The Burrito
A burrito is a beloved dish from Mexican cuisine characterized by its versatility and flavorful fillings. Typically, a burrito consists of a large flour tortilla filled with various ingredients and then rolled into a cylindrical shape.
The tortilla acts as a wrapper, holding together the delicious contents, making it a convenient and portable meal. While burritos can be filled with various ingredients, such as beans, rice, cheese, vegetables, and meats, one popular variation is the chicken burrito.
To make a chicken burrito, begin by preparing the chicken filling. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a mix of spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken in a skillet until fully cooked, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until tender and fragrant. Add the shredded chicken back to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables and a generous splash of lime juice for a zesty kick that will excite your taste buds.
Next, warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and start layering with the chicken mixture, cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheese, and a dollop of salsa or guacamole. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly from one end to the other. Your homemade chicken burrito is ready to be enjoyed, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Chicken Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 10 inch flour tortillas
- chopped lettuce optional
- salsa optional
- sour cream optional
- chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked rice and black beans to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet, for about 20-30 seconds.
- To assemble the burritos, lay a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla, leaving a little room around the edges. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortilla up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go, to create a burrito.
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and place the burritos on the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden and crispy.
- Serve the burritos with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Classic Side Dishes That Pair Well With Burritos
Burritos are often served with various sides and toppings that complement the dish’s flavors. Some common sides and toppings that are served with burritos include:
| Side Dish | Description | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Rice | Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices for a savory flavor. | Balances the burrito with a mildly spiced grain side and adds heartiness. |
| Refried Beans | Creamy mashed beans, seasoned with garlic and spices. | Provides richness and protein, complementing the chicken filling. |
| Elote (Mexican Street Corn) | Grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. | Adds smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors that cut through the burrito’s heaviness. |
| Guacamole & Chips | Creamy avocado dip with lime, cilantro, and jalapeño served with crispy tortilla chips. | Offers freshness and crunch while balancing spice with creaminess. |
| Pico de Gallo | A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. | Adds brightness, acidity, and crunch to contrast the burrito’s richness. |
| Grilled Vegetables | Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini charred with olive oil and spices. | Lightens the meal and introduces smoky, slightly sweet flavors. |
| Mexican Slaw | Crisp cabbage slaw tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and chili. | Provides crunch and a refreshing tang to cut through the burrito. |
| Black Bean Salad | Black beans mixed with corn, peppers, onions, and lime dressing. | Packs protein, fiber, and zest for a healthy, colorful side. |
Burrito History
The history of the burrito is as rich and layered as the dish itself. The term “burrito” translates to “little donkey” in Spanish, though the exact reason for this name is unclear. One theory suggests that burritos were named for resembling rolled packs or bedrolls often carried by donkeys.
The burrito’s origins are believed to date back to Mexican cuisine, with various regions claiming to be its birthplace. One popular story traces the burrito’s origins to the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) when a vendor named Juan Méndez in Ciudad Juárez used to wrap his food in large flour tortillas to keep it warm. This made it easy to transport his donkey, and the convenience of this portable meal led to its widespread popularity.
Another theory suggests that the burrito has roots in northern Mexico, particularly in Chihuahua, where wheat flour tortillas are more common than corn. The use of wheat flour tortillas in northern Mexican cuisine paved the way for the development of the burrito, with its filling of meat, beans, and other ingredients.
The burrito crossed the border into the United States and gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in border states like Texas and California. In the 1930s, the first known mention of a burrito on a menu in the U.S. appeared at the El Cholo Spanish Café in Los Angeles. Since then, the burrito has evolved, with numerous regional variations and innovations, from the Mission-style burritos of San Francisco, characterized by their large size and diverse fillings, to breakfast burritos and other creative adaptations.
Today, the burrito is a staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, enjoyed worldwide for its versatility and delicious flavors.
What Is a Chicken Burrito?
A chicken burrito typically includes a tortilla filled with shredded or diced chicken, along with various other ingredients such as rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and toppings. The tortilla is typically wrapped around the filling to create a handheld meal that can be eaten on the go. Burritos can be enjoyed hot or cold and can vary in spiciness and flavor depending on the ingredients used.
One Response
I made this recipe tonight, and it was wonderful! My 13 year old son said it was worth the wait, and he was starving. Thanks!
Hi Carla, glad to hear you and your son enjoyed the meal. – RG