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Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos Recipe

4.5 from 72 reviews

These Cheesy Ground Chicken and Rice Burritos are a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch. Ground chicken is cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and spices, then combined with rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy filling. Wrapped in extra-large flour tortillas with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, these burritos are toasted to golden perfection for a crispy finish. Serve with your favorite dips or sides for a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 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)

Seasonings

  • 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

Filling and Sauces

  • 1 cup Cooked Rice
  • 1/4 cup Salsa Verde or your favorite salsa
  • 1 tbsp. Chipotle Sauce

Cheese and Wraps

  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 4 Extra Large Flour Tortillas (burrito-sized)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Chicken and Vegetables: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, red bell pepper, white onion, and optional jalapeño. Season lightly with salt. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the chicken into small pieces and stirring frequently, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables have softened.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
  3. Add Filling and Flavor: Mix in the cooked rice, salsa verde, and chipotle sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Remove the skillet from heat.
  4. Build and Toast the Burritos: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spread 1/4 cup shredded cheese down the center. Top with about 1/2 cup of the chicken and rice filling, then sprinkle another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the filling. Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a burrito. Place the burrito seam side down in a nonstick pan over medium heat and toast until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and toast the other sides, pressing lightly, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp.
  5. Serve and Enjoy! Serve these cheesy burritos hot. For extra flavor, enjoy with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa. Alternatively, serve alongside creamy refried beans or crunchy tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Ground Chicken: Can be substituted with ground turkey or lean ground beef for similar taste and texture.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper (green, yellow, or orange) works well as a substitute.
  • Cooked Rice: White or brown rice can be used depending on preference.
  • Salsa Verde: Can be swapped with your favorite red salsa or chopped green chiles for different flavor profiles.
  • Chipotle Sauce: If unavailable, use minced chipotles in adobo sauce to add smoky heat.
  • Shredded Cheddar / Monterey Jack: Other cheeses like Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used.
  • For a milder version: Omit jalapeño and chipotle sauce, and use a mild salsa to reduce spiciness.

Keywords: cheesy chicken burritos, ground chicken recipes, Mexican burritos, easy dinner, rice and chicken burritos