Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito 🌯🍗🌶️

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavor-packed meal that combines smoky, spicy grilled chicken with a creamy chipotle ranch sauce and fresh, vibrant toppings. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, it’s the perfect handheld dish for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. With its bold flavors and customizable ingredients, this burrito is sure to become a favorite!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying burrito step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold & Balanced Flavors : The smoky chipotle marinade pairs perfectly with the cool, tangy chipotle ranch sauce.
2. Customizable : Add your favorite toppings like rice, beans, guacamole, or salsa to make it your own.
3. Meal Prep Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
4. Versatile : Perfect for burritos, bowls, or tacos—switch up the format based on your mood!

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb )
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp )
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder (or 1–2 tsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers )
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce , minced (adjust for spice level )
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

For the Burrito Filling:

• Grilled chicken , sliced or shredded
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño or green chili , sliced (optional for heat )
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach (optional )
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend )
• 1 avocado, sliced, or prepared guacamole (optional )
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional )
• Large flour tortillas (8–10 inches in diameter )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, chipotle chili powder (or adobo sauce), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side , or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is tender and juicy.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or shred with two forks.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more chipotle peppers for heat or lime juice for tanginess. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

1. Dice the tomatoes, slice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and prepare any other toppings you’d like to include (e.g., avocado, guacamole, cooked rice).

Step 5: Assemble the Burrito

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and layer the fillings in the center: grilled chicken, shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lettuce/spinach, jalapeño slices, avocado/guacamole, and cooked rice (if using).
3. Drizzle the chipotle ranch sauce generously over the fillings.

Step 6: Wrap the Burrito

1. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
2. If desired, wrap the burrito in foil to keep it secure and make it easier to eat on the go.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve immediately with extra chipotle ranch sauce or salsa on the side for dipping.
2. Enjoy the bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite!

Tips for Success

1. Control the Heat : Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers or adobo sauce based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more as needed.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro elevate the flavors significantly compared to dried or bottled alternatives.
3. Meal Prep Hack : Grill extra chicken and assemble burritos ahead of time. Wrap them in foil and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
4. Switch Up Proteins : Substitute chicken with grilled steak, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
5. Add Beans or Corn : Black beans, pinto beans, or roasted corn kernels can add extra heartiness and texture.

Perfect Pairings

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito pairs beautifully with:

• Chips and Salsa : Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
• Mexican Street Corn : A side of elote or esquites adds a creamy, cheesy complement.
• Refried Beans : Serve alongside warm refried beans for extra protein and flavor.
• Fresh Margaritas or Agua Fresca : Pair with a refreshing drink like a margarita, horchata, or lime agua fresca.

Nutritional Information (Per Burrito, Approx.)

• Calories : ~500 kcal
• Protein : ~35g
• Carbohydrates : ~40g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and packed with bold, smoky, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re grilling up chicken for dinner or prepping burritos for the week, this recipe is a winner for busy nights, gatherings, or solo indulgence.

With its balance of spices, fresh ingredients, and creamy sauces, this burrito is a celebration of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. So grab your tortillas, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!