If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh ingredients, look no further than Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos. These burritos are perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch, offering a blend of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty ranch dressing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, these burritos come together in no time.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean chicken, avocado, and fresh veggies, these burritos are a nutritious meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or remove ingredients based on your preferences, making it a versatile option for everyone.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy ranch flavor combined with tender chicken and fresh veggies.
Ingredients for Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
For this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast (2 large breasts, cooked and shredded)
- Tortillas (flour or whole wheat, depending on your preference)
- Avocado (1 large, sliced)
- Ranch dressing (1/4 cup, homemade or store-bought)
- Cheese (shredded, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Lettuce (shredded, for crunch and freshness)
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Cilantro (fresh, chopped, optional)
- Lime (for a fresh citrusy kick, optional)
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder to taste.
How to Make Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake them – whichever method you prefer. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder for extra flavor. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the chicken is resting, chop up the fresh ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, slice the avocado, and chop the cilantro. Set everything aside, ready to assemble your burritos.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable. Begin by spreading a generous amount of ranch dressing in the center of each tortilla. Layer the shredded chicken, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle cilantro on top and squeeze a little lime juice over the filling.
Step 4: Roll and Serve
Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inwards and roll it up tightly to form a burrito. Slice the burrito in half if desired, and serve with your favorite side dish or salsa. These chicken avocado ranch burritos are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a side of chips, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Grill It: For a crispy texture, grill the burrito after rolling it up. Just place it on a hot grill for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Health Benefits of Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Here are some benefits of the key ingredients:
- Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken helps build and repair muscles while keeping you full for longer.
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as fiber, potassium, and vitamins.
- Ranch Dressing: While ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor, you can opt for a lighter version or make a homemade ranch dressing using Greek yogurt for added protein.
Why Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to make lunch or dinner ahead of time, chicken avocado ranch burritos are a great option. Simply prepare the chicken and other ingredients in advance, store them separately, and assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat. These burritos can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for a few days. For a quick meal, you can even freeze them and reheat when needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh ingredients, these burritos will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So why wait? Grab your tortillas, and start making these delicious burritos today!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
Serving Tips:
- Serve with Sides: These Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the meal with sides like:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice with a hint of lime and cilantro pairs perfectly with the burrito.
- Chips and Salsa: Fresh tortilla chips with a side of spicy salsa or guacamole add a crunchy contrast to the creamy burrito.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn or Mexican street corn (Elote) brings a sweet and smoky flavor to your meal.
- Add Dips and Sauces: Serve the burritos with additional dipping sauces like:
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, tangy contrast to the ranch dressing inside the burrito.
- Hot Sauce: If you prefer a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the burrito or serve on the side.
- Customize with Toppings: You can get creative with toppings such as:
- Shredded cheese: Add more cheese on top of the burrito before serving for extra flavor.
- Lettuce and Cilantro: For a fresh garnish, sprinkle shredded lettuce or chopped cilantro on top.
- Sliced Jalapeños: If you like heat, freshly sliced jalapeños can be added for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- If you have leftover Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To avoid soggy tortillas, it’s best to separate the filling and tortillas before storing. This keeps the tortillas fresh, and you can assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezing Burritos:
- These burritos freeze well for a longer shelf life. To freeze, tightly wrap each burrito in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag.
- You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply remove the burrito from the freezer and reheat it in the microwave or oven.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: To reheat a refrigerated or frozen burrito, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes (for refrigerated burritos) or 3-4 minutes (for frozen burritos) until hot.
- Oven: Alternatively, you can bake the burrito at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the tortilla is crispy.
- Avocado Considerations: Avocado may brown over time, so it’s best to add avocado just before serving or store it separately to keep it fresh. If you must store the burrito with avocado, try adding a little lemon or lime juice to the avocado to slow the browning process.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos stay fresh and flavorful for longer, while enjoying a delicious meal every time.
1. Can I make Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos ahead of time?
Yes! These burritos can be assembled ahead of time. If you’re planning to meal prep, prepare the chicken and other fillings in advance, but store the tortillas separately to prevent them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just roll up the burritos and enjoy. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
2. Can I make the burritos spicier?
Absolutely! If you like spice, there are a few ways to kick up the heat in your Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos:
- Add sliced jalapeños inside the burrito.
- Use spicy ranch dressing or add a little hot sauce to the filling.
- Top the burrito with sriracha or chili flakes before serving.
3. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for another protein such as ground beef, shredded beef, or turkey. For a vegetarian version, try using black beans, tofu, or grilled vegetables like peppers and zucchini as the main filling.
4. How do I store leftover Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos?
To store leftovers, place the burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or oven. For the best taste, add fresh avocado when serving to prevent browning.
Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
These Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are packed with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a delicious, satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Assembly, Optional Skillet Toasting
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- Burritos
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo for extra flavor
Instructions
- Warm the Tortillas
Heat each tortilla in a large skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or until warm and flexible. - Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well mixed. - Assemble the Burritos
Lay each tortilla flat and add about 1/4 of the chicken mixture to the center of each one. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro, if desired. Add any optional ingredients like black beans, corn, or salsa. - Fold and Roll
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. - Toast the Burritos (Optional)
For a crispy exterior, place each burrito seam-side down in a heated skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. - Serve
Cut in half and serve warm. Enjoy with additional ranch dressing or salsa on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use ranch-flavored seasoning on the chicken before mixing, or swap in a chipotle ranch dressing.
- You can prep the filling ahead of time, but avoid adding the avocado until just before assembling to keep it fresh.
- These burritos can also be frozen for meal prep; simply wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.