Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Introduction

If you love bold flavors, hearty meals, and restaurant-style burritos you can make at home, this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Packed with smoky grilled chicken, fluffy rice, protein-rich beans, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spicy chipotle ranch sauce, this burrito delivers the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and comfort in every bite.

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is inspired by popular Mexican-style fast-casual burritos but elevated with homemade flavor and fresh ingredients. Instead of relying on store-bought grilled chicken or overly processed fillings, this recipe uses a simple yet powerful chipotle-lime marinade that infuses the chicken with deep, smoky flavor before grilling it to juicy perfection.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping lunches for the week, or hosting a casual family gathering, this burrito checks all the boxes. It’s satisfying without being heavy, customizable to your taste preferences, and easy enough for home cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it both comforting and nourishing.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the ultimate Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home—from marinating and grilling the chicken to assembling, wrapping, storing, and even reheating your burritos like a pro. By the end, you’ll have a restaurant-quality burrito you can confidently add to your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

There are countless burrito recipes out there, but this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito stands out for several reasons:

Bold, smoky flavor:
The chipotle-seasoned grilled chicken delivers a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy ranch dressing.

Restaurant-style results at home:
You get that crave-worthy burrito experience without leaving your kitchen or paying takeout prices.

Perfect for meal prep:
All components can be made ahead and assembled fresh throughout the week.

Customizable:
Mild or spicy, cheesy or light, low-carb or extra indulgent—this burrito adapts to your preferences.

Balanced and satisfying:
With protein from the chicken and beans, carbs from rice, and healthy fats from olive oil and dressing, it’s a complete meal in one wrap.

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What Is a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?

A Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a large flour tortilla filled with grilled chicken marinated in smoky chipotle spices, rice, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a creamy chipotle ranch sauce. The burrito is rolled tightly and often lightly grilled or toasted to seal everything inside and melt the cheese.

The flavor profile is a blend of:

• Smoky and spicy from chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika

• Creamy and tangy from chipotle ranch dressing

• Fresh and crisp from lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro

• Hearty and comforting from rice, beans, and melted cheese

This combination makes the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito both indulgent and well-balanced.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

• Servings: 4 burritos

• Calories: ~550 kcal per burrito

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Ingredients for Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Burritos

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

• ½ cup corn kernels (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Results

Chicken:
Chicken breasts work beautifully here, but chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result.

Chipotle chili powder:
This adds smoky heat. If unavailable, substitute with a mix of chili powder and a pinch of smoked paprika.

Rice:
White rice is classic, but brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even Spanish rice work well.

Beans:
Black beans are traditional, but pinto beans or refried beans are excellent alternatives.

Chipotle ranch dressing:
Use store-bought for convenience or mix ranch dressing with chipotle powder or adobo sauce for a homemade version.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the flavor foundation of your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.

Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly on all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

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Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the chicken juicy.

Slice the chicken into thin strips for easy burrito assembly.

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Step 3: Prepare the Fillings

Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

Heat the rice and black beans if they’ve cooled. Warm fillings make the burrito easier to roll and more enjoyable to eat.

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Step 4: Assemble the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of chipotle ranch dressing in the center.

Layer the fillings in this order:

1. Rice

2. Black beans

3. Grilled chicken strips

4. Shredded cheese

5. Lettuce

6. Tomatoes

7. Corn and cilantro (if using)

Avoid overfilling to ensure the burrito wraps properly.

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Step 5: Wrap and Serve

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.

For a crispy finish, place the burrito seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat and toast for 1–2 minutes per side.

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.

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Pro Tips for the Best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

• Extra smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles to the marinade.

• Crispier burrito: Lightly brush the outside with oil before toasting.

• Cheese melt: Add cheese directly on warm chicken so it melts instantly.

• Less mess: Let hot fillings cool slightly before wrapping.

• Even distribution: Spread ingredients horizontally rather than stacking.

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Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chipotle powder for more heat.

Healthy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

Use whole-wheat tortillas, brown rice, and Greek yogurt-based chipotle ranch.

Low-Carb Option

Skip the tortilla and turn this into a burrito bowl.

Vegetarian Version

Swap chicken for grilled vegetables or seasoned tofu.

Cheesy Lover’s Burrito

Add queso or double the shredded cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito with:

• Tortilla chips and guacamole

• Fresh pico de gallo or salsa

• Mexican street corn

• Cilantro-lime rice on the side

• A crisp green salad

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Wrap burritos tightly in foil and store for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months (best without lettuce).

Reheating:

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway

• Oven: 350°F (177°C) for 15–20 minutes

• Skillet: Medium heat until warmed through

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate, per burrito)

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Protein: 35–40 g

• Carbohydrates: 45–50 g

• Fat: 22–25 g

• Fiber: 6–8 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all components in advance and assemble when ready to eat.

Is chipotle ranch very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat easily.

Can I bake the burritos instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

What’s the best tortilla size?
Large burrito-size tortillas work best.

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Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito proves that you don’t need takeout to enjoy bold, restaurant-quality flavors. With smoky grilled chicken, creamy chipotle ranch, and fresh, satisfying fillings, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while still being balanced and homemade.

Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches, or craving a hearty Mexican-inspired dinner, this burrito delivers every time. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.