Sitting on the sun-drenched patio of my favorite local Chipotle, I can almost smell the mouthwatering aroma of their famous Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It’s a flavor I’ve come to crave, a perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and zesty that never fails to satisfy. But what I love most is the memories it brings back – like that time my college roommates and I polished off an entire tray of these burritos during our weekly movie nights. We’d stuff ourselves silly, laughing and swapping stories late into the night. Those were the days!
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Why This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is no ordinary burrito. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for more, thanks to a few secret techniques. First, the chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of spices, lime juice, and – of course – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This infuses every bite with that signature smoky-yet-tangy Chipotle flavor. Then, the chicken is grilled to perfection, locking in juiciness and adding a delightful char. Finally, the creamy ranch dressing is made from scratch, elevating this burrito to new heights of deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home, you’ll need:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– Lime juice
– Garlic
– Cumin
– Chili powder
– Salt and pepper
– Sour cream
– Mayonnaise
– Buttermilk
– Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill
– Large flour tortillas
– Your favorite burrito fixings like rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa
Step-by-Step Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Instructions
Preparing Your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito comes together in just about an hour, making it the perfect weeknight meal or easy weekend feast. You’ll need a grill or grill pan, a blender or food processor, and a few mixing bowls. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, combine the chicken, Chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
2- While the chicken marinates, make the creamy Chipotle ranch dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, and fresh herbs. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and charred in spots.
4- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5- Warm the flour tortillas according to package instructions, either on the grill, in a skillet, or directly over a gas burner.
6- To assemble your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, layer the chicken, rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and a generous drizzle of the Chipotle ranch dressing. Fold the burrito tightly and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) to really let the flavors develop. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your burrito fillings – try adding roasted vegetables, guacamole, or even fried onion strings for extra crunch.
Serving and Storing Your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Perfect Pairings for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a satisfying meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a fresh, crunchy salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a zesty corn and black bean salsa. And of course, an ice-cold Mexican beer or refreshing margarita is the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap the burrito in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also meal prep the components separately – the grilled chicken, rice, beans, and Chipotle ranch dressing can all be made in advance and assembled when ready to enjoy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Creative Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito! Try swapping out the chicken for grilled steak or sautéed shrimp. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas, like whole wheat or spinach. And for a seasonal twist, add roasted sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple, or sautéed mushrooms to the mix.
Making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Diet-Friendly
To make this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito more diet-friendly, you can opt for low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional flour tortillas. For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas or serve the fillings in a bowl over cauliflower rice. And to make it vegan, simply swap the chicken for roasted tofu or portobello mushrooms, and use a dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise in the ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of protein in the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily swap the chicken for grilled steak, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian/vegan option.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level in the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?
A: To make the burrito less spicy, use fewer Chipotle peppers in the marinade or omit them entirely. For an extra kick, you can add more Chipotle peppers, or even sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Q: Can I prepare the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in advance?
A: Yes, you can definitely make components of this burrito ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated up to 8 hours in advance, and the Chipotle ranch dressing can be made a few days ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken, warm the tortillas, and assemble the burritos.
Q: How many Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will make approximately 4-6 generous burritos, depending on how much filling you use in each one. If feeding a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Q: What should I do if my Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is too dry?
A: If your burrito filling is a bit dry, try adding a bit more of the Chipotle ranch dressing or some extra salsa or guacamole. The moisture from these toppings will help balance out the dryness.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors with this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito – a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp chipotle chili powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. In a small bowl, combine the chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts.
3. 3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred the chicken.
4. 4. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and chopped chipotle peppers.
5. 5. Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
6. 6. Divide the grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese evenly among the tortillas.
7. 7. Drizzle the chipotle ranch dressing over the top of each burrito and roll up tightly.
Notes
Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. You can also use a rotisserie chicken to save time. For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas and Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
There’s just something about that perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors in a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito that keeps me coming back for more. This recipe captures all the bold, craveable taste of the Chipotle original, but with the added joy of being able to whip it up right at home. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to sink your teeth into the best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito you’ve ever had. Bon appétit!
