AMAZING CHEESY GROUND CHICKEN RICE BURRITOS

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, perfectly grilled tortilla, bursting with savory ground chicken, fluffy rice, and rivers of melted cheese – that’s the pure comfort we’re chasing with these Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos. They’re so easy to customize and a total crowd-pleaser, I promise you’ll be making them again and again!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Let’s Talk Substitutions & Swaps

Listen, I’m all about making things work with what you’ve got! Don’t feel like you need to run out and buy specific ingredients. Here are a few ideas for easy swaps:

• Ground Chicken: Ground turkey works just as well! You could even use seasoned ground beef if you’re feeling it.
• Bell Pepper: No bell pepper on hand? Corn, zucchini, or even some chopped spinach would be great additions.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) will give your filling an extra kick!
• Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet, you can easily make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. There are tons of recipes online!
• Chicken Broth: Water works in a pinch for the rice, but the chicken broth adds so much flavor. You could also use vegetable broth.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Part 1: Making the Flavorful Ground Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Simmer in Flavor: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), taco seasoning, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give the filling a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Part 2: Cooking the Perfect Fluffy Rice

1. Toast the Rice (Optional): In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff and Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before using.

Part 3: Assembling Your Cheesy Masterpieces

1. Warm the Tortillas: This is crucial! Warm tortillas are pliable and won’t tear as easily. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in the oven wrapped in foil.
2. Load ‘Em Up: Lay a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the cooked rice down the center, followed by the ground chicken filling. Top with a generous helping of shredded cheese.
3. Wrap It Right: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom edge tightly over the filling. Continue rolling the burrito tightly until it’s completely sealed.
4. Grill for Golden Goodness (Optional): For extra flavor and a slightly crispy exterior, heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can skip this step if you’re short on time!
5. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.

Tips for Burrito Success

• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to stuff your burritos too full! Overfilling is a surefire way to end up with a messy, torn burrito.
• Warm Tortillas are Key: I cannot stress this enough. Warm tortillas are pliable and much easier to work with.
• Cheese Placement Matters: Putting the cheese on top of the filling helps it melt evenly and bind everything together.
• Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding black beans, corn, pico de gallo, or your favorite hot sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can make the ground chicken filling and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes assembly a breeze!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Feast!

These Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos are a meal in themselves, but they’re even better when paired with some tasty sides:

• Classic Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, and tortilla chips with guacamole are always a winning combination.
• Fresh & Light: A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette or some fresh fruit will add a refreshing element to your meal.
• Spicy Kick: Serve with your favorite hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.

If you’re in the mood for other Mexican inspired dishes, check out this recipe for Mexican Chicken, and see how it compares to the ground chicken. Or maybe these Chicken Enchilada Bowls will satisfy your cravings. These Taco Rice Bowl recipe is similar but offers a slightly different spin on rice and chicken. Also, if you’re looking for something a little different, consider this Crockpot Chicken And Rice recipe for a cozy weeknight dinner. This Caribbean Chicken And Rice is another great alternative that gives the classic dish a tropical twist.

Storage & Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos:

• Storage: Wrap leftover burritos individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
• Microwave: This is the quickest option, but the tortillas can get a little soggy. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the burritos in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the tortillas from getting too soggy.
• Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the tortillas are crispy.

Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos: Your New Go-To!

There you have it – everything you need to make amazing Cheesy Ground Chicken & Rice Burritos! They’re so versatile, easy to customize, and always a hit. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a flavor explosion. Happy cooking, my friend!