Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos: The Ultimate Burrito Recipe
Introduction to Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos
Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that satisfies your cravings for comfort food? Look no further than these Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos! Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal any night of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip these burritos up in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
A Personal Story Behind My Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos Journey
Growing up, burritos were a staple in my home. My family loved to gather around the table and enjoy a hearty meal together. One of my fondest memories is making burritos with my grandmother, who taught me that the key to a great burrito lies in the balance of flavors and textures. This recipe for cheesy ground chicken and rice burritos is a tribute to those cherished moments and a way to bring my loved ones together around the dinner table.
What Makes This Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it’s not just about the chicken and rice; it’s about the layers of flavor that come from fresh ingredients and spices. The combination of red bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño adds a wonderful crunch, while the garlic and chili powder enhance the overall taste. Plus, with two types of cheese melted inside, these burritos are creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. They are versatile too — you can tweak the filling with your favorite ingredients such as black beans or corn!
The Full Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos Recipe
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- 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 Ground Chicken and Vegetables: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add 8 oz. of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper, 1/3 cup of chopped white onion, and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño pepper (if using). Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are softened. Remember to break the chicken into small pieces as it cooks for even distribution.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors, making sure everything is well combined.
- Add Filling and Flavor: Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1/4 cup of salsa verde, and 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust salt if necessary. Turn off the heat.
- Build and Toast the Burritos: Lay out an extra-large flour tortilla. Spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center, add a generous 1/2 cup of the chicken filling, and top with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll it up into a burrito. Toast the burrito, starting seam side down, in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cheesy burritos with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if desired. They also pair wonderfully with refried beans, chips, or more salsa for dipping!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos
These burritos are incredibly versatile! You can customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or even different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a healthier option, consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice. Serve them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to keep extra salsa or guacamole on the side for that perfect finishing touch!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos
Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wrap the burritos and heat them when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze the burritos? Absolutely! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of ground chicken? You can use ground turkey, beef, or even a meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips!
Cheesy Ground Chicken And Rice Burritos
Equipment
- large nonstick skillet For cooking the filling.
- Spatula For breaking up the chicken.
- Serving dishes For serving the burritos.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add ground chicken, red bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño (if using). Sprinkle salt and cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are softened. Remember to break the chicken into small pieces as it cooks for even distribution.
- Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance flavors, making sure everything is well combined.
- Mix in cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust salt if necessary. Turn off the heat.
- Lay out an extra-large flour tortilla. Spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center, add a generous 1/2 cup of the chicken filling, and top with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll it up into a burrito. Toast the burrito, starting seam side down, in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown.
- Serve these cheesy burritos with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if desired. They also pair wonderfully with refried beans, chips, or more salsa for dipping!