Zesty Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos Recipe for Lunch

Crispy chicken burritos promise a flavor explosion that enhances ordinary meal times into culinary adventures.

Comfort food meets gourmet creativity with these handheld delights packed with hearty ingredients.

Southwestern-inspired recipes like these celebrate bold taste combinations and satisfying textures.

Tender meat wrapped in warm tortillas creates a canvas for delicious possibilities.

Crunchy exterior and soft interior deliver a delightful sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple ingredients merge into a mouthwatering meal that appeals to all ages and appetites.

Homemade cooking doesn’t get easier or more delectable than these flavor-loaded bundles.

Why Crispy Chicken Burritos Are a Weeknight Hero

• Craft Tender, Falling-Apart Chicken: Slowly simmering chicken thighs transforms them into incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat that shreds beautifully and absorbs rich, deep flavors from the sauce.
• Create Customizable Flavor Layers: Mix basmati rice with broth or tomato sauce, add fresh cilantro and lime juice, and blend different beans and cheeses to personalize each burrito according to your taste preferences.
• Master the Crispy Exterior Technique: Using a weighted skillet method produces perfectly golden, crunchy tortilla surfaces that provide delightful textural contrast with the soft, juicy interior fillings, making every bite an exciting culinary experience.

Ingredients That Pack These Burritos with Flavor

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked, perfect for shredding and filling burritos.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Create a flavor base and add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Provide acidity and moisture to the chicken sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Lime: Adds a zesty, tangy note to the rice.

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy and fragrant rice that serves as a hearty base for the burritos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy, rich beans that help bind the burrito filling.
• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap that holds all the ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps melt the ingredients.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and deepens the flavor of the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
• Cooking Oil: Helps with browning and prevents sticking.

• Red Salsa, Green Salsa: Traditional Mexican condiments for added flavor.
• Sour Cream: Creamy topping that adds coolness and richness.

Wrapping and Crisping Your Burritos Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Chicken Base

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Medley

• Onions
• Peppers

Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer Chicken Blend

Return chicken to pot with collected juices. Add chicken stock and simmer on low heat, partially covered, for 45-60 minutes until chicken becomes tender.

Step 4: Cook Flavorful Rice

• Broth
• Water
• Tomato sauce

• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Shred and Season Chicken

Remove chicken from pot, let cool slightly, and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to sauce and coat thoroughly.

Step 6: Warm Refried Beans

Heat beans in a small saucepan. Thin with water or broth if needed. Season to taste.

Step 7: Prepare Tortilla Station

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Warm tortillas using a damp towel to make them flexible.

Step 8: Assemble Burrito Layers

• Refried beans
• Rice
• Shredded chicken
• Shredded cheese

Step 9: Roll Perfect Burritos

Fold tortilla edges diagonally. Roll tightly, tucking sides to secure filling.

Step 10: Crisp and Toast Burritos

• Seam side down
• Weighted with a flat-bottomed pot
• 3-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

• Red salsa
• Green salsa
• Sour cream

Tips to Keep the Outside Crunchy, Inside Juicy

• Master Chicken Browning: Achieve a perfect golden exterior by letting chicken sit undisturbed during initial searing, creating a flavorful caramelized crust.
• Rice Flavor Boost: Swap water with broth or tomato sauce when cooking rice to infuse extra depth and richness into your dish.
• Burrito Rolling Pro: Use diagonal folding technique and compact filling tightly to prevent ingredients from spilling out during cooking.
• Crispy Wrap Secret: Press burritos with a flat-bottomed pot while toasting to create an even, golden-brown surface and maximum crispiness.
• Smart Freezing Hack: Cool burritos completely before wrapping in foil to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture when reheating later.

How to Store and Reheat Burritos Without Sogginess

• Refrigerate: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Reheat Refrigerated Burritos: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore the original crispiness.
• Reheat Frozen Burritos: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using skillet or oven method. If heating directly from frozen, increase oven time to 20-25 minutes.

Great Pairings for Chicken, Rice & Bean Burritos

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a hint of orange liqueur to complement the rich, spicy chicken and crispy burrito texture.
• Serve with Refreshing Cilantro Lime Slaw: Create a light, tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of mayo to balance the hearty burrito flavors.
• Cool Down with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Prepare elote-style corn salad with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to add a vibrant, creamy side that enhances the burrito's robust filling.
• Finish with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, clean beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the richness of the chicken and beans, providing a refreshing contrast.

Chicken Burrito Fillings You’ll Want to Try Next

• Spicy Southwest Burrito Blast: Swap regular refried beans for black beans and add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the chicken mixture for extra heat. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese inside for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Wrap: Replace chicken with ground lamb, swap basmati rice with herbed quinoa, and mix in feta cheese and chopped mint. Use a yogurt-based sauce instead of salsa for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Green Dream Burrito: Substitute chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and add sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Use green enchilada sauce and swap refried beans for creamy black bean puree for a vibrant vegetarian alternative.
• Breakfast Burrito Revolution: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and hash browns. Top with a drizzle of chipotle sauce for a morning-friendly version that packs serious flavor.

Crispy Chicken, Rice, & Bean Burritos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy chicken, rice, & bean burritos deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with golden-brown tortillas packed with savory shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy beans. Signature spices and quick preparation make this meal a delightful choice for hungry diners seeking a satisfying and flavorful dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups chopped)
• 1 poblano pepper, chopped (about 1 cup chopped)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, cored and chopped
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Base and Binding Ingredients:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• ¾ cup basmati rice, cooked according to package instructions (should yield about 2 cups of cooked rice)
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can refried beans
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red or green salsa, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear chicken thighs in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, creating a flavorful exterior. Transfer to a separate bowl.
2. Sauté onions and peppers in the same pan until softened, then incorporate tomatoes and cook until they break down and meld together.
3. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it among the vegetable mixture. Pour in chicken stock and simmer on low heat, partially covered, until meat becomes incredibly tender and nearly falls apart.
4. Prepare basmati rice using broth for enhanced flavor, incorporating cilantro and lime juice after cooking for a bright, fresh profile.
5. While rice and chicken cook, warm refried beans in a separate saucepan, adjusting consistency with water or broth if needed.
6. Preheat oven to 300°F and warm tortillas draped with a damp towel to ensure flexibility.
7. Assemble burritos by layering refried beans, rice, shredded chicken, and cheese onto tortillas, leaving space at the edges for rolling.
8. Roll burritos tightly, folding edges inward to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
9. Toast assembled burritos in a skillet, pressing down with a flat-bottomed pot to achieve maximum crispiness on both sides.
10. Transfer crispy burritos to the oven to maintain warmth while preparing remaining rolls.
11. Serve immediately with complementary salsas and sour cream, allowing leftover burritos to cool completely before wrapping for freezing.

Notes

• Prep the chicken ahead of time by browning and slow-cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and deep flavor infusion.
• Use basmati rice and customize its flavor by substituting water with broth or tomato sauce for added complexity.
• Warm tortillas in the oven with a damp towel to make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
• Create a tight seal when rolling burritos by folding edges diagonally and compressing filling to prevent spillage during cooking.
• Press burritos with a weighted pot while toasting to achieve an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful crunch.
• Freeze leftover burritos by cooling completely and wrapping individually in foil for quick future meals that taste just as delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg