Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos

This cheesy ground chicken and rice burrito combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that comes together quickly. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful, filling, and easy to customize.

I first whipped these up on a hectic evening and was amazed at how well the familiar yet fresh flavors came together. Since then, they’ve become a go-to for family dinners and lunch meal prep alike.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil or olive oil perfect for sautéing and bringing out natural flavors
• Ground chicken as a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings well
• Red bell pepper adds sweetness and a crunchy texture contrast
• White onion enhances the savory base with a gentle bite
• Jalapeño pepper optional for a little heat and brightness
• Garlic powder for that warm, aromatic foundation
• Chili powder brings smoky warmth to the mix
• Kosher salt or sea salt to season and balance flavors
• Ground cumin for earthy undertones that complement the chili powder
• Cooked rice as a hearty binder tying the filling together
• Salsa verde or your favorite salsa adds tang and moisture
• Chipotle sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy depth that lifts the burrito
• Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds sharpness
• Monterey Jack cheese for creamy meltiness and mild flavor
• Extra large flour tortillas to hold all the filling and make wrapping easier

Choose fresh vegetables that are firm and bright in color. For the chicken, lean ground meat ensures a tender texture without excess oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ground Chicken and Vegetables:

Heat one tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add eight ounces of ground chicken along with half a cup of chopped red bell pepper, one-third cup chopped white onion, and one tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño pepper if using. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook for seven to eight minutes, breaking the chicken into small pieces as it cooks so it blends evenly with the softened vegetables.

Add Seasonings:

Sprinkle one teaspoon each of garlic powder and chili powder, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, and half a teaspoon of ground cumin over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for one to two minutes to toast the spices lightly, which helps release their full flavor.

Add Filling and Flavor:

Pour in one cup of cooked rice, one-quarter cup of salsa verde, and one tablespoon of chipotle sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite has a good balance of ingredients. Taste and add more salt if needed, then turn the heat off.

Build and Toast the Burritos:

Lay a large flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spread one-quarter cup of the shredded cheese down the center. Top with about half a cup of the chicken and rice mixture, then sprinkle another one-quarter cup of shredded cheese on top. Bring the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it tightly into a burrito. To finish, toast the burrito in a nonstick pan over medium heat seam side down first. Flip to toast the other side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese inside melts.

Serve and Enjoy:

These burritos are fantastic on their own or with sides like sour cream, fresh salsa, or creamy guacamole. You can also serve them alongside creamy refried beans or your favorite tortilla chips for a complete meal.

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I love how the combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melts perfectly to wrap the peppery chicken and rice. The first time I made these, my family devoured them before I could even snap a photo, which told me I had a winner on my hands.

Storage Tips

Wrap any leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days. When reheating, toast them lightly in a skillet or microwave until warmed through and the cheese melts again. For longer storage, burritos freeze nicely. Wrap each individually before freezing to avoid freezer burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground chicken may be swapped for ground turkey or lean ground beef depending on what you have or prefer.
• Swap red bell pepper with yellow, orange, or green for a different sweet or slightly bitter note.
• Both white or brown rice work, with brown rice adding a nutty, chewier texture.
• Any red or green salsa can replace salsa verde to tailor the flavor profile.
• Chipotle sauce can be substituted with minced chipotles in adobo but start with less to control heat.
• Use any blend of shredded cheeses you love, such as Pepper Jack for extra kick or a Mexican cheese blend for authenticity.

Serving Suggestions

These burritos pair beautifully with sides like creamy refried beans, Mexican street corn salad, or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette. Fresh guacamole or tangy salsa adds a nice brightness to balance the rich, cheesy filling. A cold cerveza or a fizzy soda completes a festive meal feel.

Cultural Context

Burritos are a beloved staple in Mexican-American cuisine that showcase versatile fillings wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Ground chicken burritos are a lighter take compared to traditional beef or pork versions but still pack plenty of flavor. This recipe takes inspiration from Tex-Mex flavors with smoky chipotle and salsa verde adding regional flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or lean ground beef can be used interchangeably without compromising flavor.

→ What types of rice work best in this dish?

Both white and brown rice complement the filling well. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

→ How can I control the spice level?

Omit the jalapeño and chipotle sauce for a milder filling, or adjust their amounts to suit your heat preference.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses can be swapped for Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

→ Is it necessary to toast the burritos after assembling?

Toasting enhances texture by crisping the tortilla and melting the cheese inside, but you can skip this step if desired.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely, the filling reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for quick assembly and serving later.