Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful, protein-packed meal wrapped in a warm tortilla. Bursting with tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle ranch sauce, fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and hearty beans, it’s the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is an easy, customizable crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Simple: Requires minimal prep and cook time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Customizable: Adapt the fillings to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
3. Packed with Flavor: The smoky chipotle ranch sauce elevates the grilled chicken and ties the ingredients together.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch, wrap individually, and enjoy throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle pepper.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for easier rolling.
2. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of chipotle ranch sauce in the center.
3. Add a layer of rice, followed by black beans, grilled chicken strips, cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro, and any optional fillings like lettuce or avocado.

Step 5: Roll the Burritos

1. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling.
2. Roll from the bottom, tucking the filling in as you go, to form a tight burrito.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.

Step 6: Grill or Serve

1. For a crisp exterior, place the rolled burritos on a hot grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Serve immediately with extra chipotle ranch sauce, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time permits, marinate the chicken overnight for even juicier and more flavorful results.
2. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Overloading makes rolling difficult and can cause the burritos to tear.
3. Warm the Tortillas: A warm tortilla is more pliable and easier to work with.
4. Customize Your Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the amount of chipotle pepper in the sauce.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Chipotle Ranch Burrito

• Replace chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Add extra beans or tofu for protein.

2. Low-Carb Option

• Swap the tortilla for a lettuce wrap or use low-carb tortillas.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

3. Extra Cheesy

• Add a layer of queso or melt additional cheese into the burrito filling.

4. Seafood Twist

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole.
• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
• Offer extra chipotle ranch sauce and hot sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the chicken and prepare the fillings in advance. Store them separately and assemble the burritos when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a combination of the two as the base for the chipotle sauce.

Can I freeze these burritos?

Yes, wrap the assembled burritos in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or skillet.

Conclusion

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a versatile and delicious dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its smoky, creamy flavors and satisfying texture make it a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Yield: 4

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

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The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful, protein-packed meal wrapped in a warm tortilla. Bursting with tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle ranch sauce, fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and hearty beans, it’s the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you're meal-prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is an easy, customizable crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (pureed or minced)
• Juice of ½ lime
• For the Burritos
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (cilantro lime rice or plain white rice)
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
   Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
   
2. Grill the Chicken
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
   
3. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, chipotle peppers, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
   
4. Assemble the Burritos
   Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
   Place rice, black beans, diced grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado in the center of each tortilla.
   Drizzle the chipotle ranch sauce and sour cream (if using) over the fillings.
   
5. Wrap and Serve
   Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly into a burrito.
   For extra crispness, grill the burrito seam-side down on a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
   Serve warm with additional chipotle ranch sauce on the side.

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chipotle peppers to the filling for more heat.

Customization: Feel free to add corn, salsa, or your favorite burrito toppings for a personalized twist.