Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos Taco Bell Copycat Recipe

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco Bell has captured the hearts (and appetites) of fast food lovers everywhere. This recipe brings all the flavors of the famous burrito into your kitchen, so you can enjoy a homemade version whenever you like. Whether you want to recreate the original or add your own twist, this guide will take you through the process, from choosing the right ingredients to assembling the perfect burrito. So, let’s dive in and make a burrito that’s sure to satisfy!

Introduction to the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito

If you’ve ever grabbed a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco Bell, you know just how delicious and satisfying it can be. The blend of grilled chicken, spicy chipotle ranch sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped up in a warm tortilla is nothing short of perfection. But what if you could make it at home? Lucky for you, recreating this Taco Bell classic isn’t as hard as you might think.

Why Recreate It at Home?

There are a few great reasons to make your own version of this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. First off, you get to control every ingredient. That means you can make the burrito just the way you like it, whether that’s extra spicy, super cheesy, or packed with more veggies. You also don’t have to worry about preservatives or mystery ingredients – just fresh, delicious food!

Another advantage is cost. Making burritos at home is way more affordable than picking one up at Taco Bell, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. Plus, the chances of leftovers mean you get to enjoy your burrito again later. How cool is that?

The Joy of Homemade Burritos

There’s something satisfying about making a meal from scratch. Not only do you get to enjoy a tasty burrito, but you can also customize it to your heart’s content. Want to add extra guacamole or skip the cheese? Go for it! It’s all about making the burrito your way, with the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for one or a group, a homemade burrito is sure to be a hit.

As we move through this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make this copycat recipe at home, step by step. From choosing the right ingredients to perfecting your grilling technique, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Essential Ingredients for Your Burrito

Making the best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Proteins: Grilled Chicken

The star of this burrito is grilled chicken. You want chicken that’s flavorful and tender. Marinating the chicken before grilling it helps lock in the flavors. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into strips for easy wrapping.

Alternative proteins:

• Ground turkey
• Beef
• Tofu for a vegetarian version
• Meatless crumbles

You can swap out the chicken for any protein you like!

Tortillas

You’ll need large flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, making them perfect for wrapping your fillings. If you prefer, you can also use whole wheat or flavored tortillas.

Vegetables and Fillings

For a fresh, flavorful burrito, add some vegetables. Here are some popular choices:

• Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce works best. It adds crunch and freshness.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give the burrito a juicy, tangy taste.
• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess and richness.
• Black beans: These add protein and fiber, making your burrito more filling.
• Corn: Sweet corn adds a nice pop of flavor and color.
• Bell peppers and onions: These add some crunch and a slight sweetness when grilled.

Cheese and Dairy

A mix of shredded cheese is ideal. Mexican blend cheese is a great choice, but cheddar or Monterey Jack works too. For a creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.

Chipotle Ranch Sauce

The key to this burrito is the chipotle ranch sauce. You can make your own at home with just a few ingredients:

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Ranch dressing mix or homemade ranch seasoning

This sauce adds spice and creaminess to the burrito.

Preparation and Assembly

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get started on making the burrito. Here’s how to prepare and assemble it step by step.

Grilling the Chicken

First, marinate your chicken. This gives it flavor and keeps it juicy. You can use a simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and your favorite spices. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.

Once the chicken is marinated, grill it. If you don’t have a grill, you can cook it in a pan or on a grill pan. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through. Slice the chicken into thin strips for easy wrapping.

Prepare the Fillings and Sauces

While the chicken is grilling, prepare your fillings. Wash and chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies. Slice your avocado and set it aside.

Next, make your chipotle ranch sauce. Mix mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ranch dressing mix. Stir well until the sauce is smooth. Taste it and add more chipotle if you want it spicier.

Assembling the Burrito

Now it’s time to put everything together. Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start by adding the grilled chicken in the center. Then, layer the vegetables, beans, corn, and cheese on top.

Drizzle the chipotle ranch sauce over the fillings. Don’t add too much, or it might spill out when you roll it.

To roll the burrito, fold in the sides and then roll it tightly from one end to the other. Make sure everything is secure inside.

Cooking and Serving

After you’ve assembled your burrito, it’s time to cook and serve it. Here’s how to finish it off.

Toasting the Burrito

To make your burrito crispy on the outside, you can toast it. Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Then, flip it over and cook the other side. This step makes the burrito extra tasty and crunchy.

If you prefer, you can also bake the burrito in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will also make the outside crispy.

Serving the Burrito

Once your burrito is toasted, it’s ready to serve. You can cut it in half or leave it whole. To go with your burrito, serve some sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: A side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice complements the burrito well.
• Beans: Black beans or refried beans are great choices.
• Salad: A fresh salad with a light dressing can balance the richness of the burrito.
• Chips: Crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole make a fun side dish.

For drinks, try serving a cold soda, iced tea, or even a margarita if you’re in the mood for something special.

Variations and Customizations

Now that you know how to make the basic burrito, let’s talk about how to make it your own. There are many ways to change up the recipe to fit your tastes.

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you like your burrito extra spicy, you can add more heat. Try adding:

• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, they’ll give the burrito a nice kick.
• Hot sauce: Drizzle some spicy sauce on top for more flavor.
• Chipotle peppers: Blend more chipotle peppers into the ranch sauce for extra spice.

If you prefer a milder burrito, you can skip the hot ingredients or use less of them.

Dietary Modifications

You can also adjust the recipe for different diets.

• Gluten-free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and sour cream, or skip the dairy altogether.

These small changes let you enjoy the burrito no matter your diet.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to add even more flavor? Try these ideas:

• Roasted vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a smoky taste.
• Different cheeses: Mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor.
• Herbs and spices: Add cilantro, cumin, or chili powder to the chicken or sauces for extra flavor.

These options will take your burrito to the next level.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your burritos.

Storing Leftovers

To store your burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge. They’ll last for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating Burritos

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:

• In the microwave: Unwrap the burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method works well but may make the tortilla soft.
• In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the burrito in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes. This will keep the outside crispy.
• On the stove: Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the burrito in the pan and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until it’s warm and crispy.

Reheating is easy, and your burrito will taste almost as good as when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people have about making Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos.

Can I prepare the burritos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the burritos and store them in the fridge before you eat. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just reheat them when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos?

Yes, you can freeze the burritos. Wrap them well in foil or plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat.

How can I make a healthier version of this burrito?

To make a healthier burrito, you can:

• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
• Add more veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Skip the cheese or use a lower-fat cheese.

These simple changes will make your burrito lighter without losing flavor.

What can I use as a substitute for chipotle ranch dressing?

If you don’t have chipotle ranch dressing, you can make a simple substitute by mixing ranch dressing with a little bit of hot sauce or salsa. You can also try avocado ranch for a different twist.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can! Try using ground beef, turkey, or even grilled steak. If you want a vegetarian option, use tofu, tempeh, or extra beans as the protein.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to make your very own Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home! With the right ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this Taco Bell favorite whenever you like.

Recap of the Recipe

To make the perfect burrito, start by grilling your chicken and preparing your fillings. Add cheese, veggies, and chipotle ranch sauce. Then, wrap it all up in a warm tortilla and toast it for a crispy finish.

Encouragement to Experiment

Feel free to play around with the ingredients. Add extra spice, try different fillings, or even switch up the protein. This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this burrito at home is fun and easy. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a group, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Print