There’s something about the smell of grilled chicken and the warm embrace of a tortilla that takes me back to carefree summer evenings and spontaneous taco runs. One of my favorite fast-food indulgences was always Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It was the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy—a true masterpiece in handheld form. But what if I told you that you could recreate this magic at home, with even fresher, tastier ingredients?
This homemade Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe not only mimics the fast-food classic, but it also elevates it. Imagine tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle ranch dressing, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, all rolled up in a perfectly soft tortilla. It’s a burst of flavor in every bite!
Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for grab-and-go lunches, these burritos are a game-changer. They’re quick to assemble, customizable for every palate, and so much fun to make. Gather your ingredients, and let’s roll into a burrito adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Than Takeout – By making these at home, you control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Prepare the components in advance and assemble burritos as needed. They’re easy to reheat!
- Family-Friendly – This recipe is a hit with all ages. Let everyone customize their burrito with their favorite toppings.
- Quick & Satisfying – Packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of indulgence, these burritos are filling and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burritos:
- Grilled Chicken – 2 cups, cooked and shredded.
- Flour Tortillas – 4 large (or gluten-free if preferred).
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing – ½ cup (store-bought or homemade).
- Romaine Lettuce – 1 cup, shredded.
- Tomatoes – 1 cup, diced.
- Shredded Cheese – 1 cup (cheddar or Monterey Jack).
- Avocado – 1, sliced (optional).
Optional Add-Ins:
- Black Beans – ½ cup, rinsed and drained.
- Corn Kernels – ½ cup (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Cilantro – A handful, chopped, for garnish.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken for maximum flavor. Combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the chicken, tossing to coat, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have the time).
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
While the chicken is grilling, prepare your vegetables. Wash and shred the romaine lettuce into thin strips, dice the tomatoes, and slice the avocado. For extra crunch, you can add a sprinkle of chopped onions or jalapeños.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas to make them pliable and easy to roll. There are a few ways to do this:
- On a skillet: Heat each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side over medium heat.
- In the microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
- In the oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part! Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of chipotle ranch dressing down the center. Layer the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado slices. Add any optional toppings, like beans or corn, for an extra burst of flavor.
To roll the burrito:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward.
- Starting from the bottom, roll it up tightly, tucking the filling in as you go.
- Place the burrito seam-side down to keep it secure.
Step 5: Toast and Serve
For an authentic grilled finish, toast the burritos. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the burrito seam-side down, and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Serve immediately with a side of tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole.
Helpful Tips
- Make It Spicier: For heat lovers, mix extra chipotle peppers into the ranch dressing or sprinkle sliced jalapeños into the filling.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu to suit your preference.
- Meal Prep: Store components like shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and dressing separately in the fridge. Assemble fresh burritos as needed.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftover burrito fillings in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and tortillas before assembling.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like rice, beans, or grilled veggies to make each burrito your own.
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Homemade versions taste fantastic, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with grilled veggies or black beans for a satisfying vegetarian burrito.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Wrap leftover burritos in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a stovetop grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F until fully cooked.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Keep the individual components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Avoid freezing assembled burritos to maintain the texture of the fresh ingredients. Instead, freeze the grilled chicken and tortillas separately.
- Reheat: Warm the tortillas and fillings on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling.
Related Recipes
If you loved these burritos, you’ll adore these similar recipes:
Conclusion
Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos at home is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a fast-food favorite while customizing it to your liking. With fresh ingredients, a smoky dressing, and endless topping possibilities, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this irresistible burrito again and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
Description
There’s something about the smell of grilled chicken and the warm embrace of a tortilla that takes me back to carefree summer evenings and spontaneous taco runs. One of my favorite fast-food indulgences was always Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It was the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy—a true masterpiece in handheld form. But what if I told you that you could recreate this magic at home, with even fresher, tastier ingredients?
This homemade Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe not only mimics the fast-food classic, but it also elevates it. Imagine tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle ranch dressing, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, all rolled up in a perfectly soft tortilla. It’s a burst of flavor in every bite!
Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for grab-and-go lunches, these burritos are a game-changer. They’re quick to assemble, customizable for every palate, and so much fun to make. Gather your ingredients, and let’s roll into a burrito adventure!
Ingredients
- Grilled Chicken – 2 cups, cooked and shredded.
- Flour Tortillas – 4 large (or gluten-free if preferred).
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing – ½ cup (store-bought or homemade).
- Romaine Lettuce – 1 cup, shredded.
- Tomatoes – 1 cup, diced.
- Shredded Cheese – 1 cup (cheddar or Monterey Jack).
- Avocado – 1, sliced (optional).
Optional Add-Ins:
- Black Beans – ½ cup, rinsed and drained.
- Corn Kernels – ½ cup (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Cilantro – A handful, chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken for maximum flavor. Combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the chicken, tossing to coat, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have the time).
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
While the chicken is grilling, prepare your vegetables. Wash and shred the romaine lettuce into thin strips, dice the tomatoes, and slice the avocado. For extra crunch, you can add a sprinkle of chopped onions or jalapeños.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas to make them pliable and easy to roll. There are a few ways to do this:
- On a skillet: Heat each tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side over medium heat.
- In the microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
- In the oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part! Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of chipotle ranch dressing down the center. Layer the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado slices. Add any optional toppings, like beans or corn, for an extra burst of flavor.
To roll the burrito:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward.
- Starting from the bottom, roll it up tightly, tucking the filling in as you go.
- Place the burrito seam-side down to keep it secure.
Step 5: Toast and Serve
For an authentic grilled finish, toast the burritos. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the burrito seam-side down, and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Serve immediately with a side of tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftover burrito fillings in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and tortillas before assembling.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like rice, beans, or grilled veggies to make each burrito your own.
- Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Homemade versions taste fantastic, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch!
