Speedy Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos Recipe

Sizzling tortillas packed with golden crispy chicken burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

These hearty burritos combine tender meat, fluffy rice, and creamy beans in one irresistible bundle.

The perfect handheld meal comes together with simple ingredients and quick preparation.

Spices blend seamlessly, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and robust southwestern-inspired tastes.

Layers of melted cheese and zesty seasonings turn an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Get ready to roll up the most satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Steps to Make Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos

• Chicken Preparation

Sear chicken thighs in a heavy saucepan until golden on both sides, creating a flavorful base for the filling.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté onions and peppers until soft, then add tomatoes to develop a rich, aromatic sauce.

• Slow Cooking

Simmer chicken in stock until tender and almost falling apart, allowing deep flavors to meld together.

• Rice Enhancement

Cook basmati rice with broth for extra taste, then mix with fresh cilantro and lime juice for brightness.

• Bean Warming

Heat refried beans, adjusting consistency with liquid and seasoning to complement the other ingredients.

• Tortilla Softening

Warm tortillas in the oven using a damp towel to ensure flexibility for easy rolling.

• Burrito Assembly

Layer beans, rice, chicken, and cheese on tortillas, carefully rolling to create a compact package.

• Crispy Toasting

Grill burritos in a skillet, pressing down to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior on both sides.

• Serving

Present warm burritos with salsa and sour cream, offering a delicious and satisfying meal.

Flavor Adjustments for Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos

• Replace chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or black beans for vegetarian lovers seeking diverse protein options.
• Experiment with different chile powders like ancho, chipotle, or guajillo to add smoky, complex layers of heat that transform the basic recipe into a flavor explosion.
• Try alternative cheese options like pepper jack for extra kick, queso fresco for authentic Mexican flair, or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for maximum melty goodness.
• Completely assemble burritos in advance, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before final crispy cooking – perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights.
• If you prefer super crispy exteriors, brush burritos lightly with olive oil before pan-toasting to achieve an extra golden, crunchy exterior that adds irresistible crunch.

Serving Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a colorful burrito board with various salsas, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cheese for guests to customize their meal.
• Fiesta Side Companions: Pair these crispy burritos with mexican street corn, fresh guacamole, or a zesty black bean salad to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Casual Dinner Delight: Perfect for family nights or game day gatherings, these burritos offer a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Leftover Love Strategy: Transform remaining burritos into next-day breakfast by chopping and mixing with scrambled eggs or reheating for a quick lunch option with added hot sauce.

Leftover Ideas & Storage Tips for Burritos

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. These delicious bundles will stay tasty for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Prepare extra burritos and freeze them for quick future meals. Individually wrap each burrito in foil, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. These frozen treats will maintain quality for up to 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Techniques: Thaw frozen burritos in the refrigerator overnight. Unwrap and reheat in a skillet for crispy edges, or use the oven at 350°F for even warming. Microwave works in a pinch, but might soften the tortilla's crisp texture.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store filling components separately if preparing ahead. Keep shredded chicken, rice, and beans in individual containers. This method helps maintain texture and allows for easy burrito assembly throughout the week, keeping ingredients fresh and preventing sogginess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender meat that creates a succulent filling with deep flavor and excellent moisture retention. Choose boneless, skinless thighs for easier preparation and consistent texture.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances overall flavor and keeps chicken moist during slow cooking. Select low-sodium varieties to control salt content.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Provide aromatic base and subtle sweetness to the chicken mixture. Select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors for maximum taste.
• Tomatoes: Add brightness and acidity to balance the rich chicken. Opt for ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes for best results.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, zesty herb notes that complement the Mexican-inspired dish. Choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the rich flavors. Select fresh limes for maximum citrus punch.

• Basmati Rice: Creates fluffy, fragrant base for the burrito. Rinse thoroughly before cooking for optimal texture.
• Refried Beans: Provides creamy, protein-rich layer with traditional Mexican flair. Choose smooth, well-seasoned varieties.
• Large Flour Tortillas: Serves as flexible wrapper for all ingredients. Select fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds melty, rich element to enhance overall flavor. Use a blend for more complex taste.
• Red and Green Salsa: Offers vibrant, spicy condiment to elevate the final dish. Select homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy filling. Choose full-fat version for richer taste.

Burrito Assembly Tools & Kitchen Tool

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven: perfect for cooking chicken and simmering sauce.
• Cutting board: needed for shredding chicken.
• Two forks: essential for pulling apart cooked chicken.
• Small saucepan: for warming refried beans.
• Nonstick skillet or flat griddle: creates crispy burrito exterior.
• Medium flat-bottomed pot: helps press and toast burritos.
• Baking sheet: keeps burritos warm while cooking.
• Measuring cups: for precise ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife: for chopping onions, peppers, and cilantro.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Crunchy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken burritos from Mexico blend crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and rich beans in one satisfying meal. Delicious tortillas wrapped with spicy fillings promise comfort and flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 15-oz (425 g) can refried beans
• ¾ cup basmati rice, cooked
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 1 poblano pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, cored and chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red or green salsa, for serving

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Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Caramelize chicken thighs in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat until achieving a golden, flavor-packed exterior, then transfer to a separate bowl.
2. Vegetable Medley: In the same pan, sauté onions and peppers until translucent, then add tomatoes and cook until they break down into a harmonious blend.
3. Braising Process: Reintroduce chicken to the vegetable mixture, pour in chicken stock, and simmer on low heat, partially covered, until meat becomes fork-tender and easily shreds.
4. Rice Preparation: Cook basmati rice using broth for depth, then fold in fresh cilantro and lime juice to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Bean Warming: Gently heat refried beans in a separate saucepan, adjusting consistency with water or broth as needed.
6. Tortilla Preparation: Warm tortillas at 300°F, draping with a damp towel to ensure maximum pliability.
7. Burrito Assembly: Layer refried beans, rice, shredded chicken, and cheese onto tortillas, leaving margin for precise rolling.
8. Rolling and Crisping: Roll burritos tightly, folding edges inward, then toast in a skillet, pressing with a flat-bottomed pot to create a golden, crisp exterior.
9. Finishing Touch: Transfer crisped burritos to the oven to maintain temperature, then serve with vibrant salsas and creamy sour cream, allowing any extras to cool completely before freezing.

Notes

• Master Chicken Tenderness: Slow-simmer chicken thighs in broth until meat practically falls apart, ensuring maximum flavor and soft, shreddable texture.
• Rice Flavor Boost: Cook basmati rice in broth instead of water, then brighten with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty, aromatic profile.
• Crispy Burrito Secret: Press burritos firmly in a hot skillet with a weighted pot to create golden, crunchy exterior without burning tortilla.
• Smart Storage Tip: Allow leftover burritos to cool completely before wrapping for freezing, preventing condensation and maintaining crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg