Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos Recipe

Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and lime with savory chicken, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla and smothered with a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make these mouthwatering burritos from scratch.

1. Introduction to Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos

Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are a delightful twist on the classic burrito. The combination of sweet honey, zesty lime, and savory chicken creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These burritos are then smothered in a rich sauce and baked to perfection, making them a hearty and comforting meal.

2. Ingredients Needed

To prepare Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Burrito Components

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa

Smothering Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Optional: Toppings and Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

3. Preparing the Chicken

Marinating the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill or cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

4. Making the Honey Lime Sauce

Combining the Ingredients

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the honey lime sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade (if you have any left) with an additional tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lime juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Adjusting the Flavors

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, add extra lime juice. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are balanced, remove it from the heat and set aside.

5. Assembling the Burritos

Warming the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable and easy to fold. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds.

Filling the Burritos

Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a spoonful of sour cream in the center of the tortilla, then add a layer of cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and slices of the cooked chicken. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

6. Smothering the Burritos

Preparing the Smothering Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place the assembled burritos in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.

Baking the Burritos

Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the burritos are heated through. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Sides

Serve the smothered honey lime chicken burritos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Corn on the cob or grilled vegetables also make excellent accompaniments.

Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the burritos with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges. Serve them with extra salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

8. Variations and Customizations

Using Different Proteins

This recipe is versatile and can be made with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure each protein is properly cooked.

Adjusting the Spice Level

To make the burritos spicier, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier salsa. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder in the marinade and use a mild enchilada sauce.

Making it Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu. Marinate and cook the tofu or vegetables as you would the chicken for a flavorful vegetarian dish.

9. Tips for Success

Ensuring Even Cooking

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents overcooking the thinner parts while waiting for the thicker parts to cook through.

Keeping the Chicken Juicy

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Leftover burritos can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

10. Health Benefits of Ingredients Used

This recipe includes several nutritious ingredients. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while honey provides natural sweetness and antioxidants. Lime juice is rich in vitamin C and helps enhance the flavor of the dish. Black beans are high in fiber and protein, and fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals.

11. Conclusion

Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are a delightful and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet honey, zesty lime, and savory chicken wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered with a rich sauce is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Follow the steps and tips provided in this article to create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

12. FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may be smaller and more fragile. Warm them up to make them more pliable before filling.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight. However, if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can impart some flavor.

3. Can I make the burritos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the enchilada sauce and cheese just before baking.

4. What can I serve with Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos? These burritos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with corn on the cob or grilled vegetables.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze leftover burritos for up to 3 months.

Source: ohsweetbasil.com