Last week, I had a serious Chipotle craving but didn't want to drive 20 minutes just for a burrito (we've all been there, right?).That's when I decided to master my own chipotle chicken burrito recipe – and let me tell you, it turned out even better than I expected!
This homemade version captures all those smoky, spicy flavors without the wait. Plus, you can load it up with as much guac as you want without paying extra.
The secret is in the grilled chicken and that perfect chipotle ranch combo that makes every bite incredible.
If you're anything like me and love making versatile meal options at home, you might also enjoy these Mexican meal prep bowls or these healthy buffalo chicken wraps for easy weeknight dinners.
Why You Will Love This Recipe

- Quick assembly time - Takes just 10 minutes to put together once ingredients are prepped
- Restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost
- Customizable filling options - add as much or as little of each ingredient as you prefer
- Perfect for weekend meal prep - prep ingredients ahead for quick assembly during the week
- Pan-fried crispy exterior gives it that perfect golden texture
- Kid-friendly - my daughter Emily loves making her own mini versions
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Recipe Ingredients
For the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos:
- 8 large burrito flour or wheat tortillas
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1½ cups Roma, slicing, or vine tomatoes, diced
- 1 pound grilled chicken (cubed) or shredded chicken
- 2 cups Mexican/fiesta style or cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large Hass avocado, diced
For serving (optional):
- 3 ounces crunchy tortilla chips
- Avocado ranch dressing
- Chipotle ranch dressing
- Side of cilantro lime or cantina rice
- Side Mexican style black beans
I always keep pre-grilled chicken in my freezer for recipes like this. It's such a game-changer for quick dinners!

How to Make a Perfect Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas for a few seconds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat to make them soft and easy to fold.
This step is SO important – cold tortillas crack when you try to roll them. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after ruining three burritos in a row!
Step 2: Assemble Your Burritos
Divide the burrito ingredients among the 8 tortillas:
- Spoon about ½ cup of lettuce
- Add ⅓ cup chicken
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of cheese
- Add 3 tablespoons of tomatoes
- Include ⅛ of an avocado in the center of the tortilla
Sprinkle with a few crunchy tortilla chips, and 1 tablespoon each of chipotle ranch and avocado ranch dressing.
Pro tip: Don't overfill them! I used to stuff these so full they'd explode when I tried to roll them. Less is definitely more here.


Step 3: Perfect Burrito Rolling Technique
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll up tightly into a burrito.
Here's my secret technique: pull the filling back slightly from the edges before folding. This prevents everything from squeezing out the sides when you roll.
Step 4: Pan-Fry for Golden Perfection
Lightly mist a frying pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat.
Add the burritos seam-side down to the pan (you may need to do in two batches) and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden and toasted.
The pan-frying step really makes these special! It creates this amazing crispy outer layer while keeping everything warm and melty inside.


Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the burritos from heat.
Drizzle with more avocado or chipotle ranch dressing, if desired. Enjoy!
I usually serve these with a side of Mexican street corn salad – it's the perfect complement to the smoky flavors.
Storage Tips for Chicken Burrito Recipe
How to Store Assembled Burritos
If you have leftover assembled burritos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a Ziploc baggie in the refrigerator.
We recommend eating assembled burritos within 1-2 days, as they tend to get soggy.
Store leftover ingredients in individual airtight containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Here's what I've learned from experience: these burritos are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you must store them, wrap each one individually in aluminum foil first, then plastic wrap. This double layer helps prevent sogginess.
Meal Prep Strategy
We highly recommend assembling the burritos only when you're ready to eat them, as they do not make a good meal prep dish.
However, you can prepare and store the ingredients ahead of time to cut down on preparation time.
On Sundays, I prep all the ingredients separately. Then during the week, assembling these takes less than 5 minutes!
Best Ways to Reheat
Microwave option: Reheat assembled burritos by microwaving for 30-60 seconds.
Air fryer option: You can also reheat assembled burritos in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes for an extra crispy option.
Pan method: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and warm for 2-3 minutes per side.
For refrigerated leftover ingredients, assemble the burritos according to the recipe instructions.

Creative Burrito Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some of my favorite variations:
Protein Alternatives
- Try barbacoa beef instead of chicken
- Use cilantro lime shrimp for a seafood twist
- Make it vegetarian with black bean carnitas
Add Some Heat
- Include sliced jalapeños for extra spice
- Mix in some chipotle chili powder with the chicken
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce
Different Cheese Options
- Use pepper jack for more flavor
- Try a Mexican cheese blend
- Go dairy-free with your favorite vegan cheese
FAQ About Chipotle Chicken Burrito Recipe
We don't recommend freezing assembled burritos as they tend to get soggy. Instead, store individual ingredients separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.I tried freezing these once and they turned into a mushy mess when thawed. Learn from my mistake and stick to refrigerator storage!
They're best assembled fresh. You can prep all ingredients ahead and store separately for up to 3-4 days, then assemble when ready to eat.This is honestly the best approach. I prep everything on Sunday and make fresh burritos throughout the week.
This recipe includes grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, chipotle ranch dressing, and optional tortilla chips wrapped in a large tortilla.The beauty of burritos is in their simplicity! Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect bite.
Use pre-grilled chicken (cubed or shredded), warm the tortilla, add about ⅓ cup chicken with other ingredients in the center, fold sides inward, and roll tightly.
Pan-fry seam-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden.The rolling technique took me a few tries to master, but now I can wrap these babies blindfolded!
Recipes You May Like
If you enjoyed this chipotle chicken burrito recipe, you might also love these Mexican-inspired dishes:
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wraps - Another delicious wrap with bold flavors
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders - Perfect for game day gatherings
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach - A comforting dinner option
Conclusion
This chipotle chicken burrito recipe has become a regular in our dinner rotation.
It's quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough for weekend gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite satisfying, and you can customize it exactly how you like it.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! I'd love to hear about any variations you come up with.
Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for easy access later.




Chipotle Chicken Burrito Recipe
Equipment
- Large Burrito Tortillas
- Dry Skillet
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos
- 8 large burrito flour or wheat tortillas
- 4 c iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1.5 c Roma, slicing, or vine tomatoes diced
- 1 lb grilled chicken cubed or shredded
- 2 c Mexican/fiesta style or cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 large Hass avocado diced
For Serving (Optional)
- 3 oz crunchy tortilla chips
- avocado ranch dressing
- chipotle ranch dressing
- cilantro lime or cantina rice side
- Mexican style black beans side
Instructions
- Warm the tortillas for a few seconds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat to make them soft and easy to fold.
- Divide the burrito ingredients among the 8 tortillas: spoon about ½ cup of lettuce, ⅓ cup chicken, ¼ cup of cheese, 3 tablespoon of tomatoes, and ⅛ of an avocado in the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a few crunchy tortilla chips, and 1 tablespoon each of chipotle ranch and avocado ranch dressing.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll up tightly into a burrito.
- Lightly mist a frying pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat. Add the burritos seam-side down to the pan (you may need to do in two batches) and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden and toasted.
- Remove the burritos from heat. Drizzle with more avocado or chipotle ranch dressing, if desired. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply