Name: Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp chipotle chili powder or 1 tbsp adobo sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup ranch dressing (your favorite brand); 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust based on spice preference); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; ¼ tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste; Grilled chicken, sliced; 1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes; ¼ cup diced red onion; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves; Jalapeño slices or chopped green chili (optional, to taste); Lettuce or spinach (optional, about ½ cup); ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1 sliced avocado or ¼ cup guacamole; 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice); 4 large flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, the Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is your new best friend. This recipe is the perfect harmony of tender, marinated grilled chicken, a creamy chipotle ranch sauce with a spicy kick, and vibrant, crisp veggies that add brightness to every bite. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or feeding a crowd, this burrito delivers on flavor and satisfaction without any fuss.

Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the smoky spices in the marinade to the fresh herbs and creamy sauce, every item works together to bring that irresistible flavor punch.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender proteins that soak up the marinade beautifully for juicy grilling.
Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and ensures your chicken grills without sticking.
Fresh garlic minced: Adds a bold aromatic foundation in both the chicken and sauce.
Lime juice fresh is best: Brings bright, zesty freshness and tenderizes the chicken.
Chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce: Infuses the chicken and ranch with a smoky, spicy depth.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor and adds a warm, earthy undertone.
Ground cumin: Brings a subtle nuttiness that’s essential for Mexican-inspired flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate all the ingredients.
Ranch dressing: The creamy base of the chipotle ranch sauce, balancing heat with coolness.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds authentic heat and smokiness to the sauce.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce without overpowering.
Fresh chopped tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts and freshness to the burrito filling.
Diced red onion: Delivers a sharp crunch and mild pungency.
Fresh cilantro leaves: The herbaceous, citrusy element that brightens every bite.
Jalapeño slices or chopped green chili (optional): For those who want an extra kick of heat.
Lettuce or spinach (optional): Adds color and a crisp texture contrast.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend): Melts into the warm filling for a gooey, savory touch.
Sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole: Creamy richness that cools and complements the spice.
Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice): Provides hearty substance and helps soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Make Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic begins—each spice adds layers of smoky and tangy flavor, turning simple chicken into something extraordinary. Coat your chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can spare the time, marinating overnight really lets those flavors sink in deeply.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough to give you those beautiful grill marks. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook until golden brown and fully cooked inside, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for five minutes once you take it off the heat—that helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite juicy. Then slice the chicken thinly so it wraps neatly inside your burrito.

Step 3: Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine your favorite ranch dressing with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a splash of fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend it all together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, bringing smoky heat and tangy creaminess that ties every ingredient together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more chipotle for extra heat or lime juice for brightness.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito

Warm your tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave so they are soft and pliable. Layer the fillings starting with a scoop of your preferred cooked rice, then add the sliced grilled chicken. Fresh chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, cilantro, cheese, and optional jalapeños or greens make for a vibrant filling. Top it all off with creamy avocado or guacamole, then drizzle generously with the luscious chipotle ranch sauce. Fold the sides in tightly and roll up your burrito for that perfect handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor at every bite.

How to Serve Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like extra cilantro leaves, a wedge of lime, or a dollop of sour cream add a fresh and cooling finish. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a handful of pickled jalapeños kick the flavors up a notch and keep things interesting on your plate and palate.

Side Dishes

This burrito pairs beautifully with classic sides like black beans, Mexican street corn (elote), or a crisp salad to add crunch and contrast. For a light option, a tangy cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice and a hint of chili powder complements the creamy richness inside the burrito perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito into a burrito bowl by skipping the tortilla and serving all the delicious components layered in a bowl for a low-carb twist. Or, cut the burrito in half diagonally and serve it with mini dipping bowls of extra chipotle ranch and guacamole for a fun and shareable appetizer or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to three days. Keeping the chipotle ranch sauce separate until serving prevents the tortilla from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze these burritos for up to two months. Individually wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, remove any foil or plastic wrap and warm the burrito in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. For convenience, a microwave works too, but be sure to warm in short bursts to keep the tortilla from becoming chewy. Add fresh avocado or extra chipotle ranch after reheating for peak creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and tender when grilled, and they soak up the marinade wonderfully. Just follow the same marinating and grilling instructions.

How spicy is the chipotle ranch sauce?

The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overpowering. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle peppers depending on your spice tolerance.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the chipotle ranch sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it even tastier when served.

What’s the best type of rice to use for the burrito filling?

Any cooked rice works, but cilantro-lime rice adds extra freshness and ties in wonderfully with the chipotle and lime flavors in the chicken and sauce.

Can I make this burrito gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap out regular tortillas for gluten-free or corn tortillas, and ensure that your ranch dressing and other ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your taste buds with something flavorful but easy enough for weeknight dinners, you can’t go wrong with the Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. It’s a colorful, vibrant meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delicious simple ingredients combined with a bit of smoky heat can be!

Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe combines smoky, spicy grilled chicken with a creamy chipotle ranch sauce, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that can be customized with your favorite fillings.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight to develop deeper flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken until golden brown with nice char marks and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Blend the Chipotle Ranch Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine ranch dressing, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more chipotle or salt if desired.
Assemble the Burrito: Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave until pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and add a scoop of cooked rice, followed by sliced grilled chicken, fresh chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, cilantro, jalapeño slices or green chili if using, shredded cheese, lettuce or spinach if desired, and sliced avocado or guacamole. Drizzle generously with the chipotle ranch sauce. Wrap the tortilla snugly into a burrito shape, folding in the sides as you roll. Serve warm.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight if possible to enhance the flavor.
Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce to control the spice level.
Use any variety of rice you prefer or omit rice for a low-carb option.
Grilled chicken thighs yield juicier results but breasts work well too.
For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with seasoned grilled vegetables or beans and ensure the ranch dressing is vegetarian-friendly.
Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated; reheat in an oven or skillet for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Burrito
Method: Grilling and blending
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired