Get ready to experience a flavor-packed adventure with this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices, paired with creamy chipotle ranch and vibrant fresh ingredients—all wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla. This burrito is nothing short of a celebration in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, smoky flavors: The chipotle chili and smoked paprika create an irresistible smoky depth that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Perfectly balanced texture: Tender grilled chicken, creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and melty cheese combine for a mouthwatering bite every time.
- Quick and fuss-free: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, this burrito comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable to your taste: Swap out veggies, cheeses, or beans to make it truly your own culinary creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each element adds a vital flavor, texture, or color that transforms the burrito from ordinary to spectacular.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up that smoky marinade.
- Chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika: These spices bring the signature heat and smokiness to your chicken.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and stretchy—these provide the perfect vessel to hold all your fillings together.
- Black beans and rice: Classic burrito fillers that add heartiness and a creamy texture contrast.
- Chipotle ranch dressing: A zesty, cooling drizzle that balances the spice and adds creaminess.
- Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and optional corn: For crunch, color, and freshness that’ll keep things vibrant.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, adding an irresistible gooey finish.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the most fun parts of the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is making it your own. Whether you want to accommodate dietary preferences or simply mix up flavors, these variations help you tweak the recipe effortlessly.
- Vegetarian version: Replace grilled chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes for a hearty meatless option.
- Spice it up: Add fresh jalapeño slices or extra chipotle powder to the marinade for those who love a fiery kick.
- Swap the cheese: Use queso fresco, cotija, or vegan cheese alternatives to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Grain swap: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb or gluten-free twist without sacrificing the texture.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is your ticket to juicy, flavorful chicken that bursts with smoky and zesty notes. Coat each chicken breast evenly and pop it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—this lets those bold flavors sink all the way in.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, then grill the marinated chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful char and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips—resting keeps all the juices locked in.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings
Warm your tortillas until soft and pliable—this makes wrapping much easier and prevents tearing. Heat the black beans and rice just enough to make them comforting and warm. Having everything warm and ready means your burrito assembly will be seamless and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay each tortilla flat and spread a generous spoonful or two of chipotle ranch dressing right in the center—this luscious layer is what ties it all together. Next, build your burrito layers: start with rice, then black beans, followed by grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and optional corn kernels. Top with vibrant chopped cilantro for that fresh pop.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
Fold the sides of your tortilla inward, then roll up from the bottom to encase all the delicious fillings in one beautiful package. Serve immediately for a soft bite, or for a little extra indulgence, give your wrapped burrito a quick grill to crisp the outside—oh, the satisfaction of that golden crust!
Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken up to 2 hours to let those smoky spices really infuse.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting grilled chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender, avoiding dry bites.
- Warm Your Tortillas Properly: Heating tortillas until just soft helps prevent tearing and makes wrapping burritos a breeze.
- Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust chipotle chili powder according to your spice preference—less for mild, more for wow!
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your burrito experience. Try topping your wrapped burrito with a drizzle of extra chipotle ranch, a squeeze of fresh lime, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado can also add creaminess and balance the smoky heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like tortilla chips and salsa, Mexican street corn (elote), or a light and zesty cucumber salad. For a hearty meal, a side of seasoned black beans or a fresh avocado and tomato salad complements the burrito’s flavors and textures perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice burritos in half to showcase the vibrant layers inside and serve on a platter with small bowls of extra chipotle ranch and fresh salsa. Or turn your burrito into a crunchy wrap by lightly toasting it on a grill pan to give it a golden, crispy outside—an irresistible delight that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover fillings or burritos, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chipotle ranch separate to preserve freshness and prevent the tortilla from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled burritos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then warm in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat burritos in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes wrapped in foil, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. To bring back that crispy outside touch, give them a quick toast on a grill pan after warming.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this burrito recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here—they’re juicier and tend to stay tender even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust grilling times as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
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Is there a way to make this burrito recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free chipotle ranch dressing. Many grocery stores carry delicious vegan ranch dressings that keep all the flavor without dairy.
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How spicy is the chipotle ranch dressing in this recipe?
The chipotle ranch dressing has a mild to moderate heat level, with smoky undertones. You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less chipotle chili powder in the marinade or opting for a milder ranch base.
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Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead to deepen the flavors. You can even prepare the marinade mix in advance and store it airtight to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and exciting about crafting your own Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe at home. The balance of smoky, creamy, fresh, and tender ingredients inside a warm tortilla makes it a winner every single time. So grab those ingredients, fire up your grill, and get ready to enjoy a burrito that’ll quickly become one of your favorites—trust me, it’s worth every delicious bite!
PrintChipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito combines smoky, spicy marinated grilled chicken with fresh, vibrant fillings wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. With layers of rice, black beans, cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing, it’s a deliciously satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 Burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 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
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours to enhance flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Burrito Fillings: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible. Heat the black beans and cooked rice if not already warm, to ensure the burrito fillings are served hot.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each tortilla flat and spread 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle ranch dressing in the center. Layer with rice, black beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and optional corn kernels. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Serve immediately, or optionally, lightly grill the wrapped burrito for a crispy exterior before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours intensifies the flavor.
- Using a grill pan is a great alternative if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Add avocado slices or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or extra chipotle chili powder.
