The Ultimate Taco Bell Copycat Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe
Craving that iconic taste of a Taco Bell burrito but prefer the comfort and customization of a homemade meal? Look no further! This **Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito** is a sensational copycat recipe that brings the beloved flavors right into your kitchen. Imagine a warm, toasted flour tortilla generously stuffed with tender grilled chicken, satisfyingly crunchy tortilla strips, crisp lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, a melty blend of cheese, and the irresistible creamy duo of chipotle and ranch sauces. It’s a flavor explosion that perfectly mimics the original, making it an instant family favorite.
This recipe is designed for both speed and flavor, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for convenience. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or when those Taco Bell cravings hit hard. Kids and adults alike will delight in these hearty, flavor-packed burritos, appreciating the warmth of the tortilla and the exciting blend of textures and spices within. Get ready to ditch the drive-thru and savor a homemade version that might just become your new go-to Mexican-inspired meal!
I have always had a soft spot for grilled stuffed burritos. There’s a special magic in the combination of a perfectly toasted tortilla and rich, creamy southwest sauces that truly elevates a simple burrito into something extraordinary. This particular recipe draws inspiration from a current favorite on the Taco Bell menu, allowing you to recreate that fantastic experience at home.
Using convenient pre-cooked and ready-to-use chicken strips means these burritos can come together in mere minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick dinner. However, if you’re feeling ambitious and have the time, preparing homemade flour tortillas and grilling your own chicken from scratch will undoubtedly take these burritos to an even higher level of deliciousness. Either way, the results are incredibly satisfying.
Why Make Your Own Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?
While Taco Bell offers a convenient and tasty option, the desire for it often strikes more frequently than an outing allows. Making this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home from scratch offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it’s often more cost-effective than buying multiple burritos from a fast-food chain. Secondly, you have complete control over the quality and freshness of your ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more wholesome meal. You can adjust the amount of each filling to your preference, from extra cheese to more spicy chipotle sauce, making it truly your own.
I personally like to keep a stash of the Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce on hand, which you can often find in the Mexican food aisle at stores like Walmart, alongside avocado ranch. For the ranch component, I typically use plain ranch dressing, and honestly, the flavor difference is minimal – it’s still incredibly tasty! This homemade version is so flavorful and satisfying that it has become a highly requested recipe among my friends and family, leading to this very blog post. If you’re a fan of American Mexican cuisine, this is a supremely delicious treat that appeals to both children and adults, making it perfect for any family meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Burrito
Crafting this Taco Bell Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home is surprisingly simple, especially when you leverage store-bought conveniences like pre-grilled chicken and ready-made flour tortillas. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, which come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Grilled Chicken: For ultimate ease, pick up pre-cooked grilled chicken breast strips from your local grocery store’s poultry or deli section. If you prefer to make it from scratch, boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with your favorite Mexican spices (like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder) and grilled or pan-fried will yield an even fresher taste. Chicken is a versatile and quick-cooking protein that forms the hearty core of this burrito.
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce: This is a key player in achieving that signature Taco Bell flavor. You can find the bottled Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce at most grocery stores. It offers a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy kick from chipotle peppers. Remember, a little goes a long way – typically, one squirt across the burrito is enough to impart fantastic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients or making it overly spicy for those sensitive to heat.
- Avocado Ranch Sauce: While Taco Bell uses an avocado ranch, plain ranch dressing works perfectly fine and still tastes amazing. If you want to replicate the avocado flavor or add extra nutrition, simply dice fresh avocados and include them in your burrito fillings. This provides a rich, creamy contrast to the chipotle.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the classic choice, offering a sharp and satisfying melt. Feel free to experiment with a Colby and Monterey Jack blend, or any Mexican cheese blend you prefer. The goal is a good melting cheese that adds a rich, savory dimension.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Taco Bell traditionally uses crisp iceberg lettuce for its refreshing crunch. However, if you prefer, chopped romaine or green leaf lettuce can be substituted for similar texture and a slightly different flavor. Ensure it’s finely shredded for easy eating.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a burst of fresh, juicy flavor. Roma or paste tomatoes are excellent choices as they tend to have less pulp and fewer seeds, reducing excess moisture in your burrito.
- Fiesta Strips: These crunchy, often red-colored tortilla strips provide that essential textural contrast. If you can’t find specific “Fiesta strips,” tri-colored tortilla chips or even plain crushed corn chips will deliver that satisfying crunch that makes these burritos so enjoyable.
- Flour Tortillas: The foundation of your burrito! Opt for 10-inch flour tortillas or even larger. Smaller tortillas can be challenging to wrap, leading to spillage and potential tearing when filled generously. Warming them slightly before assembly makes them much more pliable.
Creative Add-ons and Customizations:
Feel free to get creative with your burritos! Additional ingredients can elevate the flavor and texture even further. Consider adding black beans for extra protein and fiber, sweet corn for a touch of sweetness, thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for more heat, crispy potatoes for a hearty bite, seasoned rice for a fuller meal, a dollop of sour cream for cooling creaminess, or a drizzle of creamy jalapeño sauce for an extra layer of zesty spice.
How To Assemble and Grill Your Copycat Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito
The magic of this Taco Bell copycat is not just in the ingredients, but also in the method. Grilling the burrito after assembly gives it that signature toasted exterior and helps meld all the delicious flavors together. Before you begin assembling, ensure your cooking surface is ready:
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Start by preheating a griddle or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. A well-heated surface is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness. To give your burritos a head start and make the tortillas more pliable, you can microwave each tortilla with its fillings for about 30 seconds before rolling. This warms the ingredients and ensures easier folding.
- Prepare All Ingredients: Organization is key! Chop your lettuce into fine shreds, dice your tomatoes evenly, shred the cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, and lay out all your sauces, chicken, and tortilla strips. Having everything ready in an assembly line will make the wrapping process smooth and efficient.
- Layer the Fillings: Take one large flour tortilla and begin layering your ingredients. Start with a generous sprinkle of cheese, followed by the grilled chicken, then a squirt of chipotle sauce and ranch dressing. Add your diced tomatoes, a handful of crisp lettuce, and finally, the crunchy tortilla strips. Be mindful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make rolling difficult.
- Master the Roll: To create a perfectly sealed burrito, first fold in the two opposite sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla upwards, tucking in the fillings as you go. The cheese sprinkled near the edges can act as a natural “glue” when it melts, helping to seal the burrito.
- Grill to Perfection: Place your tightly rolled burrito seam-side down onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Grill on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crispy texture. The grilling not only toasts the tortilla but also warms the fillings through and melts the cheese into a gooey perfection.
- Serve Immediately: Once grilled, serve your Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito warm and enjoy!
Can You Freeze Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burritos?
Freezing burritos can be a fantastic meal prep strategy, but it’s important to be selective with your fillings. For these specific Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos, I would generally advise against freezing them with all the fresh ingredients, as lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and tortilla chips tend to become soggy and lose their appealing texture upon thawing and reheating. The fresh components contribute significantly to the burrito’s overall enjoyment, and freezing compromises that.
However, if you wish to prepare a freezer-friendly version, you can certainly do so by omitting the more delicate ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and tortilla strips. Instead, focus on fillings that freeze well, such as grilled chicken, cheese, and sauces. You could also include ingredients like black beans or seasoned rice, which hold up beautifully in the freezer. Simply wrap these modified burritos tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on a skillet until warm and crispy, or bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, still wrapped in foil, for about 30 minutes. You can then add fresh toppings after reheating.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Burritos
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s just as delicious as leftovers. I often like to assemble and grill all the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos at once. Any leftover burritos store exceptionally well in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or place them snugly in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
For making ahead, ensure all your ingredients are thawed and prepped, allowing for quick and easy assembly when you’re ready. Leftover burritos reheat quickly and conveniently in the microwave, and they still taste great. However, if you want to revive that delightful crispiness and golden-brown exterior, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Arrange the burritos in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and crispy on the outside. This method brings them back to life, almost as good as fresh!
Perfect Pairings: What To Serve with Chicken Burritos
These Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burritos are incredibly satisfying on their own, making them a fantastic choice for a simple lunch or dinner. But if you’re looking to round out the meal with some extra sides or planning to entertain guests, here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside:
- Salsa and Chips: A classic pairing! Serve your burritos with a fresh, vibrant homemade salsa and a bowl of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
- Guacamole: A dollop of creamy guacamole makes an excellent additional topping for these burritos, adding richness and a burst of fresh avocado flavor.
- Refried Beans and Seasoned Rice: For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, serve the burritos with a side of warm refried beans and fluffy seasoned rice.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo or Jalapeño Relish: Bright and tangy pico de gallo or a zesty jalapeño relish can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the burrito.
More Taco Bell Copycat Recipes To Make at Home
If you love recreating your favorite fast-food dishes, especially from Taco Bell, then you’ll enjoy these other fantastic copycat recipes:
- Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
- Taco Bell Grilled Stuffed Burrito (Copycat)
- Cheesy Potato Griller Taco Bell Copycat Recipe
- Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes (Copycat Recipe)
- Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
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Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Burritos:
- Cheese Selection: Don’t feel limited to just cheddar. A Mexican blend or Colby Jack cheese works beautifully in quesadillas and burritos. These blends melt wonderfully and offer a mild, pleasing flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- The Cheese “Glue” Trick: For a more secure roll, sprinkle some of your shredded cheese around the outer edges of the flour tortilla before adding other fillings. As the burrito toasts on the skillet, this cheese will melt and act as a natural adhesive, helping to seal the burrito tightly and prevent fillings from escaping.
- Healthier Twist: To make your burritos a bit healthier, opt for whole wheat flour tortillas. They offer a good source of fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor that pairs well with the robust fillings.
- Homemade Chipotle Ranch: If you can’t find the bottled Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce or simply prefer to make your own, it’s easy! Simply mix your favorite ranch dressing with a spoonful or two of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adjusting to your preferred level of smokiness and heat.
- Warm Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas slightly before assembling. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking or tearing, ensuring a neatly wrapped burrito.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, overfilling can make rolling difficult and lead to a messy burrito. Aim for a balanced amount of each ingredient so you can tuck and roll securely.
- Even Toasting: When grilling, use kitchen tongs to carefully rotate the burrito, ensuring all sides get evenly golden and crispy. This creates a satisfying texture in every bite.
More Delicious Burrito-Inspired Recipes:
If you’re looking for variations or alternatives, especially for gluten-free options, skip the tortillas entirely and create delicious burrito bowls! Simply use all the wonderful toppings and fillings from these burrito recipes and serve them over a bed of rice or with chopped lettuce for a complete, flavorful meal. You can also explore our taco salad or other burrito bowl recipes for inspiration.
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Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Burrito Copycat Recipe
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Taco Bell Grilled Stuffed Burrito (Copycat)
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Easy Burrito Bowl
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Beef Enchilada Recipe
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Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Equipment
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1 non-stick skillet (11 or 12-inch, or a griddle for multiple burritos)
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1 kitchen tongs (essential for flipping and toasting burritos evenly)
Ingredients
For 8 Delicious Burritos:
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8 large 10-inch flour tortillas
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1/2 head iceberg lettuce (finely shredded, about 4 cups)
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1 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (from about 1 large beefsteak tomato or 2 Roma tomatoes)
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16 oz pre-cooked grilled chicken breast strips (can be lightly seasoned and warmed)
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16 oz shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend like Colby Jack)
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3 oz crunchy tortilla strips (or lightly crushed corn tortilla chips)
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1/2 cup ranch dressing (can use avocado ranch if desired)
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1/2 cup Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce (or homemade chipotle ranch blend)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Directions:
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Prepare All Ingredients: Grate the cheese, finely chop the iceberg lettuce, and dice the tomatoes. Arrange all your prepared ingredients in an organized assembly line for efficiency. Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. -
Assemble Your Burrito: On a large flour tortilla, begin layering. Start with approximately 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, followed by 1/2 cup of grilled chicken strips. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce and 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing. Add 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce, 2 tablespoons of diced tomatoes, and finally, 1/3 cup of crunchy tortilla strips. Be careful not to overfill. -
Roll Your Burrito: Fold in the two opposite sides of the tortilla over the fillings. Then, tightly roll the burrito from the bottom edge upwards, ensuring all fillings are tucked in securely. -
Grill to Golden Perfection: Place the rolled burrito, seam-side down, onto the preheated skillet. Grill on all sides over medium heat until it’s beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step melts the cheese and brings all the flavors together. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell experience!
Nutrition per serving