These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are bursting with flavor, featuring smoky, spicy grilled chicken paired with a creamy chipotle ranch sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, these burritos are as easy to make as they are delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
- Flavor Explosion: A smoky chipotle kick combined with creamy ranch dressing brings bold, unforgettable flavor in every bite.
- Juicy Grilled Chicken: Marinated to perfection, the chicken is tender, smoky, and full of flavor.
- Customizable: You can switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Great for Meal Prep: These burritos store well and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for busy weeks.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp pureed chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice (cilantro lime rice works great!)
- ½ cup black beans or pinto beans
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- Optional: Guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, pureed chipotle peppers, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
4. Assemble the Burritos
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. Layer each tortilla with rice, beans, grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce. Roll up the burrito, folding in the sides as you go.
5. Grill the Assembled Burritos
Place the burritos seam-side down on a heated grill or skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
Tips for Customizing Your Chipotle Ranch Burrito
- Protein Swaps: Try steak, shrimp, or tofu for a fun twist on the classic.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or more beans.
- Adjust the Spice: Reduce the chipotle peppers in the marinade and sauce for a milder flavor, or amp them up for extra heat.
- Extra Fillings: Add guacamole, pickled jalapeños, corn salsa, or roasted peppers for more flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.
How do I freeze the burritos?
Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave straight from frozen.
How can I reduce the spice level?
Use less chipotle pepper in the marinade and sauce, or substitute with mild salsa to keep it flavorful without the heat.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Calories: 550 kcal (approximate)
These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, these burritos are sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation!
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