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Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

Craving a burrito that hits all the right notes—smoky, spicy, creamy, and satisfying? Look no further than this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It's a wrap that combines fiery chipotle-marinated chicken, cool and creamy ranch, crisp veggies, and melty cheese, all snuggled inside a warm tortilla. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel like a Tex-Mex feast.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this burrito brings the heat and the flavor in a big, delicious way.


Why This Chipotle Ranch Burrito Works

  • Bold flavor fusion: Chipotle and ranch are a match made in culinary heaven.
  • Quick & satisfying: Prep and cook in under an hour.
  • Customizable: Perfect for picky eaters or dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-quality at home: Skip the takeout, keep the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this smoky, spicy, creamy burrito a reality.

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt ranch)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burrito:

  • 4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup cooked black beans (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup additional ranch dressing (for drizzling)
  • Salsa or sour cream for serving (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Cooked rice or cilantro-lime rice
  • Sautéed onions and bell peppers
  • Jalapeños for extra heat

Total Time Breakdown

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Marinate time: 30 minutes (can be overnight)
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 45–60 minutes

This recipe is weeknight-friendly and can be prepped ahead for even quicker assembly.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together chopped chipotle peppers, ranch dressing, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes, or heat on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

On each tortilla, layer lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sliced grilled chicken, avocado, and black beans (if using). Drizzle with additional ranch dressing. Add salsa, jalapeños, or sautéed peppers as desired.

Step 5: Roll and Serve

Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Slice in half and serve with extra ranch, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream on the side.


Tips for the Perfect Burrito

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe | Smoky-spicy-creamy
  • Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking and tearing.
  • Don’t overstuff to ensure a tight, neat roll.
  • Rest the chicken after grilling so juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
  • Toast the burrito in a pan for a crispier finish if desired.

Nutrition Breakdown (per burrito)

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 31g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 6g

This burrito offers a hearty dose of protein and healthy fats, with a good balance of carbs and fiber—especially if you use whole wheat tortillas and black beans.


Healthier Swaps and Customizations

If you’re looking to make this burrito even more nutritious or tailored to your dietary needs, here are some easy tweaks:

  • Use Greek yogurt ranch for a lighter, high-protein dressing alternative.
  • Swap flour tortillas for whole wheat or low-carb wraps.
  • Grill veggies instead of adding cheese to reduce saturated fat.
  • Skip the sour cream and opt for a tangy salsa or fresh pico de gallo.

These changes maintain the smoky-spicy-creamy magic while aligning with your health goals.


Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito with:

  • Cilantro lime rice or Mexican street corn on the cob
  • Homemade guacamole and tortilla chips
  • Grilled veggies or corn salad
  • Iced limeade or a refreshing agua fresca

For a fun twist, serve burritos “bowl-style” with everything layered over rice instead of wrapped in a tortilla.


Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Meal Prep: Grill the chicken and prep the veggies in advance. Assemble burritos fresh for best results.
  • Refrigerate: Wrap burritos in foil or store unwrapped ingredients separately. Consume within 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual burritos tightly in foil and store in freezer bags. Reheat in oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Over-marinating chicken: While a longer marinade boosts flavor, anything beyond 12 hours can break down the texture.
  2. Skipping rest time: Don’t skip letting the grilled chicken rest—it helps retain juices and prevents dry meat.
  3. Using cold tortillas: Always warm them for optimal pliability and flavor.
  4. Not draining excess moisture: Too much sauce or wet veggies can make burritos soggy. Pat ingredients dry if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just toss it with a chipotle-ranch mixture and warm before assembling.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level. Use fewer chipotle peppers or add extra ranch to tame the spice.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use grilled tofu or a mix of sautéed beans and veggies instead of chicken.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a kick. Shred your own for the best melt.


Final Thoughts – Smoky, Spicy, and Creamy in Every Bite

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is everything you love about Tex-Mex flavors in one satisfying, mess-free wrap. It’s smoky from the chipotle, rich and tangy from the ranch, and hearty with grilled chicken and vibrant veggies. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings and brings people together—whether for a casual dinner or a flavorful lunch on the go.

Ready in under an hour and packed with customizable goodness, this burrito is more than a recipe—it’s your new mealtime MVP.

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe | Smoky-spicy-creamy

Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe | Smoky-spicy-creamy

Recipe by Author

4.5 from 120 votes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Difficulty: medium
🍽️
Servings
4
⏱️
Prep time
30 minutes
🔥
Cooking time
15 minutes
📊
Calories
380 kcal

Elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito that brings together the smoky essence of chipotle, the kick of spicy flavors, and the creamy richness of ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

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Ingredients

  • Marinated grilled chicken
  • Chipotle peppers
  • Ranch dressing
  • Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Large burrito-sized tortillas
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Black beans (optional)

Directions

  1. Begin by marinating the chicken in a blend of chipotle peppers and ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Grill the marinated chicken until it is perfectly cooked and has a delightful charred finish.
  3. Assemble your burrito by layering the grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, and any additional fillings of your choice onto a warm tortilla.
  4. Roll up the burrito tightly, ensuring all the delicious ingredients are securely enclosed.
  5. Serve the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with a side of salsa or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380
Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 42
Protein: 21
Sodium: 830
Fiber: 6
Sugar: 4