Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

Zesty Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito Recipe That Packs the Heat

Chipotle ranch grilled chicken burrito packs a flavor punch that refines ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Smoky, spicy notes dance alongside creamy, tangy elements creating a mouthwatering culinary symphony.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this satisfying handheld delight that promises excitement for your taste buds.

The combination of grilled protein and zesty sauce elevates this burrito from simple fare to crave-worthy cuisine.

Fresh ingredients and strategic layering ensure each bite delivers maximum deliciousness with perfect textural balance.

Balanced spices and strategic seasoning make this recipe accessible for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Complex flavors merge harmoniously, promising a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

What’s Inside a Chipotle Ranch Burrito

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the burrito, best when using boneless skinless chicken breast for even cooking.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cheese, Ranch Dressing: Creamy elements that add rich flavor and moisture to the burrito, shredded cheese melts easily and complements the chicken.
Tortilla and Crunchy Elements:
  • Large Flour Tortilla, Tortilla Strips: Wrap and add textural crunch, fresh tortillas ensure easier rolling and better overall burrito structure.
Vegetables and Sauce:
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chipotle Sauce: Fresh vegetables provide crisp texture and brightness, chipotle sauce adds smoky heat and depth of flavor to the burrito, choose crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes for best results.

Rolling Up the Perfect Chicken Burrito

Step 1: Prepare Toppings

Prepare each ingredient with care:
  • Grate cheese
  • Chop lettuce
  • Dice tomatoes
  • Arrange all ingredients on a clean workspace

Step 2: Layer Burrito Fillings

Create your flavor-packed burrito with precise layers:
  • Place large flour tortilla on flat surface
  • Sprinkle cheese
  • Add chicken strips
  • Drizzle chipotle sauce
  • Add Ranch dressing
  • Spread lettuce
  • Scatter diced tomatoes
  • Sprinkle tortilla strips

Step 3: Wrap Burrito

Carefully fold and roll the burrito:
  • Tuck in bottom side of tortilla
  • Fold sides inward
  • Roll tightly from bottom to top

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Crisp up your burrito:
  • Heat skillet to medium temperature
  • Place burrito seam-side down
  • Grill 2-3 minutes per side
  • Rotate until golden and crispy

Enjoy your delicious Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito!

Burrito Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

  • Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese while cold for easier shredding and more even melting inside the burrito.
  • Chicken Seasoning Boost: Marinate chicken strips in chipotle sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor depth.
  • Tortilla Warming Hack: Briefly warm tortillas on a skillet to increase flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
  • Crispy Exterior Trick: Press burrito firmly when grilling to ensure a golden, crunchy surface and secure seal.
  • Sauce Balance Method: Mix chipotle sauce and ranch dressing beforehand to create a more uniform and flavorful spread across the burrito.

Save Leftover Burritos Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated burritos stay delicious for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Carefully place wrapped burritos in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Frozen burritos remain tasty for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Unwrap frozen burrito and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Side Picks for Chicken Burritos

  • Spice Up with Smoky Margarita: Complement the chipotle's heat with a classic margarita that balances the burrito's smoky flavors, using tequila, fresh lime juice, and a salt rim to cut through the richness.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Agua Fresca: Refresh your palate with a light, crisp cucumber agua fresca that soothes the spicy chipotle sauce and provides a clean, hydrating contrast to the grilled burrito.
  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Slaw: Create a tangy side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro to add brightness and crunch that enhances the burrito's creamy ranch and chipotle elements.
  • Match with Mexican Lager: Choose a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cleanse the palate and complement the burrito's bold, grilled flavors without overpowering the dish.

Burrito Variations Worth Trying

  • Spicy Southwest Wrap: Replace chipotle sauce with homemade jalapeño salsa and add black beans for extra protein and southwestern flair.
  • Vegetarian Ranch Burrito: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu, keeping the creamy ranch and chipotle flavor profile intact.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Use Greek yogurt ranch, add cucumber, kalamata olives, and swap tortilla strips with crispy pita chips for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Lean Protein Powerhouse: Substitute chicken with grilled turkey breast and incorporate quinoa instead of traditional tortilla strips for a high-protein, nutrient-dense alternative.

Chipotle Ranch Burritos: Why They’re a Hit

  • Savor Explosive Flavor Combinations: The chipotle sauce and ranch dressing create a tantalizing blend of smoky, creamy goodness that transforms an ordinary chicken burrito into a taste sensation.
  • Master Quick and Easy Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and basic grilling skills, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.
  • Enjoy Satisfying Textural Delight: Crispy grilled tortilla exterior meets soft, melted cheese and tender chicken strips, delivering a mouthwatering crunch with every single bite that keeps you craving more.
  • Create Customizable Comfort Food: The flexible ingredient list allows personal tweaks, letting home cooks adjust spice levels, add extra toppings, or swap proteins to match individual taste preferences.
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Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy chipotle ranch meets grilled chicken in this Mexican-inspired burrito masterpiece. Creamy, zesty flavors and fresh ingredients combine to deliver a mouthwatering meal you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) grilled chicken breast strips

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (can use Mexican blend or Colby jack)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

  • ½ head iceberg lettuce (about 4 cups of chopped lettuce)
  • 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) diced tomatoes (about ¾ of beef steak tomato, diced)

Tortilla and Crunch:

  • 8 large 10-inch flour tortillas
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) crunchy tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)

Sauce:

  • ½ cup Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare all ingredients by grating sharp cheddar cheese into fine shreds, finely chopping crisp lettuce leaves, and precisely dicing ripe tomatoes into small, uniform cubes.
  2. Select a large, soft flour tortilla and strategically layer ingredients: sprinkle of grated cheese as the foundational base, followed by of seasoned chicken strips across the center.
  3. Drizzle of smoky chipotle sauce and of creamy ranch dressing evenly over the chicken to enhance flavor profiles.
  4. Add of freshly chopped lettuce for crisp texture and of diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
  5. Scatter of crunchy tortilla strips to introduce additional textural complexity.
  6. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward, creating tight seals to prevent ingredient spillage, then smoothly roll the burrito into a compact cylinder.
  7. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and gently place the assembled burrito seam-side down, rotating periodically to achieve an evenly golden, crispy exterior on all surfaces.

Notes

  • Perfectly balance the spicy chipotle and creamy ranch by mixing the sauces evenly before spreading on the tortilla.
  • Pre-cook chicken strips thoroughly to ensure food safety and enhance overall flavor absorption.
  • Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more flexible and prevent cracking during rolling.
  • Grill the burrito on medium heat slowly to create a crispy golden exterior without burning the tortilla.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more authentic taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Allow the grilled burrito to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to help ingredients settle and prevent burning your mouth.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 825 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1250 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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