Description: These Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos are a fun and tasty meal that’s packed with flavor! Filled with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy ranch dressing, they make a perfect lunch or dinner. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and flavors. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for a weekend treat, these burritos are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (a mix of red, yellow, and green adds visual appeal and varied flavor)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use your favorite brand or make your own for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend – pre-shredded or freshly grated)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized, about 10-12 inches in diameter)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional, but adds fiber and protein)
- 1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned, drained (optional, adds sweetness and texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: Diced onion, jalapeno, salsa, avocado slices, sour cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it using two forks or your hands. Chop the bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn, if using. Grate the cheese if you’re not using pre-shredded. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the assembly process much smoother and quicker.
Step 2: Combine the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bell peppers, ranch dressing, and cheese. If you’re adding black beans and corn, now is the time to toss them in. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The goal is to create a flavorful and well-balanced filling.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20-30 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Warming the tortillas is a crucial step, especially if they are cold or stiff.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos: Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center of the tortilla, leaving a couple of inches of space around the edges. Don’t overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to roll and may burst open. Aim for a balanced amount of filling in each burrito.
Step 5: Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, covering some of the filling. Then, tightly roll the tortilla from the bottom up, tucking the filling in as you go, to form a burrito. Ensure the burrito is rolled tightly to prevent it from falling apart. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Optional: Bake the Burritos (Optional): For an extra layer of deliciousness, place the assembled burritos seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the burritos and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the burritos are heated through. Baking the burritos helps to meld the flavors together and gives them a warm, gooey texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Remove the burritos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burrito recipe offers a multitude of reasons to love it. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Don’t like bell peppers? Substitute with onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. The possibilities are endless!
Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, reducing food waste and saving you time and effort. Rotisserie chicken is a particularly convenient option, providing a quick and flavorful protein source.
Thirdly, the combination of juicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and creamy ranch dressing creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. The cheese adds richness and gooeyness, while the optional black beans and corn provide extra fiber and nutrients.
Finally, it’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a satisfying and delicious meal on the table in just minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Cooking Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo for dipping.
- Accompany with a fresh salad or a side of Mexican rice.
- Pair with tortilla chips and your favorite dip for a complete meal.
- Cut the burritos in half and serve as appetizers for a party or gathering.
- Make a burrito bowl by placing the filling over rice or lettuce and topping with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- For a spicier burrito, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- To prevent the burritos from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling them with too much filling.
- If you’re making the burritos ahead of time, wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Get creative with your toppings! Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or tofu.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded cheese to save even more time.
- To make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki sauce to the filling for a unique twist.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per burrito, may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion
These Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos are a delightful and customizable meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful filling, easy preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and fun! Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making these burritos your own!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These burritos are perfect for meal prepping. Assemble them completely, wrap them tightly in foil, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Q2: What’s the best way to warm the tortillas to prevent them from tearing?
A: There are a few methods. My preferred method is to warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side. This gives them a nice, slightly toasted flavor and makes them very pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. The key is to avoid overheating them, which can make them dry and brittle.
Q3: I don’t have ranch dressing. What can I substitute it with?
A: If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with a variety of other creamy dressings or sauces. Sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little bit of dill, garlic powder, and onion powder makes a great alternative. You could also use a creamy cilantro-lime dressing or even a simple mixture of mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Q4: I’m trying to reduce the sodium content of this recipe. What can I do?
A: There are several ways to reduce the sodium content. First, use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans and corn. Second, use low-sodium or homemade ranch dressing. Many store-bought ranch dressings are high in sodium. Third, go easy on the salt when seasoning the filling. Taste as you go and add salt only if needed. Finally, consider using fresh herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor.
Q5: Can I freeze these burritos for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze these burritos for longer storage. Assemble the burritos as directed, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then wrap them again in foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
