Life can be hectic – between work, school, or chasing kids around, finding time to prepare a healthy and satisfying meal isn’t always easy. That’s where this easy chicken burrito recipe comes in! It’s a versatile, flavorful, and super simple dinner option that’s perfect for busy parents, college students, and anyone looking for an effortless meal. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. Stick around – I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Handy Substitutions)

Before you jump into cooking, gather these ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – I’ve included potential substitutions to make this even easier.

Main Ingredients

2 Cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken (Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great, or substitute with shredded cooked turkey for a twist.)
1 Cup Cooked Rice (White, brown, or even a microwavable bag of rice is fine.)
1 Cup Black Beans, Drained and Rinsed (Swap with pinto beans or refried beans for a creamier texture.)
1 Cup Corn Kernels (Fresh, canned, or frozen – all work!)
1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a Mexican blend are top picks. Dairy-free alternatives also work.)
1/2 Cup Salsa (Use your favorite salsa, or swap with diced tomatoes and a dash of lime juice.)
4 Large Flour Tortillas (For a gluten-free option, choose corn tortillas.)
1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning (DIY with a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder, or use a store-bought packet.)

Optional Add-Ons

Sliced avocado or guacamole
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Hot sauce for heat lovers
Fresh cilantro or shredded lettuce for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these chicken burritos couldn’t be more straightforward! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and preparing all of your ingredients to keep the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Cook your rice according to package instructions or heat up some pre-cooked rice if you’re short on time. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands, making sure to remove any bones or skin if needed. Rinse and drain your black beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess liquid or salt. Lay out all your ingredients, including the shredded cheese, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning, so they’re within reach during assembly. This step will help you stay organized and save time later.

Step 2: Build Your Filling

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together until the seasoning and salsa evenly coat all the ingredients. The goal is to create a flavorful, cohesive filling where every bite is packed with deliciousness. If desired, you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste—add a little more salsa for extra moisture or more cheese if you’re a cheese lover. Take your time to ensure everything is evenly mixed for the perfect filling consistency.

Step 3: Warm Your Tortillas

To make the assembly process easier and prevent the tortillas from tearing, it’s important to warm them up first. You can microwave the tortillas by placing them between two damp paper towels and heating for 10-15 seconds, which will make them pliable. Alternatively, you can heat them individually in a skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds per side. This will give them a soft, warm texture that makes rolling much easier. If you’re preparing several burritos, you can stack the warmed tortillas and keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel to retain their heat and softness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito

Lay one warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Spoon about 1/4 of your prepared filling mixture onto the center of the tortilla, spreading it out slightly while leaving enough space around the edges for folding. To wrap your burrito, fold in the two sides over the filling, then tightly roll it up from the bottom, ensuring the filling stays secure inside. Focus on rolling it firmly to create a neat, burrito-shaped wrap. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all your burritos are assembled.

Step 5: Optional – Toast for Extra Flavor

If you want to elevate your burritos to the next level, lightly toast them in a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place the burrito seam-side down first. Toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. This step not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the flavor of the tortilla. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they toast to avoid burning, and use a spatula to flip them gently.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once all your burritos are assembled (and toasted, if desired), they’re ready to serve! Plate them up with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa, for dipping. You can also pair them with a fresh side salad, tortilla chips, or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal. These chicken burritos are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, as they’re easy to store and reheat later. Dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite!

Tips and Variations

One of the best parts of this chicken burrito recipe is its versatility. Here are a few tips to customize and enhance your experience:

Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes assembly quicker on busy nights.
Freeze for Later: Assemble your burritos, but don’t toast them yet. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven straight from the freezer.

Flavor Variations

Tex-Mex Twist: Take your burrito to the next level by adding a generous dollop of creamy queso or a spoonful of tangy pickled jalapeños to the filling. These bold flavors will give your burrito a signature Tex-Mex kick, perfect for those who love a little spice and richness in every bite.
Vegetarian Option: For a hearty, plant-based alternative, skip the chicken and load up on sautéed vegetables like vibrant bell peppers, caramelized onions, zucchini, and even some black beans for added protein. Season with your favorite spices to create a veggie-packed burrito that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Breakfast Burrito: Transform your burrito into a delicious morning treat by swapping the chicken for fluffy scrambled eggs and savory breakfast sausage. Add crispy hash browns, cheddar cheese, and a splash of hot sauce to wake up your taste buds and start the day right.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover burritos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil to keep them fresh. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the microwave for about 90 seconds until warmed through, or for a crispier texture, toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method helps maintain their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Information (Per Burrito)

Here’s a quick breakdown of the approximate nutrition for one chicken burrito:

Calories: ~400
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on portion sizes and substitutions.)

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe checks all the boxes – it’s quick, budget-friendly, family-approved, and completely customizable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner, packing it as a lunch option, or meal-prepping for the week, these chicken burritos are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try, and see just how simple mealtime can be. Perfect for busy parents, college students, or home cooks looking for something quick and satisfying. Share your burrito creations with us on [Social Media Handle] – we’d love to see what you come up with!

Easy Chicken Burrito Recipe: A Quick and Tasty Weeknight Meal