Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: Recipe, Tips & Delicious Variations

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, grilled tortilla overflowing with tender, smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and all your favorite burrito fixings. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of the burrito are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Mexican cuisine, evolving from simple wrapped meats to the complex and customizable dish we know and love today. The addition of chipotle ranch elevates this classic, blending the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the cool, tangy creaminess of ranch, a distinctly American flavor profile. This fusion creates a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and exciting.

People adore the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito for its incredible versatility and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken offers a delightful smoky char, while the chipotle ranch adds a spicy kick and creamy richness. It’s a complete meal in one convenient package, perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a portable snack. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy. So, let’s get started and create the ultimate Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Grilled Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Burrito Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked rice (I prefer brown rice, but white rice works too!)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Assembling the Burritos:
• 6 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, salsa

Preparing the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the Chipotle Ranch! This dressing is seriously addictive, and you’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me on this one.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. This forms the base of our creamy, dreamy dressing.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, chopped chipotle pepper (and that crucial teaspoon of adobo sauce!), garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. Remember, the chipotle peppers can vary in heat, so start with a little and add more if you want extra kick.
4. Whisk everything together until well combined. The dressing should be a beautiful, slightly pinkish color with flecks of cilantro and chipotle.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour or two. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the chipotle goodness. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

Preparing the Grilled Chicken:

Now, let’s get that chicken ready for the grill. We want it juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear on the grill.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is our simple but effective spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly. Get in all the nooks and crannies!
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even bake the chicken in the oven.
5. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
6. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. Nobody wants undercooked chicken!
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
8. Once rested, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I prefer shredding it for burritos, but slicing works too!

Preparing the Burrito Filling:

Time to build the flavor base for our burritos! This veggie mixture adds texture, nutrients, and a whole lot of deliciousness.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of bite.
3. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, cooked rice, and corn kernels to the skillet.
4. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, don’t be afraid to season generously!
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the Burritos:

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – burrito time! This is where all our hard work comes together in one glorious, hand-held package.

1. Warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when you’re rolling them.
2. Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
3. Spread a generous amount of Chipotle Ranch dressing in the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch or two of space around the edges.
4. Top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Add a scoop of the black bean and veggie mixture on top of the cheese.
6. Place a generous portion of the grilled chicken on top of the veggie mixture.
7. Now, for the rolling technique! Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center.
8. Tightly roll the burrito from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Think of it like rolling a sleeping bag.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 for the remaining burritos.

Optional: Grilling the Burritos for Extra Crispiness:

If you want to take your burritos to the next level, try grilling them for a few minutes per side. This creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior and melts the cheese inside.

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the assembled burritos on the hot grill pan or skillet.
3. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the burritos from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides and toppings!

• Serve with a side of guacamole or avocado slices.
• Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add a dollop of your favorite salsa.
• Serve with a side of tortilla chips and queso.
• Enjoy with a refreshing margarita or iced tea.

And there you have it! Delicious, homemade Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos that are sure to impress. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe isn’t just another burrito; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the smoky char of the grilled chicken to the creamy, spicy kick of the homemade chipotle ranch, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve burrito perfection. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking, making it a winner for the whole family.

Think of it: juicy, perfectly grilled chicken marinated in a blend of spices that sing, nestled in a warm tortilla with all your favorite fixings. The star of the show, though, is undoubtedly the chipotle ranch. It’s not just a condiment; it’s the glue that holds everything together, adding a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy element that elevates the entire burrito experience. Forget store-bought ranch; once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle ranch for an extra kick.
* Go vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
* Load it up! Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or even some grilled corn.
* Make it a bowl! Skip the tortilla altogether and serve the grilled chicken and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
* Breakfast Burrito Bonanza: Scramble some eggs and add them to the burrito for a hearty and flavorful breakfast.
* Quesadilla Creation: Use the chipotle ranch grilled chicken and your favorite cheese to make a delicious quesadilla.
* Party Platter Perfection: Cut the burritos into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers at your next gathering.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I poured my heart into perfecting it, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or your trusty grill pan), and get ready to create a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you added, and how much you loved it! Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!