Quick & Cozy Smothered Chicken Burritos Recipe for Family Dinners

Smothered chicken burritos represent a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Hearty fillings wrapped in soft tortillas create a delectable canvas for rich, savory flavors.

This classic dish enhances simple ingredients into a remarkable meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Tender chicken, melted cheese, and robust seasonings combine to deliver an explosion of taste in every single bite.

Authentic Mexican-inspired cooking techniques elevate these burritos beyond standard recipe expectations.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing meal with minimal preparation time and maximum deliciousness.

Each burrito delivers a perfect balance of protein, spices, and indulgent toppings that will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

What Makes Smothered Chicken Burritos So Satisfying

• Creamy Comfort Cuisine: This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional burritos, combining tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce that hugs every bite with pure comfort.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families looking for a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup while maximizing taste by cooking everything in a single pan, creating layers of flavor from browned chicken to creamy cheese sauce.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding extra veggies, or experimenting with different seasonings to make it your own signature dish.

Ingredients That Bring Smothered Chicken Burritos Together

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cooking process.

• Evaporated Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth sauce with melty cheese texture.

• Macaroni Noodles: Provides hearty base and absorbs delicious sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds fresh, bright flavor and slight acidity to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Brings aromatic herbal notes to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds robust, savory undertone.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking.
• Balsamic Glaze: Optional finishing touch for added tangy sweetness.

How to Build Smothered Chicken Burritos Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth.

Step 3: Make Creamy Sauce

Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and add to the pan. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Add macaroni noodles to the sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes until noodles become tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Gently fold in diced tomatoes and fresh basil.

Step 6: Combine Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken and return to the pan. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving dishes. Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Smart Tips for Making Smothered Chicken Burritos at Home

• Choose Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts without visible fat for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Perfectly Season Meat: Generously season chicken with herbs and spices, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply before cooking.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat to ensure chicken browns evenly without burning, creating a golden exterior and juicy interior.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese fresh and add gradually while stirring continuously to achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Let chicken simmer in broth and sauce for a few extra minutes to enhance overall taste and tenderness.

Reheating and Storing Leftover Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled smothered chicken burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Method: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

What to Eat with Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair the creamy, cheesy chicken burrito with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light wines cut through the richness and complement the dish's herbs and tomato notes.
• Boost with Fresh Salad Side: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the burrito's heavy texture. The bright, peppery greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.
• Match with Tangy Slaw: Prepare a quick cabbage and cilantro slaw with lime juice and a touch of honey. This crunchy, acidic side dish will brighten the meal and add a layer of freshness to the hearty burritos.
• Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Serve an ice-cold corona or modelo especial to enhance the burrito's flavors. The light, crisp beer helps cleanse the palate between creamy, cheesy bites.

New Takes on Smothered Chicken Burritos to Experiment With

• Mexican Fiesta Burritos: Swap out basil for taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and jalapeños for a spicy southwestern flavor profile.
• Creamy Ranch Chicken Burritos: Replace balsamic glaze with ranch dressing, incorporate diced bell peppers, and sprinkle fresh cilantro for a tangy, herbal touch.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Burritos: Introduce feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to give the dish a Greek-inspired zest, serving with a side of tzatziki sauce.
• Smoky Barbecue Chicken Burritos: Drizzle homemade barbecue sauce instead of balsamic glaze, mix in caramelized onions, and top with smoked gouda for a rich, robust taste.

Smothered Chicken Burritos Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smothered Chicken Burritos deliver hearty Mexican-inspired comfort with tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Packed with bold flavors and wrapped in warm tortillas, these burritos promise a satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved

Seasonings:

• 0.25 teaspoons (¼ tsp) salt
• 0.125 teaspoons (1/8 tsp) pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons (¼ tsp) dried basil

Pasta and Cheese Components:

• 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoons (1 tsp) salt
• 0.25 teaspoons (¼ tsp) ground black pepper

Garnish and Optional Topping:

• 0.25 cups (¼ cup) fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cups (½ cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• Balsamic glaze (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet and warm olive oil (15 milliliters or ) over medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Place chicken breasts in the heated pan, generously seasoning with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried basil leaves.
3. Cook chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring a golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with no pink remaining.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest momentarily.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté for 25-30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Pour chicken broth (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) into the pan, creating a flavorful liquid base.
7. Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk until smooth, then gradually incorporate the mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumping.
8. Add macaroni noodles and allow the liquid to simmer, cooking for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
9. Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy sauce.
10. Fold in diced tomatoes and freshly chopped basil leaves for additional flavor complexity.
11. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and gently reintroduce to the pan, ensuring even distribution.
12. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling with balsamic glaze for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Perfectly Time Your Chicken: Achieve golden-brown exterior by cooking 5 minutes per side, ensuring meat is no longer pink in center for optimal flavor and safety.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Combine cheddar and mozzarella gradually, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Cornstarch Technique: Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk beforehand to prevent lumps and create a silky, thickened sauce.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall dish’s taste profile.
• Balsamic Drizzle Option: Elevate presentation and add tangy complexity by optional balsamic glaze drizzle just before serving.
• One-Pan Wonder: Maximize flavor by using the same pan for chicken, sauce, and final dish, capturing all delicious browned bits.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg