Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe
Introduction
These Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos are a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender chicken, veggies, and melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, they’re easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)
- 8 oz. Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped White Onion
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped Jalapeño Pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (or 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt, plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
- 1/4 cup Salsa Verde (or your favorite salsa)
- 1 tbsp. Chipotle Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 Extra Large Flour Tortillas (burrito-sized)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp. avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add ground chicken, red bell pepper, white onion, jalapeño (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the chicken into small pieces and stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are softened.
- Step 2: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the seasonings and enhance their flavors.
- Step 3: Add cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce to the skillet. Mix everything well and taste, adjusting salt as needed. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 4: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center. Top with about 1/2 cup of the chicken and rice mixture, then sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the filling. Fold the sides inward and roll the tortilla into a burrito.
- Step 5: Toast the burrito in a nonstick pan over medium heat seam side down to seal it. Toast the bottom and then the top until the tortilla is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite sides or dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if you prefer.
- Use brown rice for a whole grain option and added fiber.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for more texture and nutrition.
- Try swapping cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover burritos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. For best texture, re-toast in a pan to crisp the tortilla after microwaving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the burritos when ready to eat. You can also fully assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before toasting and serving.
What if I don’t have chipotle sauce?
If you don’t have chipotle sauce, you can substitute with a mix of adobo sauce from canned chipotles or a smoky hot sauce of your choice. Alternatively, add a small amount of smoked paprika for flavor.
Print
Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
These Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos are a flavorful and satisfying meal, combining seasoned ground chicken, sautéed vegetables, rice, and melted cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch, they boast a balance of savory spices and a creamy, cheesy finish. Customize them with your favorite salsa or dips for extra zest.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)
- 8 oz Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped White Onion
- 1 tbsp finely chopped Jalapeño Pepper (optional)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt (or 1/4 tsp Sea Salt, plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
- 1/4 cup Salsa Verde (or your favorite salsa)
- 1 tbsp Chipotle Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 Extra Large Flour Tortillas (burrito-sized)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add ground chicken, chopped red bell pepper, white onion, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the chicken into small pieces as it cooks, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables have softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Filling and Flavor: Mix in the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce. Stir everything to combine evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust salt if needed, then turn off the heat.
- Build and Toast the Burritos: Lay one extra-large flour tortilla flat. Spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center, top with about 1/2 cup of the chicken and rice filling, then sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese on top. Fold the sides inward and roll it up tightly into a burrito. Toast the burrito in a nonstick pan over medium heat, starting seam-side down, until the bottom and top are golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the burritos warm. Optional accompaniments include sour cream, salsa, guacamole, creamy refried beans, or chips with salsa for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Jalapeño pepper is optional; omit if you prefer less heat.
- Use leftover cooked rice to save time or cook fresh rice ahead of time.
- Avocado oil can be substituted with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
- Flour tortillas labeled as ‘burrito-sized’ are typically extra large, around 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Toast burritos gently to avoid burning the tortillas while melting the cheese inside.
- Feel free to swap cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese ratio or types according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: cheesy ground chicken burritos, chicken and rice burritos, easy burrito recipe, quick chicken dinner, Mexican-inspired burritos
