Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

This Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito is a quick and flavorful meal that combines smoky grilled chicken with melty cheddar, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The creamy ranch and smoky chipotle sauce give it a perfect balance of richness and heat, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or casual lunches. It comes together easily and delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that everyone enjoys.

I first made this after a very long day when I needed something fast yet flavorful. My husband thought it was from a restaurant because it tasted so good, and now it's a regular dinner at our house.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas: choose soft fresh ones for easy folding and a chewy bite
• Iceberg lettuce: adds crispness and coolness to balance the warm fillings
• Diced tomatoes: fresh and juicy to keep each bite bright and refreshing
• Grilled chicken breast strips: use well seasoned precooked chicken or grill fresh for smoky flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly and gives a sharp creamy note
• Crunchy tortilla strips: provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts well with soft ingredients
• Ranch dressing: brings creamy tang that pairs wonderfully with smoky chipotle
• Creamy chipotle sauce: delivers bold smoky heat and deep flavor

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Wash the lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes evenly ensuring they remain juicy. Grate the cheddar cheese finely so it melts quickly. Lay all these out in separate bowls for easy assembling later on.

Layer the Filling:

Place a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a handful of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the center. Add grilled chicken strips on top of the cheese. Drizzle creamy chipotle sauce over the chicken followed by ranch dressing. Layer the chopped lettuce next then add diced tomatoes. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crunchy tortilla strips on top. This order helps distribute flavors and maintains texture.

Wrap the Burrito:

Fold both sides of the tortilla inward towards the center to contain the filling. Then roll the tortilla tightly from one edge upwards, keeping all ingredients packed securely inside. Use your fingers to press gently to shape it well.

Grill the Burrito:

Preheat a skillet over medium heat without oil. Place the burrito seam side down first and toast it until it is golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn it gently using tongs to grill all sides evenly until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese inside is melted.

Serve:

Slice the burrito in half diagonally for easier handling or serve whole. It is best enjoyed warm right off the skillet when the cheese is gooey and the tortilla is crispy.

Every time I make this, it reminds me of our busy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table enjoying something both comforting and exciting.

Storage Tips

Wrap any leftover burritos tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use a hot skillet to regain the crispy tortilla texture or microwave if you are short on time. Avoid freezing after grilling since the lettuce and crunchy tortilla strips will become soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cheddar cheese can be swapped with pepper jack for a spicier kick. Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time but add your own seasoning if you want more flavor. Replace crunchy tortilla strips with crushed corn chips for a similar texture crunch if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This burrito goes perfectly with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side. Fresh guacamole or salsa make excellent dips to complement the smoky flavors. If you like extra heat, a handful of pickled jalapenos makes a great topping.

Quick, flavorful, and easy to assemble, this burrito is perfect for busy weeknights. Toasting the tortilla until golden gives the best texture contrast.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Grilled chicken breast strips seasoned well or precooked chicken provide tender, smoky flavor ideal for this dish.

→ Can I substitute cheddar cheese?

Pepper jack cheese makes a great alternative to add a bit more heat while maintaining creamy texture.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness or use a microwave if short on time; avoid freezing after grilling to preserve texture.

→ What can I serve alongside this burrito?

Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, or pickled jalapenos complement the flavors perfectly.

→ How to keep the burrito from getting soggy?

Assemble ingredients with careful layering and grill until golden crispy to prevent sogginess and maintain texture contrast.