Ever wondered if it’s possible to create restaurant-quality burritos at home in less time than it takes to order delivery? The answer is a resounding yes! This quick and delicious chicken burrito recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to your table in just 20 minutes.
👉 Love Chipotle-style meals? Don’t miss our Chipotle-Style Cantina Chicken Bowl | Quick & Healthy Copycat Recipe for another fresh, customizable dinner idea.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent with hungry kids, or simply someone who loves good food without the fuss, this recipe combines convenience with incredible taste. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that’s become my family’s most-requested dinner!
Ingredients List
The beauty of this chicken burrito recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to serve 4 people:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works as a healthier alternative)
- 1 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas (whole wheat tortillas are a great substitute)
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Can’t find some ingredients? No problem! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saver, and canned corn makes a great addition or substitute for beans if you prefer.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair your burritos with our Healthy Mexican Rice Recipe | Easy & Flavorful Side Dish for the ultimate restaurant-style experience.
Timing
One of the biggest advantages of this chicken burrito recipe is its efficiency:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
That’s 65% faster than most traditional burrito recipes, which typically take around 45-60 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is specifically designed to minimize prep work while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until the pieces are no longer pink in the center. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup of water, stir, and let simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and forms a light sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas by placing them one at a time in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling. Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay warm and soft.
Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of rice in the center of the tortilla, leaving at least 2 inches of space around the edges. Top with 1/4 of the seasoned chicken, followed by black beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Remember not to overfill – a common mistake that makes rolling difficult!
Step 4: Master the Roll
Learning how to roll a burrito properly ensures nothing falls out during eating. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, while holding the sides in place, fold the bottom edge up and over the filling. Continue rolling tightly away from you until the burrito is sealed. For extra security, you can briefly toast the seam-side down in a dry skillet.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the burritos in half diagonally if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals helps make informed dietary choices. Each burrito in this recipe contains approximately:
• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 22g (7g saturated)
• Sodium: 780mg
• Potassium: 680mg
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 20% DV
This creamy chicken burrito provides an excellent balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you energized for hours. The fiber content from beans and vegetables supports digestive health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to make this delicious chicken burrito recipe even more nutritious? Try these simple swaps:
• Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas instead of white flour tortillas to increase fiber content and lower the glycemic index.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess and adding extra protein.
• Try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to lower carbohydrates and increase vegetable intake.
• Use ground chicken breast or turkey instead of regular chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach to boost vitamin and mineral content.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your burrito experience with these creative serving ideas:
• Create a DIY burrito bar for family dinners or casual entertaining. Set out all ingredients in separate bowls and let everyone build their perfect burrito.
• Serve with a side of Mexican-style street corn (elote) or a light jicama slaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich burrito flavors.
• Transform leftovers into a burrito bowl by serving all components over lettuce instead of wrapped in a tortilla.
• For a fun twist, cut finished burritos into 1-inch pieces to make “burrito bites” – perfect for parties or kid-friendly meals.
• Pair It With: Try our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – Creamy, Spicy & Better Than Takeout for a flavorful twist on taco night.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the tortilla: This makes rolling difficult and leads to burrito “blowouts.” Stick to about 1 cup of total filling per 10-inch tortilla.
- Skipping the warming step for tortillas: Cold tortillas crack and tear. Always warm them for 20-30 seconds before assembling.
- Adding too many wet ingredients: This creates a soggy burrito. Drain salsa well and limit saucy components.
- Incorrect ingredient layering: Place rice and meat first, with wetter ingredients like salsa and sour cream last to prevent tortilla sogginess.
- Cooking chicken pieces too large: Smaller, evenly-sized chicken pieces cook more quickly and distribute better throughout the burrito.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Make meal prep easier with these practical storage solutions:
• Assembled burritos can be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or in a microwave (remove foil first) for 1-2 minutes.
• For freezer-friendly burritos, omit the sour cream, avocado, and fresh salsa (add these after reheating). Wrap individually in parchment paper, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator: cooked chicken (3-4 days), rice (4-5 days), and beans (3-4 days). This allows for quick assembly when needed.
• For the freshest taste, store wet and dry ingredients separately until ready to assemble.
Conclusion
This 20-minute chicken burrito recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and endless customization options, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the wait.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you discovered! Share your results in the comments below, or tag us in your burrito photos on social media. And if you enjoyed this quick meal solution, be sure to check out our other 20-minute dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration!
