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Chicken burritos have been my weeknight dinner hero for years. When I first moved into my small Denver apartment, I needed meals that felt comforting but still balanced. That is when chicken burritos became my solution. I could season the chicken exactly how I liked it, add rice and beans for heartiness, and wrap everything in a warm tortilla that made dinner feel complete. Chicken burritos are filling, freezer friendly, and incredibly satisfying. In this guide, you will learn how to make chicken burritos from scratch, how to build the filling properly, and how to roll them so they stay intact and delicious.
Chicken Burritos with Bold Homemade Seasoning
Best Seasoning for Chicken Burritos
Great chicken burritos start with a simple homemade spice blend. Instead of using store bought packets, mix pantry staples that create depth and warmth.
Combine:
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
Three quarters teaspoon cayenne optional
Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over sliced chicken breast and coat evenly. Then rub the seasoning thoroughly into the meat. Because you slice each breast horizontally, more surface area absorbs flavor. As a result, every bite of your chicken burritos tastes bold and well seasoned.
If you love oven baked variations with extra comfort, you may also enjoy my Smothered Burritos which use a similar filling but finish with a rich sauce.
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Chicken Burritos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 burritos 1x
Description
Juicy homemade chicken burritos filled with seasoned chicken, refried beans, rice, corn, and melted cheese. Perfect for meal prep and freezer friendly.
Ingredients
5 flour tortillas (8 inch)
600g / 1.2 lb chicken breast, sliced horizontally
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
400g / 14 oz refried beans
1/4 cup water
2.5 cups cooked white rice or Mexican rice
400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained
1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Burrito Seasoning:
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
1. Mix all seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over chicken and coat evenly. Rub seasoning onto chicken.
2. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook chicken 2 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest 2 minutes, then chop.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook 2 minutes.
4. Stir in refried beans, chopped chicken, and water. Cook 2 minutes until thick and juicy. Let cool slightly.
5. Warm tortillas in microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
6. Layer rice on lower third of tortilla. Top with chicken filling, corn, cheese, and cilantro.
7. Fold sides inward and roll tightly from bottom up.
8. Toast in a dry skillet 2 minutes per side or wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Notes
Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze individually wrapped burritos up to 3 months.
Reheat refrigerated burritos at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Reheat frozen burritos at 350°F for 40 minutes wrapped in foil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Burritos
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook another 1 and a half minutes. Remove immediately to keep the chicken juicy.
Let it rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into bite sized pieces.
In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 1 minute. Add diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in refried beans, chopped chicken, and one quarter cup water. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. The filling should look moist but not watery.
Refried beans act as the binder in chicken burritos. They keep everything juicy and prevent the filling from becoming dry or crumbly.
Building Chicken Burritos with the Perfect Layers
Choosing the Best Rice for Chicken Burritos
Rice forms the base of chicken burritos. Plain white rice works well. However, seasoned rice adds more flavor and balance.
For a fresh and vibrant option, I often use my Cilantro Lime Rice. The citrus brightness complements the warm spices in the chicken and keeps the burritos from tasting heavy.
You will need about 2 and a half cups cooked rice. Start with 1 cup uncooked rice to reach that amount.
Layering and Rolling Chicken Burritos Correctly
Warm your flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This step makes them flexible and prevents cracking.
Lay the tortilla flat. Place rice on the lower third. Add a generous spoonful of the chicken and bean filling. Top with drained corn, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Fold the sides inward first. Then roll tightly from the bottom up. Keep the filling compact so the burrito holds its shape.
You can toast the burritos in a dry skillet over medium high heat for about 2 minutes per side to create a lightly crisp exterior. Alternatively, wrap them tightly in foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
Sauces and Serving Ideas for Chicken Burritos
Best Sauces for Chicken Burritos
Chicken burritos taste great on their own, but sauces make them even better.
Serve with avocado sauce, sour cream, or smooth restaurant style salsa. Avocado sauce adds creaminess. Salsa brings freshness. Sour cream cools the spices.
You can also drizzle hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
How to Serve Chicken Burritos
Slice each burrito diagonally for a clean presentation. Arrange them on a platter for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Because chicken burritos include protein, rice, beans, and vegetables, they already feel like a complete meal. Still, you can serve them with a simple salad or tortilla chips for extra texture.
Storing and Freezing Chicken Burritos
How to Store Chicken Burritos
Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, keep them wrapped in foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. This method warms the filling evenly while keeping the tortilla soft.
How to Freeze Chicken Burritos
Chicken burritos freeze beautifully. Wrap each burrito tightly and place them in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to three months.
To reheat from frozen, wrap in foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes. If you thaw overnight in the refrigerator, you can reheat in about 15 minutes.
Make These Chicken Burritos Tonight
Chicken burritos bring together bold seasoning, juicy chicken, creamy beans, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in one satisfying wrap. They are simple enough for busy weeknights yet hearty enough for gatherings. Once you master the seasoning and layering, you can customize them endlessly based on what you have in your kitchen.
Because they store and freeze beautifully, chicken burritos also make meal prep easy and practical. Whether you cook for your family or just for yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and balance in every bite.
Now it’s your turn. Warm those tortillas, season that chicken, and make these chicken burritos tonight.
