Craving a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make shredded chicken burrito? Look no further! This recipe will guide you through creating a culinary masterpiece that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. We'll cover everything from perfectly seasoned chicken to the ideal burrito assembly, ensuring your creation is bursting with flavor and texture.
Why This Recipe Rocks
This shredded chicken burrito recipe isn't just another online find; it's designed to be your go-to. We've focused on creating a balanced flavor profile that avoids being too spicy or bland, catering to a wide range of palates. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, even for beginner cooks, and the recipe is easily adaptable to your preferred ingredients and spice levels.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Shredded Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Burritos:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large flour tortillas
- Your favorite burrito toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Shredded Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it with two forks.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combining the Filling:
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Assembling the Burritos:
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions (microwave, oven, or skillet).
- Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling, and finally roll tightly from the bottom up.
5. Serving Your Masterpiece:
- Serve the burritos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their ease of shredding, you can use thighs or a combination of breast and thigh meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, or incorporate a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the filling. Jalapeños or other chili peppers can also boost the heat.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are all great additions to the filling.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the burritos just before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also assemble them ahead and reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave.
What kind of tortillas are best?
Large flour tortillas are ideal for holding the generous filling, but you can also use corn tortillas if preferred.
This recipe is your starting point for burrito bliss. Don't be afraid to customize it to your taste and preferences! Enjoy!
