Quick & Zesty Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe

Smothered Chile chicken burritos pack a seriously delicious punch of southwestern flavor and comfort.

Hearty ingredients come together in a mouthwatering culinary experience that reimagines ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Soft tortillas cradle tender, seasoned chicken infused with robust Chile-based spices and aromatics.

The combination creates a meal that feels both familiar and excitingly fresh.

Layers of melted cheese and rich sauce elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Warm, satisfying, and bursting with complex flavors, these burritos promise to become a fast family favorite.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that turns weeknight cooking into a celebration of bold, zesty goodness.

Chile Chicken Burritos with a Creamy Smother

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty salsa, cumin, and oregano, these burritos deliver a mouthwatering punch of Mexican-inspired taste that dances across your palate.
• Texture Triumph: Crispy golden-brown tortilla exterior meets creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, creating an irresistible contrast of crunch and smoothness.
• Quick Comfort Meal: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, this recipe offers a hassle-free dinner solution that doesn't compromise on homemade deliciousness, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need for This Flavorful Burrito Dish

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the filling, preferably shredded or diced white meat.
• Cheese: Melty binding ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the burrito.

• Tortillas: Large flour tortillas that hold the filling securely, soft and pliable.
• Salsa: Provides moisture and adds zesty flavor to the chicken mixture.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Essential thickening agent for developing sauce consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid depth and savory background to the sauce.

• Cumin, Oregano: Classic Mexican spices that deliver authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and authentic southwestern character to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Contributes creamy texture and tangy undertone to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Light coating for crispy burrito exterior.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp topping for final broiled layer.

• Onions: Provides subtle sharpness and textural contrast in filling.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer for sauce base.

Steps to Roll and Bake Burritos Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Salsa
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions

Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Assemble Burritos

Place a generous portion of chicken mixture in tortilla center. Fold sides inward and roll tightly into burrito shape. Position seam-side down on prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake Golden Burritos

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Chile Sauce

In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook while stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Gradually pour chicken broth while whisking. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Sauce

• Diced green chilies
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Final Broil and Cheese Melt

Remove burritos from oven. Switch oven to high broil. Ladle sauce over each burrito. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate burritos with authentic Mexican rice on the side. Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors!

Tips to Keep Burritos Crisp Yet Saucy

• Wrap Tightly: Roll tortillas snugly to prevent filling from spilling during baking, ensuring a compact and neat burrito.
• Oil for Crispiness: Brush or spray tortillas lightly with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Cheese Selection: Use a melty cheese like monterey jack or a blend for smoother sauce and more robust flavor profiles.
• Temperature Control: Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning; cheese should melt quickly and develop a light golden color.
• Filling Balance: Don't overstuff burritos; use about 1/2 cup of chicken mixture to maintain proper rolling and even cooking.

Storing and Reheating Burritos Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled burritos to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Add extra cheese on top during the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a melty finish.

Side Pairings That Complement Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos

• Spice Up with Refreshing Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas perfectly complement the spicy chile chicken burritos, cutting through the rich flavors with zesty citrus notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Horchata: This sweet rice drink balances the heat from the chile sauce, providing a smooth and refreshing counterpoint to the savory burritos.
• Mexican Beer Pairing Magic: A crisp Corona or Modelo Especial adds a light, hoppy contrast that enhances the dish's robust Mexican-inspired flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Fresh Salsa and Guacamole Side: Serve with homemade salsa fresca and creamy guacamole to add extra layers of freshness and texture that elevate the entire meal experience.

Variations for Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos

• Seafood Fusion Burritos: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp or crab meat, adding a coastal flavor profile with a zesty lime-infused salsa and cilantro.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Wrap: Replace chicken with roasted black beans, sweet corn, and diced bell peppers for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the original spicy essence.
• Spicy Beef Chile Burritos: Substitute chicken with seasoned ground beef, incorporating smoky chipotle peppers and a touch of cayenne for extra heat enthusiasts.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Burrito: Use ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and blend in oregano and mint for a unique cross-cultural culinary experience that reimagines the classic recipe.

Smothered Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired smothered chile chicken burritos deliver spicy comfort with tender chicken nestled in warm tortillas and draped in rich, zesty sauce. Hearty layers of flavor promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 6 large flour tortillas

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter

Spices, Vegetables, and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) salsa
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 ounces (113 grams) diced green chilies, mild
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil, for brushing on burritos
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) all-purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with protective foil or parchment paper.
2. Craft the savory filling by combining shredded chicken, zesty salsa, earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, melty cheese, and diced onions into a harmonious mixture.
3. Spread a generous portion of the chicken blend in the center of each tortilla, carefully folding the sides and rolling into a compact burrito shape.
4. Arrange the burritos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, lightly brushing or spraying with olive oil to encourage a golden exterior.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the burritos transform into crispy, bronzed delights.
6. Simultaneously, construct the luxurious sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, creating a bubbling base.
7. Whisk in flour, stirring continuously for three minutes to develop a rich roux, then introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence.
8. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking smoothly while adding cumin, oregano, and a subtle blend of salt and pepper.
9. Simmer the sauce until it thickens to a velvety consistency, then remove from heat and fold in green chilies, additional cheese, and creamy sour cream.
10. Once baked, transfer the burritos and switch the oven to high broil.
11. Lavish each burrito with a spoonful of the prepared sauce and sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
12. Broil for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden blanket.
13. Serve alongside authentic Mexican rice for a complete, mouth-watering meal.

Notes

• Prep ahead by shredding chicken or using rotisserie for quicker assembly.
• Seal burritos tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Customize heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsa and green chilies.
• Allow sauce to thicken naturally while stirring to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Broiling adds a crispy golden top and melts cheese perfectly for restaurant-style presentation.
• Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy maximum crispiness and melted cheese texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg