Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

Introduction

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a perfect fusion of bold flavors, packed into a convenient and satisfying wrap. This hearty burrito combines tender grilled chicken with the creamy, spicy goodness of chipotle ranch dressing, making each bite an explosion of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick weeknight dinner, preparing it for a casual lunch, or serving it for a weekend gathering, this burrito will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

The creamy chipotle ranch sauce brings just the right amount of heat and tang to the grilled chicken, while the combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and rice adds texture and balance. With the ease of preparation and the depth of flavor, this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is sure to impress even the most discerning burrito enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos

• Bold and Flavorful: The smoky heat from chipotle combined with the coolness of ranch dressing makes for an irresistible sauce that enhances the grilled chicken perfectly. The blend of flavors will keep you coming back for more.
• Grilled Chicken Perfection: The chicken is marinated, grilled to perfection, and tender, making it the star of this dish. The smoky, slightly charred flavor from grilling adds a delicious depth to the burrito.
• Fresh and Satisfying: Packed with fresh veggies, rice, beans, and cheese, these burritos are as satisfying as they are delicious. The balance of ingredients makes each bite a perfect combination of texture and flavor.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer spicy or mild, you can adjust the chipotle ranch dressing to suit your taste. You can also swap in your favorite fillings, like guacamole, sautéed peppers, or different types of beans.
• Easy to Prepare: This burrito is easy to assemble, and you can prepare all the components ahead of time for a quick and efficient meal. The grilling process adds a wonderful smoky flavor that’s sure to impress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a backyard barbecue, Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are versatile and delicious, making them an ideal dish for almost any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 burritos
• Calories per Serving: Around 550-600 calories per burrito, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 24-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 5-6g
• Sugar: 5-8g

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)

For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

• ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1-2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to desired spice level)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burrito Fillings:

• 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced (choose your preferred color)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

To start, prepare the chicken for grilling by marinating it in a simple yet flavorful mixture. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to form a marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.

2. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Dressing

While the chicken marinates, make the chipotle ranch dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, finely chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, and chopped cilantro (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle peppers if you prefer extra heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you want a creamier dressing, feel free to add a little more ranch dressing or lime juice to achieve your desired consistency. Set aside the dressing in the refrigerator to keep it cool until ready to assemble the burritos.

3. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should have a nice char on the outside, but remain juicy on the inside.

Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to go into the burrito.

4. Prepare the Burrito Fillings

While the chicken is resting, prepare the other ingredients for the burrito fillings. Cook the rice if you haven’t already, and warm the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once warmed through, season the beans with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Slice the red onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Dice the tomato, and slice the avocado for a creamy, rich filling. Set all of these ingredients aside and keep them ready for assembly.

5. Assemble the Burritos

To assemble your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos, lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Start by adding a scoop of cooked rice in the center of each tortilla. Follow with a spoonful of black beans, and then layer on the grilled chicken.

Next, add the fresh toppings: a few slices of bell pepper and red onion, a generous portion of diced tomato, and a few slices of avocado. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the chipotle ranch dressing over the fillings for that perfect spicy, creamy flavor.

Finally, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the fillings for added richness.

6. Wrap the Burritos

To wrap the burrito, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla and then rolling it tightly from the bottom upwards, enclosing all the fillings. You can fold the top of the burrito over if there are any gaps, ensuring everything stays securely inside.

Once wrapped, you can either serve the burrito as is, or for extra texture and flavor, grill it lightly. To do this, place the wrapped burrito seam-side down on a preheated grill pan or skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden and crispy.

7. Serve and Garnish

After grilling, slice the burritos in half diagonally and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness, and serve with extra chipotle ranch dressing on the side for dipping. You can also serve with additional lime wedges, salsa, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos

• Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for 1-2 hours to really let the spices soak into the chicken.
• Grill the Chicken Well: Make sure to grill the chicken on medium-high heat to get a perfect sear. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, be sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and to get those nice grill marks.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to swap in your favorite burrito fillings, like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. You can also add a layer of rice or beans depending on your preference for texture.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicier, add extra chipotle peppers to the ranch dressing. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or opt for a mild ranch dressing.
• Wrap Carefully: When wrapping your burrito, make sure you fold the sides in tightly to prevent the fillings from spilling out. A well-wrapped burrito is key to enjoying this dish without a mess.

Variations of Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos

• Vegetarian Chipotle Ranch Burrito: Replace the grilled chicken with sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The chipotle ranch dressing still brings bold flavor to this vegetarian version.
• BBQ Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito: Swap the chipotle ranch dressing with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. Grilled chicken pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce and can be enhanced with some cheddar cheese and pickles.
• Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Burrito: Replace the grilled chicken with shrimp marinated in chipotle and garlic, then grilled until tender. The smoky shrimp adds a new dimension to the burrito.
• Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito Bowl: For a lighter option, transform this burrito into a bowl by layering the rice, beans, grilled chicken, and toppings in a bowl. Drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing and enjoy a deconstructed version of the burrito.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. Wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the burrito in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the tortilla is crispy again and the fillings are warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos

Pair your burritos with complementary sides and drinks to complete the meal:

• Guacamole and Chips: A side of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips is a perfect accompaniment to the burritos, offering a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken and chipotle ranch sauce.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime, is an excellent side that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the burrito.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: For a flavorful side, serve your burrito with cilantro lime rice, which complements the chicken and adds freshness to the meal.
• Margarita or Iced Tea: Pair the burrito with a refreshing margarita or iced tea to balance the spice and cool down the heat.

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Conclusion

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos offer a dynamic combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, packed into a satisfying and customizable wrap. With grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a delicious chipotle ranch dressing, this burrito is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re

looking for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends and family, these burritos are sure to impress with their bold flavors and ease of preparation.

Get creative with your fillings, adjust the spice level, and enjoy the ultimate burrito experience with this recipe. No matter how you make it, the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito will be a hit at your table!