There is something incredibly comforting about a well-made burrito, and this Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s packed with tender ground chicken, vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned rice, and a luscious blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses all wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week, these burritos deliver cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite. It’s straightforward, delicious, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, you’ll love how simple and thoughtfully chosen these ingredients are. Each brings its own burst of flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish exciting and balanced without any fuss.
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Adds a light, healthy fat perfect for cooking and enhancing flavors.
- 8 oz Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, it’s the hearty base for our filling.
- 1/2 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant pop of color.
- 1/3 cup chopped White Onion: Delivers mellow sharpness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped Jalapeño Pepper (optional): Brings a subtle kick to wake up the taste buds.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses a deep savory aroma without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: Adds smoky warmth for authentic taco-inspired flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt or 1/4 tsp Sea Salt: Enhances all the ingredients naturally.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Provides that earthy, slightly nutty essence typical in Mexican cooking.
- 1 cup Cooked Rice: Adds body and a mild base that soaks up the seasoning perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Salsa Verde or your favorite salsa: Brings bright acidity and a touch of spice.
- 1 tbsp Chipotle Sauce: Offers smoky heat that makes each bite unforgettable.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, sharp goodness.
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds creamy richness and smooth melt.
- 4 Extra Large Flour Tortillas (burrito-sized): Soft and foldable, they hold everything together deliciously.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Start by heating your chosen oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken along with the chopped red bell pepper, white onion, and jalapeño if you’re using it. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and flavor. Cook everything for about 7 to 8 minutes, breaking the chicken into small pieces as it browns. This step lays the foundation of flavor, ensuring the chicken is juicy and the veggies soften without losing their vibrant bite.
Step 2: Season the Filling
With the chicken and veggies nicely cooked, stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Let these spices toast gently in the pan for a minute or two. This toasting intensifies the warm, smoky notes and unleashes their full aromatic potential, making the filling fragrant and deeply flavorful.
Step 3: Mix in Rice and Sauces
Next, fold in the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce. Mixing everything together thoroughly allows each grain of rice to soak up the juicy, spicy goodness. At this point, turn off the heat and taste your filling; adjust salt or spice levels as you like, ensuring the flavor is perfectly balanced before assembly.
Step 4: Start Building Burritos
Lay out a large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese right down the center. Top the cheese with a generous heap of the chicken and rice filling—about half a cup—and then finish with another 1/4 cup of cheese. The double cheese layers not only add flavor but help seal the burrito once melted.
Step 5: Roll Up Tightly
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up snugly from the bottom to form a neat, secure burrito. Getting a tight roll helps keep all that cheesy, savory filling inside and makes it easier to toast.
Step 6: Toast the Burrito
Place the burrito seam side down in a clean nonstick skillet over medium heat. Let it toast until golden brown, then carefully flip to toast the other side. This step creates a lightly crispy exterior that contrasts amazingly with the melted, gooey interior.
Step 7: Repeat with Remaining Ingredients
Repeat the layering, rolling, and toasting process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all 4 burritos are ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your freshly toasted burritos warm alongside your favorite toppings and dips for a truly satisfying meal experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your burrito from great to unforgettable. Dollops of sour cream, zesty guacamole, or a splash of your favorite salsa add creaminess and tang. Brighten things up with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a lively finish that cuts through the rich, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Pairing these burritos with simple sides like a crisp salad, refried beans, or Mexican street corn can elevate your meal, adding contrasting textures and flavors to balance the richness. A light tomato and cucumber salad also works beautifully to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your burritos into pinwheels perfect for sharing at gatherings. Alternatively, serve them “open-faced” with all the fillings exposed and extra cheese melted on top under the broiler. Wrapping them in foil makes them perfect for picnic lunches or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each burrito individually with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go meal when time is tight.
Freezing
These burritos freeze beautifully. After wrapping them securely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until the tortilla crisps up and the cheese inside melts. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes for convenience, but a skillet reheat keeps the texture delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this cheesy ground chicken and rice burritos recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins can easily swap in for chicken, just adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice or brown rice both work well as they hold together nicely without getting mushy, and absorb flavors beautifully.
Is it okay to skip the jalapeño pepper?
Yes! The jalapeño adds a nice mild heat, but the recipe is flavorful and delicious without it, perfect if you prefer milder dishes.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortilla options or large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb twist.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Incorporating corn, black beans, or even spinach adds extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, comforting, and packed with bold, cheesy flavor, this Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade and special, yet comes together in no time. Trust me, once you’ve tried these burritos, you’ll find yourself making them again and again, craving that perfect melty, savory bite every time.
Print
Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos are a quick and easy meal packed with flavorful seasoned chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and a touch of spicy chipotle sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe combines ground chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions, mixed with rice and salsa, then wrapped in large flour tortillas and toasted to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Protein & Veggies
- 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- 8 oz. Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped White Onion
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped Jalapeño Pepper (optional)
Spices
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt or 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
- 1/4 cup Salsa Verde or your favorite salsa
- 1 tbsp. Chipotle Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 Extra Large Flour Tortillas (burrito-sized)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, chopped red bell pepper, chopped white onion, and jalapeño if using. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking up the chicken with a spoon as it cooks, until the meat is fully browned and vegetables are softened.
- Toast the Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
- Combine Rice and Sauces: Add the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Turn off the heat and taste the filling to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Burritos: Lay out one flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center. Add a heaping 1/2 cup of the chicken and rice filling on top of the cheese. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the filling.
- Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling securely.
- Toast the Burritos: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and toast the other side until equally golden and the cheese inside is melted.
- Repeat: Repeat the filling, rolling, and toasting process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all burritos are made.
- Serve: Serve the burritos warm with your choice of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or other favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier burrito, increase the amount of jalapeño or add hot sauce to the filling.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as healthier alternatives.
- Make sure to toast the burritos seam side down first to help seal the wrap and prevent it from unrolling during toasting.
- These burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
