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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet and warm olive oil (15 milliliters or ) over medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
- Place chicken breasts in the heated pan, generously seasoning with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried basil leaves.
- 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.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest momentarily.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté for 25-30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour chicken broth (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) into the pan, creating a flavorful liquid base.
- Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk until smooth, then gradually incorporate the mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumping.
- Add macaroni noodles and allow the liquid to simmer, cooking for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy sauce.
- Fold in diced tomatoes and freshly chopped basil leaves for additional flavor complexity.
- Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and gently reintroduce to the pan, ensuring even distribution.
- 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