A Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is the ultimate fusion of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, all wrapped up in a convenient, handheld meal. Packed with marinated grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and the irresistible kick of chipotle ranch dressing, this burrito is the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual gathering, or craving a satisfying lunch or dinner, this burrito is sure to hit the spot.
The grilled chicken, seasoned with a blend of bold spices, is the star of the show. When paired with creamy chipotle ranch dressing and wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, it creates a dynamic combination of textures and flavors that make every bite more delicious than the last. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable—add your favorite toppings, load it up with extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Easy to make and bursting with flavor, the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect Flavor Balance
The smoky grilled chicken paired with the creamy chipotle ranch dressing strikes the perfect balance of heat and richness, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
2. Quick and Easy
This burrito comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or meal prep. The grilling process adds a smoky depth to the chicken, while the dressing ties everything together in no time.
3. Customizable
Make it your own by adjusting the toppings, spice levels, or adding ingredients like avocado, rice, or beans. This burrito can be tailored to your personal preferences.
4. Filling and Satisfying
Packed with protein from the grilled chicken and plenty of veggies, this burrito is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
5. Ideal for Meal Prep
This recipe can be easily doubled and stored for the week, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade burrito whenever you need a quick meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Flour tortillas
- Chipotle ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Lettuce (shredded)
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- Avocado (optional)
- Rice (optional)
- Black beans (optional)
Variations
- Vegetarian Burrito: Skip the chicken and substitute with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Add Guacamole: For extra richness and flavor, add a scoop of fresh guacamole inside your burrito.
- Make it Spicy: If you like more heat, add jalapeños or extra chipotle sauce to the dressing.
- Use a Different Dressing: Swap the chipotle ranch for a cilantro-lime crema or a classic sour cream to customize the flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp Burrito: For a lighter alternative to chicken, use grilled shrimp seasoned with the same spices.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the spice mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-minute marinade will work.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While the chicken is grilling, prep your toppings. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the avocado (if using). You can also prepare rice or warm the black beans if you’re using them in your burrito.
Step 4: Assemble the Burrito
Lay a warm flour tortilla on a flat surface. Start by layering a small amount of rice (if using), followed by the grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and avocado. Drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing and any other optional toppings.
Step 5: Roll the Burrito
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and carefully roll it up, ensuring the filling stays in place. If necessary, lightly toast the burrito on a skillet for a minute or two to crisp up the outside.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the burrito immediately with extra chipotle ranch dressing on the side for dipping, or wrap it in foil for an easy meal on the go.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Grill the Chicken in Advance: You can grill the chicken ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and quickly assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.
- Warm the Tortillas: For a better texture, warm your tortillas for a few seconds on a hot skillet before assembling the burrito. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the burrito to ensure it’s easy to roll and won’t fall apart.
- Add Crunch: If you love texture, consider adding crispy tortilla strips or crushed chips inside your burrito for extra crunch.
How to Serve
Serve your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with a side of salsa, extra chipotle ranch dressing, or a fresh lime wedge. You can also serve it alongside some Mexican street corn (elote), chips and guacamole, or a refreshing side salad with a cilantro-lime dressing. If you’re meal prepping, this burrito can be wrapped in foil or parchment paper for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover burrito ingredients, store the chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice and assemble the burrito.
Freezing
To freeze the burritos, assemble the burrito as usual, but don’t add fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado. Wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, microwave the burrito or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating
For reheating frozen burritos, place them in the microwave or oven until they’re warm. You can also heat them in a skillet to get a slightly crispy texture on the outside.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought chipotle ranch dressing?
Yes, store-bought chipotle ranch dressing works perfectly for this recipe. However, making your own can add a fresher, personalized touch.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! You can substitute grilled chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I use a tortilla other than flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or corn tortillas depending on your dietary preferences.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle ranch dressing adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle sauce or omitting it if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling your burrito.
6. How can I make this burrito vegetarian?
Substitute the grilled chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add beans or rice for extra protein.
7. Can I add beans to the burrito?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans are great additions to this burrito for extra flavor and protein.
8. How can I add more flavor to the rice?
Cook the rice with a bit of lime juice, cumin, and cilantro to add more flavor to your burrito filling.
9. Can I make this burrito ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the burrito when you’re ready to eat. The burrito can also be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to one day.
10. Can I make this burrito in a bowl instead of a wrap?
Yes! For a burrito bowl, simply layer the ingredients in a bowl instead of wrapping them in a tortilla.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavor-packed meal that combines the best of smoky grilled chicken, creamy chipotle ranch dressing, and fresh, crisp toppings—all wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making a quick dinner or prepping a week’s worth of delicious meals. With customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this burrito will soon become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it fresh, or make it ahead for a convenient and satisfying meal!
PrintChipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is packed with smoky, tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy chipotle ranch sauce. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, it’s the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory flavors—great for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle seasoning or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably cilantro-lime rice)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the chipotle seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Brush the grill or pan with olive oil, then grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- To assemble the burritos, lay each tortilla flat and spread a generous spoonful of chipotle ranch dressing in the center.
- Add a layer of rice, followed by the grilled chicken slices, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions (if using), and a little more chipotle ranch dressing.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll it up tightly to close the burrito.
- Serve with extra chipotle ranch on the side for dipping, and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use cilantro-lime rice or add black beans, corn, or avocado to the burrito.
- If you prefer a spicier burrito, feel free to add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat tortillas and skip the cheese or use a lighter cheese option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Mexican, Grilled Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Tex-Mex
Keywords: Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito, Grilled Chicken Burrito, Chipotle Burrito, Tex-Mex Burrito, Chicken Burrito, Spicy Chicken Burrito