Spicy Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe

Savory Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe: Tasty Magic

Sizzling and packed with bold southwestern flavors, these smothered chile chicken burritos promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that’ll tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken nestles inside warm tortillas, ready to be bathed in a rich, spicy sauce that brings serious heat and depth.

Each burrito bursts with vibrant ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

The combination of soft, pillowy tortillas and succulent chicken creates a meal that feels like pure comfort.

Roasted green chiles and melted cheese add layers of complexity to every single bite.

Jalapeños and a homemade sauce kick this dish into high gear, ensuring you’ll savor every delicious morsel.

Dive into this southwestern classic that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Rolling & Smothering Your Chicken Burritos

Spicy Chile Chicken Wraps

  • Flavor Foundation

Blend tender chicken with zesty salsa, warm spices, sharp cheese, and crisp onions to create a mouthwatering filling that will make taste buds dance.

  • Burrito Construction

Carefully spread the savory mixture onto soft tortillas, folding them into neat parcels that lock in all the delicious ingredients. Gently brush with olive oil to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the wrapped treasures into a hot oven, allowing them to transform into crunchy, bubbling bundles of joy. Watch as they turn a beautiful golden brown.

  • Creamy Chile Sauce

Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, creating a smooth base. Slowly introduce chicken broth and seasonings, stirring until the mixture becomes luxuriously thick. Fold in green chilies, melted cheese, and tangy sour cream for an extra layer of decadence.

  • Final Flourish

Drench the baked burritos with the luscious sauce, sprinkle with additional cheese, and quickly broil until the top becomes irresistibly bubbly and slightly charred.

  • Serving Suggestion

Plate these spicy delights alongside fluffy Mexican rice, creating a meal that celebrates bold flavors and comforting textures.

Flavor Tips for Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos

  • Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love a fiery kick.
  • Use fresh, warm tortillas for easier rolling, and ensure tight folding to prevent filling from spilling out during baking and broiling.
  • Prepare the burritos and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for a quick and convenient meal that saves time during busy weeknights.
  • Top with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sliced avocado, or a dollop of extra sour cream to add freshness, texture, and additional layers of flavor to your finished dish.

How to Serve Smothered Burritos Like a Pro

  • Fiesta Plate Presentation: Arrange burritos on a colorful platter with vibrant green cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a restaurant-style look that pops with color and freshness.
  • Creamy Sidekick Delight: Serve alongside cool, tangy sour cream or fresh guacamole to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the smothered chile chicken burritos.
  • Zesty Rice Companion: Pair with authentic Mexican rice to create a complete meal that delivers a perfect balance of protein, sauce, and traditional side dish comfort.
  • Garnish Garden: Top with chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco to add extra layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dining experience.

Smart Storage for Leftover Chile Chicken Burritos

  • Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare multiple burritos in one session and freeze for quick weeknight dinners. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil for easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Refrigerator Lifespan: Cooked burritos stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers. Keep sauce separately to maintain the tortilla's crispy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Uncooked assembled burritos can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
  • Sauce Smart Storage: Extra green chile sauce keeps well in sealed containers for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 7

Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos: What Goes Inside

For Burrito Filling:
  • Chicken: Tender protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance.
  • Salsa: Adds zesty complexity and moisture to the filling.
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that delivers authentic Mexican warmth.
  • Oregano: Herbaceous note that elevates overall taste profile.
  • Cheese: Creamy element that binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Onions: Provides subtle sharp crunch and aromatic depth.
  • Tortillas: Soft wrapper that holds all delicious ingredients together.
For Sauce Components:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, silky sauce foundation.
  • Flour: Thickening agent for creating perfect sauce consistency.
  • Garlic: Introduces intense, robust flavor punch.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory liquid base with deep underlying taste.
  • Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and tangy southwestern character.
  • Sour Cream: Brings creamy, tangy finish to sauce.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create crispy golden exterior.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides final flavor burst.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.

Baking Tools for Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos

  • Large baking sheet: Essential for roasting burritos evenly and catching any drips.
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, flavorful sauce.
  • Whisk: Crucial for smooth sauce preparation, preventing lumps and ensuring even mixing.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining chicken filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain precise ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing fillings.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe

Spicy Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos deliver a hearty meal packed with bold southwestern flavors. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce create an irresistible combination that satisfies spice lovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (720 ml) cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) salsa
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 oz (113 g) diced green chilies, mild
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cumin
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
  • ½ tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Olive oil, for brushing on burritos
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a scorching 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Filling Creation: Amalgamate shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese, and onions into a cohesive, flavor-packed mixture.
  3. Burrito Assembly: Nestle the chicken blend in tortilla centers, expertly fold sides, and roll into compact bundles, positioning seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
  4. Initial Baking: Brush burritos with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
  5. Sauce Foundation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat, whisking in flour and garlic to develop a robust roux.
  6. Sauce Development: Gradually stream chicken broth, incorporating cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper while stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
  7. Sauce Enrichment: Remove from heat and fold in green chilies, additional cheese, and sour cream to create a velvety, complex sauce.
  8. Final Flourish: Transfer baked burritos to the oven, switch to high broil, lavish with prepared sauce, and crown with an abundant layer of shredded cheddar.
  9. Broiling Finale: Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten golden blanket.
  10. Serving: Present alongside authentic Mexican rice for a sumptuous, flavor-explosive meal.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Ensure chicken is thoroughly shredded and evenly mixed with seasonings for maximum flavor distribution.
  • Tortilla Technique: Wrap burritos tightly to prevent filling from spilling during baking, creating a neat and compact package.
  • Sauce Secrets: Continuously whisk the roux to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce consistency.
  • Broiling Brilliance: Watch cheese closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown melting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 486
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 635 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star