ULTIMATE CHIPOTLE RANCH GRILLED CHICKEN BURRITO

Craving that smoky, creamy, and utterly satisfying flavor bomb you get from your favorite burrito joint? Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tortilla bursting with tender, grilled chicken, a kick of chipotle, and a cool, tangy ranch dressing. This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe brings all those irresistible flavors home, and I promise, you’ll be making it again and again!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!

For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burritos:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (I like cilantro-lime rice!)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices

My Secrets to the BEST Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Okay, before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s talk about a few things I’ve learned over countless burrito-making sessions. These tips will seriously elevate your burrito game!

• The Chipotle Ranch is Key: Don’t skimp on the homemade ranch! It’s what brings all the flavors together. Taste and adjust the chipotle peppers to your spice level. I like a good kick, but you might prefer it milder.
• Perfectly Grilled Chicken: The key to juicy, flavorful chicken is a good marinade and not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer! Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
• Warm Your Tortillas: This is a game-changer! Warm tortillas are more pliable and won’t crack when you’re rolling them. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel), or even over an open gas flame (carefully!).
• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to cram as much filling as possible into your burrito, but trust me, you’ll just end up with a mess. Less is more when it comes to a well-rolled burrito.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to customize your burrito with your favorite toppings. Pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, or even some pickled onions would be amazing additions.

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

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in no time.

Step 1: Make the Chipotle Ranch Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important!

Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer, the better!
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Warm the flour tortillas according to your preferred method.
2. Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
3. Spread a generous amount of Chipotle Ranch dressing on the tortilla.
4. Top with cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, shredded cheese, and sliced or shredded grilled chicken.
5. Add any optional toppings you desire.
6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll tightly to create a burrito.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito immediately.
2. For an extra touch, you can grill the burritos for a few minutes per side to get them nice and crispy.
3. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu.
• Spicier Burrito: Add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade and/or the ranch dressing.
• Different Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese you love.
• Add Vegetables: Include grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

This is a great recipe for quick dinner ideas for work because you can prep the chicken and the chipotle ranch in advance. Then, when you get home, it’s just a matter of assembling the burritos! I’m always on the hunt for different meals to make that are both easy and delicious, and this one definitely fits the bill.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

• Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Grilled Chicken: Can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the burritos.
• Assembled Burritos: Are best eaten immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

For those looking for super delicious dinner recipes, that are also easy to prepare, this is a winner! And while burritos are best served warm, they can be enjoyed as cold dinner options for lunch the next day.

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love the flavors in this burrito, you might also enjoy these other amazing recipes:

• Tex Mex Chicken And Zucchini Skillet – a healthy and flavorful skillet meal.
• Chipotle-style Pollo Asado – perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.
• Zesty Lime Chicken Tacos – a refreshing and flavorful twist on classic tacos.
• Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken – a super easy set-it-and-forget-it meal.
• Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – a delicious and vibrant bowl packed with flavor.
• Mouthwatering Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken – a comforting and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts: Your Burrito Adventure Awaits!

There you have it – everything you need to create the ultimate Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. I hope you have as much fun making (and eating!) this recipe as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy your burrito!