Claire Thompson
Chipotle Chicken Burritos are a popular meal choice for many, with Chipotle's chicken gaining a reputation for its unique spice blend. The burrito consists of chicken marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, including cumin, garlic, oregano, and lime juice. The chicken is then cooked and placed on a tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and other toppings. This meal is not only delicious but also convenient, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to three months. When those Chipotle cravings kick in, making your own chicken burrito at home can be a great alternative to waiting in line at the restaurant.
Characteristics of Chipotle's Chicken Burrito
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs |
| Marinade | Lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoky paprika, black pepper, salt, olive oil, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce |
| Rice | Cilantro lime rice |
| Beans | Black beans |
| Other ingredients | Lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken marinade
Chicken is one of the most popular dishes at Chipotle, and it's simple to make at home, as long as you have the right ingredients. Chipotle uses dark meat chicken, so chicken thighs are the best cut of choice for this recipe. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight.
The marinade for the chicken is a combination of fresh lime juice, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoky paprika, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Adobo sauce is made from ancho chillies and canned chipotles, giving the burrito a slightly smoky flavour.
To make the marinade, cut the chicken into cubes and place them into a medium bowl. Add the marinade ingredients and mix well. Leave to marinate for your desired length of time, then heat a pan or large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink.
Once cooked, you can assemble your burrito. Start by arranging rice horizontally on the lower half of a tortilla, leaving a 1.5-inch border. Top with cheese, the chicken mixture, lettuce, and pico de gallo. Finally, fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll up tightly.
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Tortilla type
A Chipotle chicken burrito is typically served in a tortilla, but you can also omit the tortilla and serve it as a burrito bowl. When using tortillas, it is important to drain the black beans well to avoid sogginess. To prevent sogginess further, you can use a slotted spoon to scoop the chicken out of the sauce.
Tortillas for Chipotle chicken burritos can be wrapped in aluminium foil and stored in the freezer. When ready to eat, remove the foil, place the burrito on a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a paper towel, and heat for about 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
Tortillas for Chipotle chicken burritos can be made with cilantro lime rice. To make the cilantro lime rice, cook jasmine white rice according to the package directions or your rice cooker instructions.
When assembling the Chipotle chicken burrito, spread the rice horizontally on the lower half of the tortilla, leaving a 1.5-inch border on all sides. Top with cheese, chicken, lettuce, and pico de gallo. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla snugly over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Cut the burrito in half and serve with guacamole, if desired.
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Rice
Firstly, the type of rice used is likely to be jasmine white rice, as this variety is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs well with the other ingredients in the burrito. To prepare the rice, it is recommended to follow the package directions or your preferred method of cooking it in a rice cooker.
The key to achieving the signature Chipotle flavour in the rice is likely in the addition of cilantro (coriander leaves) and lime. Freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice can be mixed into the cooked rice, adding a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Some recipes also suggest adding spices like cumin and paprika to the rice for an extra depth of flavour.
When assembling the burrito, the rice is placed horizontally in the lower half of the tortilla, creating a base for the other ingredients. This technique ensures that the rice is evenly distributed and helps to contain the fillings, making it easier to roll the burrito tightly.
The rice in Chipotle's chicken burrito not only provides a hearty and filling base but also contributes to the overall flavour profile. It complements the spiciness of the chicken and the freshness of the pico de gallo, creating a well-rounded and satisfying bite.
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Toppings
When it comes to toppings, Chipotle offers a variety of options to customize your chicken burrito. Here are some popular choices:
Rice
Start by placing cilantro-lime rice horizontally in the lower half of your tortilla, leaving a 1.5-inch border on all sides. This forms the base of your burrito and adds a delicious citrusy flavor to the overall taste.
Cheese
Add a generous sprinkling of cheese. You can go for a Mexican cheese blend, which typically includes Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the burrito.
Chicken
Of course, the star of the show is the chicken. Marinate cubed chicken pieces in a mouthwatering combination of fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoky paprika, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This marinade infuses the chicken with a slightly smoky and heavenly flavor.
Lettuce
Add a crisp and refreshing touch to your burrito with lettuce. Don't skimp on the lettuce—go for at least three ounces or a generous handful. It provides a nice crunch and a healthy boost to your meal.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo, a fresh and flavorful salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, adds a burst of freshness to the burrito. It's a key ingredient that ties all the flavors together.
Beans
Include some beans, preferably well-drained black beans, to your burrito. They provide a good source of protein and a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Guacamole
Finish off your burrito with a dollop of guacamole. Creamy avocado brings a rich and indulgent touch to the overall taste and texture of the burrito.
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Cooking instructions
To make a Chipotle chicken burrito, you'll need to prepare the chicken, assemble the burrito, and then cook it.
Marinating the Chicken
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but you can also leave it overnight for more flavour. To make the marinade, combine the following ingredients in a bowl or sealable plastic bag:
- Chicken
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
Cooking the Chicken
Cook the chicken on a medium-high grill pan or outdoor grill for four minutes on each side, flipping at least twice, until you achieve a good char. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavour. Once cooked, cut the chicken into cubes.
Preparing the Beans
Combine the beans with lemon juice, lime juice, onion, olive oil, chopped chipotle chilli in adobo sauce, a garlic clove, cumin, oregano, a bay leaf, and a pinch of pepper in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a low boil.
Preparing the Rice
Cook white rice in chicken broth along with green chillies, butter, and garlic. Once cooked, fluff the rice and stir in lime juice, cilantro, and salt. You can substitute brown rice if preferred, or eliminate the cilantro if you don't like it.
Assembling the Burrito
Use burrito-sized flour tortillas for easy stuffing and rolling. Heat the tortillas as per the label's instructions. Arrange the rice horizontally in the lower half of each tortilla, leaving a 1.5-inch border. Top with cheese, the chicken and bean mixture, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
Rolling the Burrito
Flip the sides of the tortilla up and over first, then flip the end closest to you upwards and begin to roll forward. As you roll, use your hand to push the filling back into the tortilla and continue to roll and push the sides in until you have a tight burrito. Wrap the burrito in foil to keep it fresh.
Reheating
To reheat the burrito, remove the foil and place the burrito on a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a paper towel and microwave for about 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, tortillas, rice, cheese, beans, lettuce, and pico de gallo. You can also add guacamole and salsa.
Marinate the chicken in a blend of onions, garlic, adobo sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and spices. You can grill, roast, or use rotisserie chicken.
Layer the ingredients in the middle of a tortilla in the following order: rice, beans, chicken, pico de gallo, cheese, and lettuce. Then, roll the burrito by flipping both sides of the tortilla up and over, then flip the end closest to you upwards and roll forward.
Remove the aluminum foil and place the burrito on a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a paper towel and microwave for about 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
