Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito: Spicy, Smoky & Utterly Satisfying!
By Jason Griffith
Craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, perfectly balanced with smoky heat and creamy coolness? This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is your answer! Featuring juicy chicken marinated in a zesty, spicy blend, grilled to perfection, and then loaded into a warm tortilla with fresh fillings and a creamy homemade Chipotle Ranch sauce, it’s a truly irresistible meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or even a build-your-own burrito bar for guests!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of customizable meals that deliver big on flavor, and this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito perfectly hits that mark. What I absolutely adore is the incredible smoky depth of the chipotle-marinated chicken, which becomes wonderfully tender on the grill. That signature creamy, zesty, and subtly spicy Chipotle Ranch sauce is a game-changer, tying all the fresh ingredients together. It feels incredibly satisfying and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly quick to assemble, especially if you prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. It’s truly a flavor explosion in every bite, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (about 1-1.5 lbs), cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
- ½ cup bottled ranch dressing
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Burrito Filling (Optional, choose your favorites):
- Grilled chicken
- 4-6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- Fresh tomatoes, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced or diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeño or green chili, thinly sliced (optional, for extra heat)
- Crisp lettuce or fresh spinach, shredded
- Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Avocado or guacamole, sliced or mashed
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Cooked black beans or pinto beans (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs often stay juicier. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster.
- Chipotle Heat: Chipotle powder offers smoky heat. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (found in cans) add a deeper, more complex smoky and spicy flavor. Adjust quantity based on your spice preference.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness in both the chicken marinade and the Chipotle Ranch sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand of bottled ranch dressing as the base for the sauce.
- Burrito Fillings: This is where you can truly customize! Choose your favorite fresh veggies, cheese, and add-ons. Consider corn salsa, pickled red onions, or a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.
- Tortillas: Use large, soft flour tortillas that are flexible enough to roll. You can warm them briefly before assembling for better pliability.
- Rice & Beans: Cooked rice and beans add bulk and make the burrito more filling.
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding excess marinade). Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and has nice grill marks (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.
3. Make the Chipotle Ranch Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup bottled ranch dressing, 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and add salt to taste. Adjust chipotle peppers for desired heat.
4. Prepare Burrito Fillings: Dice fresh tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop fresh cilantro. Slice jalapeño or green chili if using. Shred lettuce or spinach. Get your shredded cheese, avocado/guacamole, and cooked rice and beans ready.
5. Assemble the Burrito: Warm your large flour tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or wrapped in foil in the oven to make them pliable. Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread a generous layer of Chipotle Ranch sauce down the center. Add a layer of cooked rice (if using) and black beans (if using). Top with a generous portion of the grilled chicken. Add your chosen fresh fillings: diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lettuce/spinach. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add slices of avocado or guacamole. To roll the burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold up the bottom edge and roll tightly upwards into a neat cylindrical shape.
6. Serve: Serve the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos immediately. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken (Optional): If using chicken breasts, pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch) helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the marination! Even 30 minutes makes a difference in chicken flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until done (165°F / 74°C) to keep it juicy.
- Warm Tortillas: Warming tortillas makes them pliable and prevents tearing when rolling.
- Balance Fillings: Don’t overfill the burrito, but ensure you have a good balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the chicken marinade, sauce, and individual fillings, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are a complete, satisfying meal on their own, perfect for any occasion.
- Side of Chips & Salsa: Serve with tortilla chips and extra salsa or guacamole.
- Mexican Rice: A side of plain Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
- Beans: A bowl of refried beans or seasoned black beans.
- Drinks: Pair with a cold Mexican soda, iced tea, a refreshing margarita, or This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
- For other easy and flavorful chicken-based meals, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Storage and Leftover Tips
While burritos are best assembled fresh, the components can be prepared ahead for quick meals.
- Cooked Chicken: Store cooked and sliced grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before assembling.
- Chipotle Ranch Sauce: The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepared Fillings: Dice fresh vegetables and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Assembled Burritos (Short-Term): If you must assemble ahead, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in a dry skillet or oven/air fryer to warm through and crisp the tortilla. Note that fresh greens and avocado are best added after reheating.
- Freezing (Unassembled): Cooked chicken and beans can be frozen separately. The sauce can be frozen, but might separate slightly upon thawing. Do not freeze assembled burritos with fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a fantastic fusion of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, all wrapped up in a convenient and incredibly satisfying package. It’s a versatile, flavorful, and customizable meal that’s perfect for adding excitement to your weeknight routine or for a fun, interactive dinner. Get ready for a delicious taste of Southwest-inspired comfort!
What are your favorite creative burrito fillings, or do you have a go-to sauce that elevates your Mexican-inspired dishes? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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