Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner, packed with juicy pulled chicken, tender sautéed vegetables, and creamy homemade guacamole. By simmering the shredded chicken in a savory broth and salsa mixture, every bite is infused with incredible flavor that rivals your favorite burrito shop. With a toasted flour tortilla holding together a hearty filling of beans, cheese, and fresh toppings, this meal is satisfying, customizable, and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
The Pulled Chicken Filling
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (see note)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
The Sautéed Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
The Homemade Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt & pepper
Assembly
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, Pico de Gallo, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Boil Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a pot of hot water. Boil for 15 minutes or until almost fully cooked and easily shreddable. Remove, let cool slightly, and shred the meat.
Simmer Chicken Filling
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced yellow onion and minced garlic for 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, salsa, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until most of the liquid has absorbed into the chicken.
Sauté Veggies
In a separate pan (or the same one, cleaned), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on high heat until it smokes slightly. Add the sliced peppers and red onion. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until sizzling and charred but still crisp. Set aside.
Prep Guacamole & Beans
Mash the avocados and mix with the red onion, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Warm the drained pinto beans in a small saucepan (or serve room temp).
Assemble
Lay out the tortillas. In the center of each, layer the chicken mixture, sautéed veggies, pinto beans, cheese, and a dollop of guacamole/sour cream.
Roll
Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then bring the bottom flap up and over the filling, tucking it tight as you roll forward.
Toast (Crucial Step)
Place the rolled burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and crispy. This seals the burrito and adds crunch.
Serve
Slice in half with a sharp knife and serve hot.
Notes
Missing Ingredient Note: The recipe requires a savory element in the chicken simmer. Based on the profile, 2 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning is recommended to create that robust flavor.
Liquid Control: When simmering the chicken, ensure most of the liquid evaporates or absorbs. If the filling is too wet, it will make the tortilla soggy.
Rotisserie Shortcut: To save time, skip the boiling step and use shredded rotisserie chicken. Jump straight to sautéing the onion/garlic and adding the pre-cooked meat with the liquids.
Freezing: These freeze well! Make the burritos but omit the “wet/cold” ingredients like guacamole and sour cream. Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat in the microwave for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Assembly
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Burrito
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy chicken burrito, pulled chicken recipe, homemade guacamole, fajita veggies, weeknight dinner, meal prep burritos, toasted burrito recipe