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This Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito brings together grilled chicken with melted cheddar cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It gets finished with creamy ranch and smoky chipotle sauce before being grilled to a golden, crispy perfection. This recipe works great for quick dinners or lunches on the go and always satisfies with its bold flavors and textures.
I first made this after a long day when I needed a fast but delicious meal. My husband thought I had picked it up from a restaurant, and now it is a regular in our dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: choose soft fresh tortillas for easy folding and that perfect chewy bite
- Iceberg lettuce: adds refreshing crunch and cool balance to the warm filling
- Diced tomatoes: fresh and juicy to keep each bite bright and flavorful
- Grilled chicken breast strips: use well seasoned precooked chicken or grill your own to get smoky flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly, giving a sharp, creamy taste
- Crunchy tortilla strips: offer satisfying texture contrast in every bite
- Ranch dressing: creamy and tangy, pairs beautifully with chipotle’s smoky heat
- Creamy chipotle sauce: provides bold smoky warmth and depth that brings everything together
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Wash and chop iceberg lettuce finely. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces. Grate cheddar cheese if not preshredded. Arrange all ingredients neatly for easy assembly.
- Layer the Filling:
- Lay a flour tortilla flat on your workspace. Start spreading shredded cheddar cheese, then add grilled chicken strips. Spoon on creamy chipotle sauce and ranch dressing evenly. Add chopped lettuce followed by diced tomatoes. Finish with crunchy tortilla strips on top to create textural balance.
- Wrap the Burrito:
- Fold the two short sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then tightly roll it up starting from the bottom edge, making sure the filling stays packed firmly inside with no gaps.
- Grill the Burrito:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the wrapped burrito seamside down first to seal it. Use tongs to gently turn and toast all sides until the tortilla turns golden brown and slightly crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Serve:
- Serve the burrito warm right from the skillet. You can slice it in half for easier handling. It tastes best fresh and hot when the cheese is melty and the tortilla perfectly crisp.
Chipotle sauce is my favorite ingredient it adds smoky heat without overpowering the dish. One night we made a batch during a rainy weekend and ended up having a little family cook-off with different fillings. This burrito brought everyone together with its familiar bold flavors and easy prep.
Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, use a skillet for the best texture or microwave if you are short on time. Avoid freezing once grilled because the lettuce and tortilla strips will turn soggy and lose their crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap shredded cheddar cheese with pepper jack for an extra kick of heat. Use chopped rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut. Substitute crunchy tortilla strips with crushed corn chips or lightly toasted tortilla strips if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the Tex Mex experience. Add a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping. Pickled jalapenos also add a nice touch if you want more heat.
This burrito is perfect for quick dinners and meal prep. Serve it hot so the cheese is melty and the tortilla stays crisp.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for this burrito?
Grilled chicken breast strips seasoned well add a smoky flavor and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the other fillings.
- → Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Pepper jack cheese works well for added heat, or you can use any melting cheese you prefer.
- → What’s the best tortilla to use?
Soft, fresh flour tortillas are ideal for easy folding and chewiness that holds the fillings securely.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet for the best texture to keep the tortilla crispy, or use a microwave if you're short on time.
- → What can I serve alongside this burrito?
Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, or pickled jalapenos complement the flavors and add variety.