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Chicken Burrito Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Chicken Burrito recipe offers a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken filling combined with sautéed vegetables, refried beans, and rice, wrapped in warm flour tortillas. It includes options for toasting to achieve a crispy exterior and is served with a variety of sauces like avocado sauce, sour cream, and salsa for added flavor. Ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal, this burrito can also be prepared ahead for freezing.

Ingredients

Seasoning & Chicken

  • 5 tortillas, flour (approx 20cm/8″ wide)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp dried cumin powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 600g (1.2 lb) chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, separated

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, diced
  • 400g (14oz) canned refried beans
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 400g (14oz) canned corn, drained (or 280g/9oz frozen thawed)

Rice & Cheese

  • 2.5 cups plain white rice, cooked
  • 2.5 cups Mexican Red Rice
  • 1.5 cups (150g) shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack)

Herbs & Sauces

  • 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped
  • Avocado sauce (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Salsa (restaurant style, smooth) (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Burrito Seasoning: In a bowl, combine onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breast halves and toss to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken and toss again to coat thoroughly.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 1.5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 2 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Sauté Onion and Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced red capsicum and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Finish Filling: Add the refried beans, chopped chicken pieces, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly to a thick, juicy consistency without being watery or dry. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for 5 minutes to thicken further.
  5. Warm Tortillas: Gently warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
  6. Assemble Burritos: Lay each tortilla flat on a work surface. Spread a layer of cooked white rice on the lower third of the tortilla. Top the rice with a spoonful of the chicken and bean filling, followed by corn, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped coriander.
  7. Fold Burritos: Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to enclose the filling burrito-style.
  8. Toast Burritos: You have two options for toasting: (a) Pan fry the burritos over medium-high heat without oil for about 2 minutes on each side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese inside slightly melts; or (b) Wrap the burritos tightly in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
  9. Serve: Serve the toasted burritos with your choice of sauces such as avocado sauce, guacamole, sour cream, restaurant style salsa, queso, or nacho cheese dip. Dunk or douse each bite as desired.
  10. Freezing: Burritos can be made ahead and frozen. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, unwrap and bake at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave until warm. This makes meal prep convenient for busy days.

Notes

  • Note 1: Slicing the chicken breast horizontally helps it cook evenly and faster.
  • Note 2: Use canned refried beans for convenience; they add creaminess to the filling.
  • Note 3: Cooked plain white rice and Mexican red rice provide a delicious texture and flavor contrast inside the burrito.
  • Note 4: Burritos are freezer-friendly and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prepping.
  • For milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.