Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a flavorful, satisfying meal filled with grilled chicken,
crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips,
and a creamy combination of ranch and chipotle sauce.
Everything is wrapped in a large flour tortilla and grilled until golden and crisp.
These burritos work especially well for a busy weeknight dinner, but they are also a fun option when you’re craving a homemade version of a favorite restaurant-style meal.
Since the fillings can be prepared ahead of time, assembly is straightforward when you’re ready to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, bold flavor: Creamy ranch and chipotle sauce bring tangy, smoky, and spicy notes to the filling.
- Satisfying texture: Tender chicken, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips give every bite plenty of contrast.
- Simple assembly: Once the ingredients are prepared, the burritos come together by layering the fillings inside a tortilla.
- Golden and crispy: Grilling the assembled burrito gives the outside a warm, crisp finish.
- Easy to customize: The recipe already offers several flexible options, including different cheese and tortilla choices.
- Great for busy meals: The fillings can be prepared separately ahead of time, making assembly easier when you’re ready to cook.
For Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Flour Tortillas – Large 10-inch tortillas are perfect for wrapping up all the delicious fillings.
- Iceberg Lettuce – Fresh, crispy lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes – For a burst of juiciness and a slight tang.
- Grilled Chicken Strips – Tender and flavorful, these are the heart of the burrito.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheese brings a rich and creamy texture.
- Crunchy Tortilla Strips – Adds the perfect crunch to every bite.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy to balance the heat of the chipotle sauce.
- Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce – A spicy, smoky kick to tie everything together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by getting all of the filling ingredients ready. Grate the cheese, chop the iceberg lettuce, and dice the tomatoes. Having everything prepared and arranged before assembly makes it much easier to build the burritos evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Burrito Filling
Lay a large flour tortilla flat and begin adding the fillings. The recipe layers in shredded cheese, grilled chicken strips, chipotle sauce, ranch dressing, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Keeping the ingredients together in the center of the tortilla makes the burrito easier to fold and roll.
Step 3: Roll the Burrito
Once the filling is in place, fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll the burrito tightly. A secure roll helps keep the filling contained while the burrito is grilled.
Step 4: Grill Until Golden and Crispy
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled burrito in the skillet and grill it on all sides, using tongs to turn it as needed.
The goal is a golden brown, crispy exterior that gives the soft tortilla a satisfying grilled texture.
Step 5: Serve
Once the burrito has been grilled on all sides, it is ready to serve. The combination of warm chicken and cheese, fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, and crunchy tortilla strips makes for a filling meal with plenty of texture.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Prepare everything before assembling: Chop the lettuce and tomatoes and have the cheese, chicken, sauces, and tortilla strips ready to go.
- Keep the filling organized: Adding the ingredients in the specified layers makes each burrito easier to roll and helps distribute the flavors.
- Roll tightly: Folding in the sides before rolling helps keep the fillings inside the tortilla.
- Use tongs when grilling: They make it easier to turn the burrito so the sides can brown evenly.
- Watch the exterior as it grills: The finished burrito should have a golden brown, crispy outside.
- Prep fillings ahead when needed: The supplied recipe notes that the fillings can be prepared and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Adjust the heat to your preference: Extra chipotle sauce, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce can be used when a spicier burrito is desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the tortilla: Too much filling can make the burrito difficult to fold and roll securely. Keep the ingredients within the amounts specified in the recipe.
- Not folding in the sides: Folding the sides inward before rolling helps prevent the filling from escaping.
- Rolling too loosely: A tight roll helps the burrito hold its shape during grilling.
- Skipping the grilling step: Grilling gives the tortilla its golden, crispy exterior, so it is an important part of the finished burrito.
- Adding fillings before they are prepared: Having the lettuce chopped, tomatoes diced, and cheese grated first makes assembly much smoother.
- Making the burritos too far in advance: The recipe notes that assembling just before grilling is best for keeping them fresh.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
The original recipe is already flexible, and a few optional changes can give you a slightly different burrito without changing the recipe card.
- Try another cheese: Use Mexican blend or Colby Jack instead of cheddar, as noted in the recipe.
- Use crushed tortilla chips: If you don’t have crunchy tortilla strips, crushed tortilla chips provide the same type of crispy element.
- Switch the tortilla: Whole wheat tortillas can be used for a different option, while corn tortillas provide a different texture.
- Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie or other pre-cooked chicken can make preparation quicker.
- Turn up the heat: Add extra chipotle sauce, diced jalapeños, or a little hot sauce for more spice.
- Make a homemade chipotle sauce: When the prepared sauce isn’t available, the supplied recipe suggests combining ranch dressing with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and blending until smooth.
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
These burritos are substantial enough to serve as a main course on their own. For a fuller meal, pair them with simple sides that complement the Mexican-inspired flavors, such as a fresh salad, corn, beans, tortilla chips, or a light tomato-based side.
You can also serve them with extra ranch or chipotle sauce on the side for dipping. A refreshing drink works nicely alongside the creamy, spicy flavors of the burrito.
For casual gatherings, the burritos can be assembled and grilled individually, making them an easy option for serving a group.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
The recipe notes that it is best to assemble the burritos just before grilling to keep them fresh.
If you want to get ahead, prepare the individual fillings and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to eat, assemble the burritos and grill them according to the recipe.
Keeping the fillings separate until assembly also helps preserve the contrast between the fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, tender chicken, cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips.
For storage or reheating beyond the information provided in the recipe, use your usual food-safety practices rather than relying on a specific storage time that isn’t given here.
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They’re just as comforting, flavorful, and easy to make for any weeknight dinner.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Ingredients
- 8 large 10-inch flour tortillas
- ½ head iceberg lettuce (about 4 cups, chopped)
- 1 ¼ cup diced tomatoes (about 3/4 of a beefsteak tomato)
- 16 oz grilled chicken breast strips
- 16 oz shredded cheddar cheese (Mexican blend or Colby jack can also be used)
- 3 oz crunchy tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Grate the cheese, chop the lettuce, and dice the tomatoes. Arrange all the ingredients on a clean surface.
- Assemble the Burritos: Place one large flour tortilla flat and start layering the fillings. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of grilled chicken strips, 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce, 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing, 1/2 cup of lettuce, 2 tablespoons of diced tomatoes, and 1/3 cup of crunchy tortilla strips.
- Roll the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly to form a burrito.
- Grill the Burrito: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grill the burrito on all sides until golden brown and crispy, using tongs to flip it.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought grilled chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely! You can save time by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just shred it up and you’re good to go. It’ll still taste delicious and cut down on prep time.
- What if I don’t have chipotle sauce? Can I use something else?
If you can’t find chipotle sauce, you can easily make a homemade version by mixing ranch dressing with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Just blend until smooth and adjust the spice level to your liking!
- Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the burritos just before grilling to keep them fresh. However, you can prep all the fillings and store them separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you’re ready, just heat and wrap!
- Can I use a different type of tortilla?
If you prefer, you can swap out the flour tortillas for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist. Or try corn tortillas for a different texture!
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you want to crank up the heat, add a little extra chipotle sauce or sprinkle in some diced jalapeños. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to each burrito before rolling it up!
