If there’s one meal that delivers smoky, bold flavor wrapped up in sheer comfort, it’s the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. Think juicy, spiced chicken, creamy ranch with a chipotle kick, fluffy rice, beans, and crisp veggies all bundled in a soft, warm tortilla—this burrito easily becomes the star of any lunch or dinner table. It’s the kind of dish you crave, not just for the taste, but for the experience of biting through those layers of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just spoiling yourself on a busy weeknight, this burrito hits all the right notes and will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need to whip up these Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos is probably already in your pantry or easy to find at your local store. Each ingredient adds a special element—spice, creaminess, crunch, or color—making this burrito so satisfying.
- Chicken breasts: Juicy and lean, chicken is our protein hero and soaks up all that flavorful marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken while keeping it moist and tender as it grills.
- Chipotle chili powder: This smoky spice brings the burrito its signature kick; adjust for your favorite heat level.
- Garlic powder: Provides a savory backbone that layers perfectly with the other spices.
- Onion powder: Adds that subtle, sweet earthiness you want in every Tex-Mex bite.
- Cumin: This deepens the smokiness and brings warmth, tying all the Tex-Mex flavors together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing out the spice.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Chipotle ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy, and smoky—this is the flavor-packed drizzle that sets the burrito apart.
- Cooked rice: Choose white or brown rice; it adds a fluffy base and soaks up the juices from the chicken and dressing.
- Black beans: Hearty, protein-packed, and a staple burrito filler for earthiness and texture.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melty and mild, cheese holds the whole thing together with creamy richness.
- Shredded lettuce: For that perfect crisp contrast amid all the hearty, warm fillings.
- Tomato, diced: Fresh bursts of flavor and juiciness, plus a pop of color.
- Chopped red onion: A sharp bite and brightness in every mouthful.
- Large flour tortillas: The cozy hug that wraps the whole burrito together!
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and tossing in your chicken breasts. Pour in the olive oil, then sprinkle on the chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or tongs to coat the chicken thoroughly—this is where the magic (and flavor!) begins. Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes while you preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, so it can absorb all those spicy, smoky notes.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Once the grill is nice and hot, lay your seasoned chicken breasts on the grates. Grill them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they’re charred in spots and fully cooked through—juices should run clear, and a thermometer should hit 165°F. That golden char brings all the flavor. After grilling, rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before you slice it into thin, juicy strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Components
While the chicken rests, warm your flour tortillas for a few seconds on the grill or in the microwave to make them more flexible. Drain and rinse your black beans, shred the lettuce, dice the tomato, chop the red onion, cook your rice (if not already done), and get your cheese ready. Have everything arranged in a burrito assembly station for easy layering—kitchen assembly lines are fun, especially with family or friends!
Step 4: Assemble the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Lay each tortilla flat. Drizzle about a tablespoon of chipotle ranch dressing over the surface of each one—this sauce is the heart of the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito experience. Pile on a scoop of rice, a spoonful of black beans, generous handfuls of the shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and finish with those tender grilled chicken slices. Try to keep the filling evenly distributed, leaving room at the edges for folding.
Step 5: Roll and Finish the Burritos
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, keeping all those delicious ingredients snug inside. For extra flavor and crunch, place each rolled burrito seam-side down on the grill or a hot skillet for about 1 to 2 minutes—this helps seal it and gives the outside a perfect golden crispness. Serve them warm, with even more chipotle ranch for dipping, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Garnishes
Elevate your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with simple yet tasty toppings: a scattering of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or extra slices of fresh jalapeño if you love heat. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving makes all the bold flavors pop and adds that extra Tex-Mex zing.
Side Dishes
This burrito is a meal by itself, but it truly shines when paired with a crunchy side of tortilla chips and salsa, fresh guacamole, or a cool, tangy slaw. For a heartier companion, try Mexican street corn (elote) or a zesty quinoa salad loaded with veggies. Your plate will be a Tex-Mex fiesta!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take things up a notch? Slice the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos in half and stack them high on a platter, sushi style. Or serve them open-faced on a bed of greens for a burrito bowl experience—it’s a playful, modern way to enjoy all the classic flavors without the wrap. For parties, slice into mini burrito pinwheels and secure each with a toothpick for a fun appetizer everyone will grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito (lucky you!), simply wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making these burritos a true gift for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos freeze surprisingly well. Wrap each burrito individually in foil or parchment, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop straight from the freezer to the oven for a quick and hearty meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and microwave each burrito for 1 to 2 minutes, or heat them in a 350°F oven (wrapped in foil) until warmed through. For a crispy outside, finish in a dry skillet for a minute on each side. Serve with a fresh drizzle of chipotle ranch to bring back that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or precooked chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Toss pre-cooked, shredded chicken with the spice blend and a splash of olive oil, then quickly warm it up before assembling your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos. You’ll save time and still enjoy terrific flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this burrito?
To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the chicken and double up on beans or add sautéed peppers, onions, or grilled tofu. The chipotle ranch dressing still delivers tons of flavor, no meat required!
How can I make it spicier?
If you love fiery food, sprinkle in extra chipotle chili powder, add chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños, or drizzle on your favorite hot sauce before rolling up your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. The beauty is you can tailor the heat to everyone’s taste.
What’s the best way to keep burritos from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy burrito, let hot ingredients (like rice and chicken) cool slightly before assembling. Use a light hand with wet toppings—drizzle, don’t drench! Sealing on the grill also helps lock in flavors and keep the tortilla crisp.
Can I make a low-carb version?
Definitely! Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice and use low-carb tortillas or even large lettuce leaves. You’ll still get all that smoky, creamy chipotle ranch grilled chicken burrito deliciousness with fewer carbs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t help but smile every time I make a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito—they’re easy, satisfying, and truly crowd-pleasing. Give it a try and you’ll see just how quickly it disappears from the table. Enjoy every big, flavorful bite and let your kitchen feel like your favorite Tex-Mex spot!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish filled with flavorful grilled chicken, rice, black beans, and all the classic burrito fixings. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Burrito:
- 1/4 cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Grilled Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Coat chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Slice thinly after resting.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas, drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing. Layer with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and grilled chicken. Roll into burritos.
- Optional: Grill burritos seam-side down for 1–2 minutes for a crisp exterior. Serve warm with extra dressing.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- You can use pre-cooked grilled chicken for convenience.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Assembly
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
