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- Chicken and Marinade Components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Burrito Fillings - 1 cup cooked rice (jasmine or brown) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 4 large flour tortillas - Toppings and Serving Suggestions - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - Lime wedges for serving When making a Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito, select fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken and marinade set the tone with bold flavors. The chipotle in adobo gives a nice kick. Smoked paprika adds a deep, warm flavor. Garlic powder and cumin round out the taste. Salt and pepper enhance everything. For the burrito fillings, I love using jasmine or brown rice for a hearty base. Black beans add protein and fiber. Corn brings a sweet crunch. Choose a cheese like cheddar or a Mexican blend to melt beautifully. Large flour tortillas hold all this goodness together. For toppings, slices of creamy avocado and bright cilantro add freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish. Each ingredient works together to create a bold, flavorful burrito that you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the Chicken Breasts First, we need to make the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the minced chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil to this mix. Coat the chicken breasts well. Let them soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. You can let them marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor. Cooking the Chicken Next, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Warming the Tortillas While the chicken rests, it’s time to warm our tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds. Just warm them until they are soft and easy to fold. Layering the Ingredients Now, let’s build our burrito. Take one tortilla and lay it flat. Start by adding about ¼ cup of cooked rice to the lower third. Next, add ¼ cup of black beans, then ¼ cup of corn. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add a handful to the tortilla. Sprinkle some cheese on top, then add a few slices of avocado. Finish it off with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Toasting the Burritos To make the burritos crispy, you can toast them. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serving Suggestions Serve your warm burritos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty kick. Enjoy your smoky chipotle chicken burrito! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken well. Use these tips: - Time Matters: Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, go up to 2 hours. - Mix Well: Blend the chipotle, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. - Coat Evenly: Make sure the chicken is fully covered in the marinade. This helps to keep it juicy. Cooking the chicken just right can make all the difference. Here’s how: - Preheat Your Pan: Get your grill pan or skillet hot before adding the chicken. This helps to get a nice sear. - Check the Temp: Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). - Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside. Putting together a burrito can be messy. Follow these steps for a clean wrap: - Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave. This makes them easier to roll. - Layer Smart: Place fillings on the lower third of the tortilla. This helps with a tight roll. - Fold Sides First: Tuck in the sides before rolling from the bottom. This keeps everything inside. - Toast for Crunch: If you like, toast the burritos seam-side down for a crispy finish. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors significantly. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat. Warm Tortillas: Warming your tortillas before assembling the burritos makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed peppers, onions, or different types of beans to customize your burrito to your taste! {{image_2}} Alternatives for Chicken If you want to change the protein, use turkey or pork. You can also try tofu or tempeh for a different taste. These options work well with the same marinade. Vegetarian Options for Filling For a vegetarian burrito, skip the chicken. Use grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add mushrooms for a hearty texture. Lentils or chickpeas offer protein, too. Adding Extra Spices Want to boost the flavor? Add more spices like chili powder or cayenne. A pinch of oregano gives a nice touch. Experiment with smoked sea salt for depth. Incorporating Different Sauces Try a salsa verde for a fresh kick. You can also drizzle a spicy ranch or chipotle mayo inside the burrito. For a sweet twist, use BBQ sauce. Each option adds a new layer of flavor! To keep your burritos fresh, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also place them in an airtight container. This method prevents them from drying out. Store your wrapped burritos in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, freezing is a great option. Wrap them in foil and place in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftover burritos, there are easy ways to reheat them. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap, wrap the burrito in foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the burrito moist and warm. If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Heat on medium and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. This gives you a nice, crispy outside while warming the inside. Yes, you can make these burritos ahead of time. Here are some meal prep tips: - Cook the Chicken: Marinate and cook the chicken as directed. Let it cool before slicing. - Assemble the Burritos: Prepare the burritos and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. - Refrigerate: Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freeze: You can freeze the wrapped burritos for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave. If you need an alternative, try these options: - Smoked Paprika: Use more smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat. - Sriracha: This adds heat and a different flavor profile. - Cayenne Pepper: Mix in a small amount for extra heat without the smokiness. These substitutes can help you create a tasty dish even if you're out of chipotle. If you love heat, here are some tips for spicy food lovers: - Add More Chipotle: Increase the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce in your marinade. - Fresh Jalapeños: Add sliced fresh jalapeños to the burrito for a fresh kick. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce inside the burrito before rolling it up. These simple changes will elevate the spice level and satisfy your taste buds. This blog post covered the steps to make delicious burritos. We looked at the key ingredients, from the chicken to the toppings. You learned how to marinate and cook the chicken right. I shared tips for a perfect burrito roll and ideas for fun variations. Remember, you can always store and reheat leftover burritos to enjoy later. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors to make them your own. Enjoy making burritos that everyone will love!

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito

A delicious burrito filled with smoky chipotle chicken, rice, beans, corn, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked rice (jasmine or brown)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 piece avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine minced chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper with olive oil. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave, just until pliable.
  • Slice the chicken into thin strips.
  • To assemble the burritos, place a tortilla on a flat surface. Add about ¼ cup of rice, ¼ cup black beans, ¼ cup corn, a handful of sliced chicken, some cheese, and a few slices of avocado on the lower third of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Repeat for all tortillas.
  • If desired, toast the burritos seam-side down on a skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  • Serve your burritos warm with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Keyword burrito, chicken, chipotle, Mexican, smoky