Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a smoky, spicy, and irresistibly creamy meal that brings bold Southwestern flavors together in every bite.
Tender marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and a smoky chipotle ranch sauce all wrapped up in a warm tortilla — it’s the ultimate satisfying, hand-held meal for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Reason Why People Will Love This Recipe:
The marinated grilled chicken is juicy, flavorful, and full of smoky spices.
The Chipotle Ranch Sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and spicy kick that perfectly balances the freshness of the vegetables.
It’s highly customizable with toppings like avocado, lettuce, or rice based on personal taste.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Restaurant-quality flavor but made simply at home!
Key Ingredients:
Chicken breasts or thighs: Provides a tender and juicy protein base.
Olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin: Build bold, smoky flavor in the marinade.
Ranch dressing + chipotle peppers: The magic combination for a creamy, spicy sauce.
Fresh vegetables: Tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, lettuce/spinach — for freshness and crunch.
Cheese and avocado/guacamole: Add creaminess and richness.
Tortillas: The perfect wrapper to hold all the goodness together.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
Chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Fresh lime juice
Chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce
Paprika
Ground cumin
Salt and black pepper
For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
Ranch dressing
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Fresh lime juice
Garlic powder
Salt, to taste
For the Burrito Filling:
Grilled chicken, sliced
Fresh diced tomatoes
Chopped red onion
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced jalapeño or green chili (optional, for heat)
Shredded lettuce or baby spinach (optional)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
Sliced avocado or prepared guacamole (optional)
Cooked rice (optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and juicy — about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together ranch dressing, finely chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle if you like it extra smoky and spicy.
Assemble the Burritos:
Lay a warm tortilla flat and layer on the grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lettuce or spinach, shredded cheese, and avocado or guacamole.
Drizzle generously with the Chipotle Ranch Sauce.
Roll up tightly, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately!
Important Notes for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito:
Marination is key:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes — but if you have more time, up to 4 hours will make it even more flavorful and juicy.
Grill temperature matters:
Preheat your grill or grill pan properly. Medium-high heat ensures the chicken gets nice grill marks while staying juicy inside. Avoid very high heat that can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
Rest the chicken before slicing:
After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices inside, keeping the chicken moist.
Warm your tortillas:
Warm tortillas are more flexible and easier to roll without tearing. You can quickly heat them in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
Adjust spice to your taste:
Chipotle peppers in adobo can be very spicy. Start with a small amount in the ranch sauce and add more gradually if you like extra heat.
Layer toppings wisely:
Put heavier, sturdier ingredients (like chicken and rice) at the bottom of the tortilla first, and lighter items (lettuce, tomatoes) on top to make rolling easier and keep the burrito from getting soggy.
Don’t overfill:
It’s tempting, but adding too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause the burrito to fall apart. Use about ¾ cup filling per burrito for best results.
Optional additions:
Feel free to customize with extras like black beans, roasted corn, or a squeeze of extra lime for a burst of brightness.
Nutrition Information (approximate per burrito):
(Values can vary depending on exact toppings and tortilla size.)
Calories: ~550 | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 950mg | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Protein: 38g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Yes! If you’re short on time, using shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just toss it in some of the chipotle marinade for extra flavor.
Can I make this burrito ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance and assemble just before eating. For best texture, don’t roll the burritos until you’re ready to serve.
What’s a good substitute if I don’t have chipotle peppers?
You can use chipotle chili powder or a smoky hot sauce instead.
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes, swap the tortilla for a large lettuce wrap or a low-carb tortilla alternative.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute grilled chicken with grilled vegetables, black beans, or seasoned tofu.
How do I keep my burritos from falling apart?
Warm the tortillas first, don’t overfill, and fold the sides in tightly as you roll.
Can I cook the chicken in a skillet if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! A hot skillet or grill pan works perfectly — cook for about 5–7 minutes per side.
How spicy will the sauce be?
It depends on the amount of chipotle you add. Start small and taste as you go to control the heat.
What’s the best cheese for this burrito?
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
Can I freeze these burritos?
You can freeze them without the fresh toppings (like lettuce or tomato). Wrap tightly in foil and reheat when ready to eat.