If you’re craving something bold and satisfying for dinner but want to keep things simple, this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is an absolute game changer. I love this because it combines smoky grilled chicken with creamy, tangy chipotle ranch sauce that wraps up all those fresh ingredients into one neat, handheld package. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend lunch that feels anything but ordinary.
When I first tried this recipe, the mix of the flamethrower sauce and the crispy texture from the crushed tortilla chips totally won me over. You’ll find that it’s loaded with flavor yet easy enough to whip up even if you’re new to grilling or short on time. Trust me, once you make it, your family will go crazy for it just like mine does!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Boost: The chipotle ranch gives this burrito a smoky, tangy kick that makes every bite exciting.
- Quick & Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, great for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or grill fresh—totally flexible to what you have.
- Perfect Texture: The crushed tortilla chips inside add a crunch that really takes this burrito over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Each ingredient brings something unique, and you’ll want them fresh and well-prepped for the best results.
- Grilled Chicken: Chicken tenderloins or breasts both work; grilling gives smoky flavor, but leftover chicken is a great shortcut.
- Burrito Tortillas: Choose large, sturdy tortillas to hold all the fillings without tearing.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add just the right fresh brightness.
- Flamethrower Sauce or Chipotle Ranch: This creamy, spicy sauce is the heart of the recipe; homemade flamethrower sauce is my favorite, but store-bought chipotle ranch works well too.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and balances the spiciness perfectly.
- Shredded Lettuce: For crunch and freshness inside the burrito.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a salty finish.
- Fiesta Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: Adds an irresistible crunch that takes the burrito to the next level.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your own taste or dietary needs. I encourage you to play around with the fillings to keep things fresh and exciting!
- Protein Swap: I’ve swapped grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or even steak for a hearty twist—you can change it up based on what you’re craving.
- Make it Vegetarian: Try grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini with black beans instead of chicken, and this burrito is just as satisfying.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle ranch or flamethrower sauce to make it milder or extra spicy—perfect for customizing for kids or spice lovers.
- Cheese Choices: Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese also melt wonderfully if you want a little more kick or creaminess.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Chicken and Prep Ingredients
Start by grilling your chicken until it’s perfectly cooked with nice grill marks—about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. I usually season simply with salt and pepper before grilling. After it’s done, dice it into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cooks, dice your tomatoes and avocado so everything is ready to toss together.
Step 2: Mix the Filling with Chipotle Ranch Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, and crushed tortilla chips. Add your flamethrower or chipotle ranch sauce—don’t be shy here! Toss everything together gently so the sauce coats every piece and flavors meld. This step is key for that creamy, spicy bite in every mouthful.
Step 3: Assemble and Grill the Burritos
Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little oil to prevent sticking. Lay out your tortillas, then spoon half the filling onto each, spreading it toward one side. Fold the opposite sides in, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Here’s a trick: place a small spoonful of cheese inside the seam before sealing and putting it seam-side down in the pan—this acts like glue and keeps the burrito from falling apart while cooking.
Grill each burrito for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese inside melts. If you gently press the top with a spatula, it helps the burrito hold its shape and makes it easier to eat without everything spilling out.
Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Use Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas are more flexible and less likely to tear when folding your burritos.
- Don’t Overfill: Leaving a little space at the edges makes rolling easier and helps prevent filling from spilling out.
- Seal with Cheese: Adding cheese in the seam is my favorite trick to keep burritos intact while cooking.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Too high heat burns the tortilla before the cheese melts—medium is just right for a crispy, golden crust.
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top mine with a little extra shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra chipotle ranch or salsa verde for a fresh finish. A squeeze of lime juice brightens it up beautifully and adds just the right tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve alongside Mexican street corn, a simple black bean salad, or some zesty cilantro-lime rice. For a lighter option, I often go with a crunchy jicama slaw that pairs perfectly with the rich burritos.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual get-togethers, I’ve served these burritos cut in half on a platter with colorful bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream for dipping. It turns just a simple burrito into a fun, build-your-own taco station vibe that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover burritos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge, which keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. When packed well, the flavors stay vibrant, and the texture remains satisfying even after chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze these burritos individually wrapped to enjoy later. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend freezing before the final pan grill step for best texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy again on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the tortilla soggy and less satisfying.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought chipotle ranch instead of flamethrower sauce?
Absolutely! The flamethrower sauce is just a spicy, yogurt-based chipotle ranch, so a good quality store-bought chipotle ranch or creamy chipotle sauce works perfectly as a convenient substitute.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats really well and keeps nicely in the fridge for a few days. Just be sure to store the burritos wrapped tightly and reheat in a pan to maintain crispness.
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Can I make this burrito vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled veggies or beans, and use a vegan chipotle ranch or creamy dressing to keep the flavors while making it plant-based.
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What’s the best way to grill the chicken for this recipe?
Season simply, then grill over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. This keeps it juicy and tender without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I love how the smoky grilled chicken paired with creamy chipotle ranch sauce creates the perfect balance of heat and coolness. If you’re looking for a recipe that your whole family will enjoy and that you can customize to suit your mood or ingredients on hand, this one’s a winner. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to burrito!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender grilled chicken, a creamy and spicy flamethrower chipotle ranch sauce, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and lightly pan-grilled to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 cups grilled and diced chicken (approximately 4 tenderloins or 2 small chicken breasts)
Burrito Filling
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons flamethrower sauce or chipotle ranch
- 1/2 avocado, diced (approximately 1/3 cup)
- 2/3 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fiesta strips or crushed tortilla chips
Other
- 2 burrito tortillas
- Oil for pan heating
Instructions
- Grill and Dice Chicken: Grill the chicken as desired until fully cooked and then dice it into bite-sized pieces. If preferred, use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the chicken is cooking, dice the tomatoes and avocado. Prepare or use pre-made flamethrower sauce or chipotle ranch sauce.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, and 4 tablespoons of flamethrower or chipotle ranch sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble Burritos: Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Place half of the filling mixture onto each tortilla. Fold the opposite sides of the tortilla inwards and roll tightly around the filling. Keep the burritos seam side down to prevent unrolling.
- Seal and Pan-Grill: Place a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese inside the tortilla seam to help seal the burrito. Transfer the burrito seam side down onto the hot pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Gently press the top of the burrito to flatten slightly for easier eating.
Notes
- Nutritional information provided is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
- Any leftover, frozen, or rotisserie cooked chicken can be used as a substitute for grilled chicken.
- The flamethrower sauce is a yogurt-based chipotle ranch, but you may use store-bought chipotle ranch or creamy chipotle sauce as a convenient alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 416 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg
