Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

When I made this Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito, the smell of smoky chipotle and warm tortillas filled the air.
Each bite was creamy, spicy, and packed with juicy chicken and melted cheese.
I remember wrapping them up for dinner, and no one could wait to dig in.

These burritos are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
They’ve got that cozy, restaurant-style taste right from your own kitchen.

Let’s roll them up together—you’ll love how simple and delicious they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Fast: Ready in under an hour with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Packed with Flavor: Smoky chipotle and tangy lime create a perfect balance.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good burrito, and these are crowd-pleasers.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make the chicken ahead and assemble burritos throughout the week.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and make it your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes 6 burritos—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. You can easily double it for a crowd.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners and quick enough for busy weeknights.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Large skillet with lid
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

These burritos come together with simple ingredients that create big flavor. The chicken gets a smoky, spicy marinade while the creamy ranch dressing cools everything down perfectly.

For the Chipotle Lime Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Burritos:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing

Variations for Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

• Add Sour Cream: Mix sour cream with the ranch for extra creaminess.
• Try Different Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or refried beans.
• Add Avocado: Fresh avocado slices or guacamole add richness.
• Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

How to Make Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

Mix olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This creates a flavorful coating for the chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts until they are even in thickness, about 3/4 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken completely with the marinade, making sure every part is covered. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor.

4. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes until you see a nice brown crust. Flip the chicken over, cover the pan, and turn the heat down to medium. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

5. Warm the Tortillas

Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold.

6. Assemble the Burritos

Lay a warm tortilla flat. In the center, add about 1/3 cup rice, 1/4 cup black beans, a handful of chicken pieces, some cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and cilantro. Drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing.

7. Wrap It Up

Fold the sides of the tortilla in toward the center. Then fold the bottom up and roll it tightly away from you, keeping everything tucked inside. Place the burrito seam-side down.

Serving and Decoration

Serve these burritos with tortilla chips and salsa on the side. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top or serve with extra chipotle ranch for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with Mexican street corn or a simple green salad.

How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

These burritos are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with:

• Mexican Rice: Extra rice on the side never hurts.
• Chips and Guacamole: A classic pairing that everyone loves.
• Fresh Salsa: Pico de gallo or mango salsa adds brightness.
• Refried Beans: Serve warm beans on the side for extra protein.
• Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions make a great addition.

Storing Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

Marinated Chicken: Store uncooked marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking.

Cooked Chicken: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Assembled Burritos: Wrap assembled burritos tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Freezing: Wrap burritos individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is important. It cooks more evenly and stays juicy.
• Don’t Skip Resting: Let the chicken rest after cooking so the juices redistribute and stay inside.
• Warm Everything: Warm rice, beans, and tortillas make better burritos that are easier to wrap.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes burritos hard to wrap and messy to eat.
• Toast the Burrito: For extra crunch, place the wrapped burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is approximate and based on one burrito.

Conclusion

I’ve used these ingredients to create this recipe: chicken breasts, olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, flour tortillas, rice, black beans, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, and chipotle ranch dressing.