Description: This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavor-packed delight, combining tender, marinated grilled chicken with a smoky, creamy Chipotle Ranch sauce, fresh veggies, and all your favorite burrito fillings. It’s a customizable and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta. This recipe elevates the humble burrito to a culinary experience!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs provide more moisture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder (adjust to your spice preference) OR 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- 1 cup good quality ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (remove seeds for less heat; start with 2 and add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Burrito Filling:
- Grilled chicken (from the marinade above), sliced or diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño or green chili, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or baby spinach (optional, for added freshness)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work well)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed into guacamole (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional; white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice all complement the flavors)
- 6-8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch diameter)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, chipotle chili powder (or adobo sauce), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure the marinade is well combined and there are no clumps of spices. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even distribution of flavors. Seal the bag (or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours. Longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Avoid marinating for longer than 8 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more minced chipotle pepper for increased heat, a pinch of salt if needed, or an extra squeeze of lime juice for added tanginess. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling period will also help the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings:
While the chicken is marinating and the sauce is chilling, prepare all the remaining burrito fillings. Dice the tomato, slice or dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and mince the jalapeño or green chili (if using). Shred the lettuce or spinach (if using), and shred the cheese. If using avocado, slice it or mash it into guacamole. If using cooked rice, ensure it is heated through and ready to use. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before grilling the chicken will make the burrito assembly process much smoother and quicker.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-205°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side for breasts, or 6-8 minutes per side for thighs, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos:
Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and slightly warmed. This makes them easier to roll without tearing. Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of Chipotle Ranch Sauce in the center of the tortilla. Add a layer of grilled chicken, followed by your desired fillings, such as diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lettuce, cheese, avocado, and rice. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this will make it difficult to roll. To roll the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, tightly roll the burrito from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Place the assembled burrito seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons:
- Explosive Flavor: The combination of the smoky chipotle, creamy ranch, and tangy lime creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of spices, complementing the rich and zesty sauce perfectly.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. You can easily adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chipotle peppers used in the sauce. You can also swap out fillings according to your taste, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand.
- Relatively Quick and Easy: While the recipe involves several steps, each step is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. The marinating time is flexible, allowing you to prep the chicken in advance. The entire process, from preparation to assembly, can be completed in under an hour.
- Satisfying and Filling: These burritos are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a satisfying and wholesome meal. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice provides a balanced source of energy and keeps you feeling full for hours.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Any leftover chicken, sauce, or fillings can be easily stored and used for other meals, such as salads, quesadillas, or tacos. This reduces food waste and makes this recipe even more cost-effective.
COOKING Rating: Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the burritos immediately after assembly for the best flavor and texture.
- Accompany the burritos with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
- Offer additional toppings on the side, such as sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
- Serve with a refreshing Mexican beverage, such as horchata or agua fresca.
- For a complete meal, pair the burritos with a side salad or Mexican rice.
Tips:
- For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce to control the spice level.
- Warm the tortillas before assembly to prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to make them easier to roll.
- Grill the assembled burritos for a few minutes on each side to create a crispy exterior.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per burrito, without rice and optional fillings) *Calories: 500-600 (will vary based on fillings) *Protein: 40-50g Sodium: 800-1000mg (will vary based on ranch dressing and other ingredients)
Conclusion:
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a delicious and versatile recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, coupled with its customizable nature, makes it a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey with every bite!
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- A: Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet by substituting the grilled chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and onions. Alternatively, you can use seasoned black beans or pinto beans as the protein source. The Chipotle Ranch sauce will still provide a delicious and flavorful base for your vegetarian burrito.
- Q: How can I reduce the sodium content of this recipe?
- A: There are several ways to reduce the sodium content. Firstly, use a low-sodium ranch dressing or make your own homemade ranch dressing, controlling the amount of salt added. Secondly, be mindful of the amount of salt used in the chicken marinade. Thirdly, opt for low-sodium canned beans if you’re using them as a filling. Finally, use fresh ingredients whenever possible, as processed ingredients tend to be higher in sodium.
- Q: Can I make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce ahead of time?
- A: Yes, absolutely! The Chipotle Ranch Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more flavorful sauce.
- Q: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can still make this recipe without a grill! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Q: Can I freeze these burritos for later?
- A: Yes, you can freeze these burritos for later consumption. Assemble the burritos as instructed, but omit the fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and avocado, as they don’t freeze well. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add the fresh toppings after reheating.
