If you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine, let me introduce you to the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito—a bold, flavor-packed handheld meal that combines juicy grilled chicken, smoky chipotle ranch dressing, melty cheese, and all your favorite burrito fillings. This recipe is crave-worthy comfort food and guaranteed to disappear the second you slice into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Smoky Flavor: The chipotle chili powder and creamy ranch dressing give every bite a pop of irresistible Southwest flair.
- Juicy, Grilled Perfection: Marinating and grilling the chicken brings out maximum tenderness and a smoky, charred taste you’ll crave again and again.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Whether you’re making dinner for picky eaters or feeding a gathering, everyone can fill their burrito with what they love.
- Weeknight Friendly: Simple prep and easy ingredients mean you can enjoy these burritos—even on the busiest nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make an epic Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito—but each ingredient is key for nailing those perfect layers of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors. Here’s what goes into every bite and why it matters:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and juicy, ideal for soaking up the bold chipotle marinade and grilling beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken while locking in moisture.
- Lime juice: Brightens every bite and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Chipotle chili powder: The hero of the blend, delivering smoky heat and depth.
- Smoked paprika: Doubles down on the smokiness for that irresistible barbecue flavor.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A savory duo that builds complexity without overpowering.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy base note that’s classic in any great burrito.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip these; they bring everything together and amplify flavor.
- Flour tortillas: Large, soft, and ready to wrap up all that goodness into the perfect burrito package.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Adds structure, heartiness, and a perfect base for all your fillings.
- Black beans: Creamy, protein-packed, and a must for Southwest character.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts easily and pulls everything into a gooey, delicious bite.
- Shredded lettuce: Lends crunch, freshness, and that satisfying bite every burrito needs.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy pops of color and garden-fresh flavor.
- Corn kernels (optional): Sweet and sunny—perfect if you want an extra textural surprise.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): For those who love that bright, fresh finish.
- Chipotle ranch dressing: Creamy, spicy, and totally luscious—don’t even think about skipping this drizzle!
Variations
What I adore about this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is how endlessly customizable it is. You can easily swap in or out fillings to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand tonight!
- Go vegetarian: Skip the grilled chicken and pile on sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or extra beans for a protein boost.
- Low-carb swap: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of flour for a lighter meal.
- Add avocado: Creamy sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole gives your burrito an extra luscious bite.
- Spicy kick: Love it hot? Toss in some pickled jalapeños or sprinkle on extra chipotle powder.
- Different cheese: Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack for pepper jack, cotija, or your favorite melting cheese.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your chicken breasts and make sure they’re generously coated all over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes—though if you can wait up to 2 hours, your chicken will soak up every bit of that fantastic flavor!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill your marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, turning once, until it’s charred with gorgeous grill marks and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings
While the chicken cooks, gently warm your tortillas (either in a dry skillet or microwave) so they’re soft and flexible. If your rice or beans are cold, now’s a great time to reheat them—nobody wants a chilly center!
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each tortilla and spread a generous spoonful or two of chipotle ranch dressing in the center. Layer on rice, black beans, your juicy sliced chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and corn. If you love cilantro, sprinkle some on top for a burst of herbal flavor and color.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a plump burrito. Hungry now? Go ahead and serve right away—or for a restaurant-style finish, grill your wrapped burritos in a hot skillet for a minute or two to crisp up the exterior. Cue the oozy cheese and that unbeatable toasty crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Ultimate Marinade Magic: For the juiciest, most flavor-packed chicken, marinate for the full 2 hours whenever possible—it really amps up the chipotle notes and tenderness.
- Watch the Grill Marks: Don’t move your chicken around too much on the grill—let it sit and sear for those gorgeous char lines and that subtle smoky crunch.
- Burrito Rolling 101: Keep fillings in a tight line and resist overfilling; this makes it way easier to roll up a burrito that doesn’t burst apart on your plate.
- The Toasty Finish: After assembly, toss your burrito on a hot pan or grill for 1–2 minutes—the golden, crisped-up tortilla is an absolute game-changer!
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Garnishes
Nothing makes a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito more inviting than piling on the right garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a handful of sliced green onions, and a few slices of jalapeño for heat really elevate the dish. For serious burrito lovers, a final drizzle of extra chipotle ranch on top takes it completely over the edge!
Side Dishes
Pair your burrito with a simple side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa, or go all out with Mexican street corn or a tangy slaw. Black bean salad, guacamole, or even a scoop of cilantro-lime rice on the side will give you a classic and filling Tex-Mex feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice your burritos into pinwheels for a show-stopping appetizer platter. Or, wrap each Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in foil, stack them in a basket, and let guests grab their own for an easy crowd-pleaser. Want to go “bowl style”? Just layer all the fillings in a bowl, top with grilled chicken and a generous drizzle of chipotle ranch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep toppings like lettuce separate if you want that crunchy factor when reheating—they’ll stay fresher on the side.
Freezing
These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos actually freeze beautifully! Just wrap each tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your burrito (still wrapped in foil) in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. You can also grill it for a few minutes per side straight from the fridge. If you’re in a rush, microwaving will work, but the tortilla may be softer.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken and tossing it with a bit of the chipotle ranch dressing will still deliver fantastic flavor without the grill. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights.
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What’s the best way to make these burritos ahead for meal prep?
To meal prep Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos, assemble them with all your main fillings except for lettuce and tomatoes (add those fresh when serving for best texture). Store wrapped burritos in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh toppings before eating.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas or try lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb, and gluten-free alternative. Everything else in the filling is naturally gluten-free.
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How spicy is the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?
With the chipotle chili powder and ranch, the burrito has a medium level of smoky heat. If you want it milder, cut back on the chipotle powder; for more fire, add sliced fresh jalapeños or extra hot sauce to your taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new weeknight go-to or a way to wow your family and friends, Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are the answer—full of flavor, easy to make, and always satisfying. Dive in, be creative with your fillings, and let this crave-worthy recipe become a fresh favorite in your home!
PrintChipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 4 Burritos 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal filled with flavorful marinated chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and veggies, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with a zesty chipotle ranch dressing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Step 2: Grill the Chicken Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Heat the black beans and rice if they are not already warm.
- Step 4: Assemble the Burritos Lay each tortilla flat and spread 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle ranch dressing in the center. Add a layer of rice, black beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and corn (if using). Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
- Step 5: Wrap and Serve Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Serve immediately or lightly grill the wrapped burrito for a crispy exterior.
Notes
- Made this recipe? Drop a photo in the comments below and get featured in the ‘Made By You’ gallery on this post!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Burrito
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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