! After assembling (but before toasting), wrap each burrito tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove foil, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or heat in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes from frozen.
- → What sides go well with these burritos?
These burritos make a complete meal, but they pair nicely with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, a simple green salad, corn salad, or tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole. A light soup like tortilla soup would also complement them well.
- → How do I prevent my burrito from falling apart when I eat it?
The key is proper wrapping technique. Make sure not to overfill the burrito, fold in the sides first before rolling from the bottom, and keep the filling ingredients contained in the lower portion of the tortilla. Toasting the seam-side down first helps seal the burrito. Also, wrapping the bottom half in foil can provide structural support while eating.