If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’ll love this Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings together tender ground chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. The combination of spices and sautéed vegetables makes every bite mouthwatering, while the ease of preparation means you can enjoy a hearty homemade meal in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, these burritos hit all the right notes in taste, texture, and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring the Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe to life. Each component plays a key role, from the savory ground chicken to the bright bell pepper and smooth melted cheeses that make the burritos so irresistibly gooey and full of flavor.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: This adds a healthy fat base that helps brown the chicken and soften the veggies perfectly.
- Ground Chicken: A lean protein that cooks quickly and carries the seasoning beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to every bite.
- White Onion: Lends a mild sharpness and depth that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Jalapeño Pepper (optional): Gives a subtle kick of heat if you like a little spice in your burritos.
- Garlic Powder: Brings warm, aromatic notes that enhance the savory profile.
- Chili Powder: Introduces a smoky touch and tandems perfectly with cumin.
- Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: Elevates and harmonizes all other flavors.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a distinct earthiness that’s iconic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Cooked Rice: Fills out the burrito and helps meld the texture of the filling.
- Salsa Verde or Favorite Salsa: Infuses the mixture with bright tang and a hint of acidity.
- Chipotle Sauce: Gives a smoky, spicy depth that makes the burrito unforgettable.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly and offers a sharp, tangy richness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese helps create that perfect gooey texture.
- Extra Large Flour Tortillas: The ideal soft, pliable wraps that hold all the delicious filling securely.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies
Start by heating the avocado or olive 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. A pinch of salt helps bring out the natural flavors while the mix cooks for about 7 to 8 minutes. Breaking up the chicken with a spatula as it cooks ensures every piece gets that lovely golden brown crust and the veggies become tender.
Step 2: Toast the Seasonings
Once the chicken is mostly cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Stir continuously and cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to release the aromatic oils from the spices. This step is crucial because it layers in deep flavors that make the filling irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Rice and Sauces
Next, fold in the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce into the skillet. Mix everything well so the rice absorbs all those spicy, tangy flavors. Turn off the heat and give it a careful taste test — adjusting salt or spice levels if necessary ensures your filling is just right.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay a flour tortilla flat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese in a line down the center. Add a generous 1/2 cup scoop of the warm chicken and rice filling on top of the cheese, then top it with another 1/4 cup of cheese. This layering melts all the cheese beautifully when you roll and toast the burrito later.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly from one end to the other, encasing all of the filling snugly. This technique helps keep every bite neat, flavorful, and mess-free.
Step 6: Toast the Burritos
Place the rolled burrito seam side down in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toast until the bottom turns golden brown, then flip carefully to brown the other side. This gives the tortilla a slight crispness that perfectly contrasts with the creamy, cheesy filling inside.
Step 7: Repeat with Remaining Ingredients
Continue assembling and toasting the rest of the tortillas and filling. This method guarantees every burrito is fresh, hot, and full of that wonderful melty cheese any Tex-Mex lover dreams about.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe right away, paired with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring extra brightness and texture to this dish. Try topping your burritos with sour cream for creaminess, diced tomatoes for juicy bursts, or a dollop of guacamole for silky richness. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime can further elevate flavors, adding an herbal and zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with simple sides like a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn to add freshness. Black beans or refried beans complement the protein nicely, while a side of tortilla chips with salsa gives a fun crunch. These sides balance the cheesy, hearty burritos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your burritos into a burrito bowl by skipping the tortilla and layering the filling over a bed of lettuce or extra rice. You can also slice the burritos into bite-sized pieces to serve as appetizers for parties or game-day snacks. Wrapping them tightly and slicing diagonally makes for an appealing presentation that invites sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, wrap leftover Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days while keeping their flavors intact and the cheese gooeyness ready for round two.
Freezing
If you want to keep these burritos for longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Label and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months. This way, you can have a quick homemade meal on hand anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy refrigerated or frozen burritos, warm them gently to preserve the texture and prevent the cheese from drying out. Use a skillet over medium-low heat, covering the burrito to help melt the cheese evenly. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, rotating frequently. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight for best results before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef work well as substitutes and will give your burritos a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the same great texture.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, using pre-cooked rice actually makes this recipe faster since the chicken and veggies cook fresh while you just stir in the rice toward the end.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground chicken for sautéed beans, tofu crumbles, or roasted vegetables, and add extra cheese or avocado for creaminess and protein.
How spicy is the chipotle sauce in this recipe?
The chipotle sauce adds a smoky, medium level heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit it entirely for a milder version.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas soft during assembly?
Warming the tortillas slightly before filling makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. A quick wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds does the trick!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe has truly become one of my all-time favorite weeknight dishes. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and utterly delicious with its melty cheese, textured filling, and perfect seasoning. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple it is to create your own flavorful homemade burritos that everyone will love!
Print
Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos (Quick & Easy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
These Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos are a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground chicken is sautéed with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and spices, then combined with rice and chipotle sauce for a flavorful filling. Wrapped in large flour tortillas with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, these burritos are toasted to golden perfection, delivering a satisfying blend of gooey cheese and savory chicken in every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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
Cheese & Wrap
- 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, white onion, and optional jalapeño pepper. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking the chicken apart as it cooks until it is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the spices to toast and develop their flavors.
- Add Rice and Sauces: Add the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Turn off the heat and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Place 1/4 cup of shredded cheese down the center. Spoon a heaping 1/2 cup of the chicken and rice filling over the cheese. Sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Fold and Roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla to enclose the filling, then roll it up tightly into a burrito shape, ensuring the filling is secure inside.
- Toast the Burritos: Place the burrito seam side down in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toast until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, then flip and toast the other side until equally golden.
- Repeat: Repeat the assembly and toasting process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all four burritos are prepared.
- Serve: Serve the burritos warm with your choice of sides such as sour cream, additional salsa, guacamole, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For spicier burritos, add additional jalapeño or chipotle sauce to taste.
- Use cooked rice that is cooled or leftover for best texture.
- To make meal prep easier, you can prepare the chicken and rice filling ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Consider using gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
