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Craving a satisfying meal with a bit of a kick? This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe takes the classic burrito to a new level with the irresistible combination of smoky chipotle and creamy ranch. It's surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen and always a hit, whether it's a busy weeknight, a make ahead lunch, or a casual get together with friends.
The Star Players: Ingredients
- Chicken: Choose Wisely: For the most tender and flavorful results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Smoky Heat: These canned chipotle peppers provide the signature smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- Lime Juice: Brightness and Tenderness: Freshly squeezed lime juice not only adds a bright, zesty flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Flavor and Moisture: A good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity note to the marinade and helps to keep the chicken moist.
- Garlic Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: The Spice Ensemble: These spices create a warm, earthy, and smoky flavor profile.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy Tang: A good quality ranch dressing forms the base of our creamy, tangy sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Enhancing the Ranch: A touch of fresh lemon juice brightens up the chipotle ranch sauce.
- Flour Tortillas: The Wrap: Large flour tortillas are ideal for making substantial burritos.
- Cooked Rice: A Hearty Base: Fluffy cooked rice adds substance to the burrito.
- Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Earthy Goodness: Beans add protein and fiber to the burrito.
- Shredded Cheese: Melty Delight: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses all melt beautifully.
- Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomato: Freshness and Texture: Crisp shredded lettuce and juicy diced tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast.
Crafting Your Perfect Burrito: The Steps
Flavor Infusion for Chicken:
- In a bowl, gently combine the chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add your chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
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Grilling for Smoky Perfection:
- Preheat your grill to a medium high heat.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken on the hot grill grates.
- Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (165°F).
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing.
Creating the Chipotle Ranch Magic:
- In a small bowl, combine your favorite creamy ranch dressing with the pureed chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Stir until well combined and adjust seasonings to taste.
The Art of Burrito Assembly:
- Gently warm your flour tortillas.
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on your work surface.
- Spread rice in the center, followed by beans, grilled chicken strips, shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomato.
- Drizzle generously with your homemade chipotle ranch sauce.
The Grand Finale: Rolling it Right:
- Fold in the two sides of the tortilla towards the center.
- Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll the burrito upwards.
- Optionally, grill briefly seam side down until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are a complete meal on their own, but you can certainly pair them with some delicious sides. Consider serving them with a fresh side salad, guacamole and tortilla chips, or Mexican rice. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also add a nice finishing touch. For a refreshing drink pairing, try a chilled Mexican soda or a homemade limeade.
Variations
The beauty of this burrito recipe lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and load up with grilled vegetables or extra beans and cotija cheese. For a lower carb option, serve the filling in a bowl without the tortilla. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the marinade or use more chipotle peppers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese.
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Storage and Reheating
Leftover burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated burritos in a skillet or microwave. Thaw frozen burritos overnight before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen in the oven at a low temperature.
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The combination of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, wrapped in a warm tortilla, is incredibly satisfying. It's a recipe I always turn to when I want something delicious and customizable, and I hope you and your readers will enjoy making and savoring every bite as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare any components of this burrito ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This recipe is very meal-prep friendly. You can marinate the chicken overnight, and even grill and slice it a day ahead. The rice and beans can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and reheated when assembling. For quick weeknight meals, prep all components on Sunday, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble fresh burritos throughout the week.
- → How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing as your base for the chipotle ranch sauce. You can make a simple dairy-free version by combining dairy-free mayo with a splash of almond milk, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chipotle powder or canned chipotle peppers. The burritos will still be flavorful and satisfying without the cheese!
- → I don't have a grill. How else can I cook the chicken?
- No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken using several methods: 1) Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. 2) Bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 18-22 minutes. 3) Use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. With any method, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- → Can I freeze these burritos?
- Yes, these burritos freeze beautifully! To freeze, assemble the burritos but omit the lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro (these don't freeze well). Wrap each burrito tightly in parchment paper, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove the foil, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, or heat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes from frozen.
- → What's a good substitute for chipotle chili powder if I can't find it?
- If you can't find chipotle chili powder, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of regular chili powder plus 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness. Alternatively, you can finely chop or puree one canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and add it to the marinade. For less heat, use 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper as a substitute.