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Easy Cheesy Chicken Burrito Recipe Perfect for Quick Homemade Meals

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A quick and easy cheesy chicken burrito recipe that combines tender, flavorful chicken with melty cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup (about 50g) shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
  • Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 pound of boneless chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Finely dice 1/2 medium onion, 1 small bell pepper, and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with veggies. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
  7. Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture down the center.
  8. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the hot chicken mixture to melt. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  9. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling.
  10. Optional: Place the wrapped burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the outside and melt the cheese inside.
  11. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Squeeze lime over burrito before eating for brightness.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. To add moisture if chicken feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth or salsa during cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on chicken. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or wrapped in foil in a low oven to keep them soft and pliable. Optional final crisping step in skillet enhances texture and melts cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito, cheesy burrito, quick dinner, easy recipe, homemade burrito, Mexican food, weeknight meal