Savory Chicken Burritos

savory chicken burritos are packed with flavorful spices and tender meat, making them a perfect meal for any night of the week. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, they’re sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Tips For Better Flavor

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy results.
Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them more flexible.
Add a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavors before serving.

Ingredients 0/8

1 whole chicken 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with habanero peppers (such as RO*TEL® Hot) 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 large onion, diced 3 jalapeno chile peppers, seeded and diced 2 (1 ounce) packets taco seasoning mix, divided 2 tablespoons canola oil, or as needed 1 (15 ounce) package flour tortillas

What Makes This Recipe So Great

Rich in flavor and easy to make. It combines tender chicken, savory spices, and fresh ingredients all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Step 1

Put the chicken, tomatoes with habanero peppers, green bell pepper, onion, jalapenos, and one packet of taco seasoning into a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour and a half, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. You can check with a thermometer—it should read 165°F in the thickest part.

Step 2

Once the chicken is done, take it out and let it cool a bit. Shred the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces and toss the carcass. Pour off about half the cooking liquid from the pot, but keep all the veggies in there. Add the shredded chicken back in along with the second packet of taco seasoning, then let it simmer for another 10 minutes so all the flavors come together.

Step 3

While that’s simmering, heat some canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortillas in batches until they’re as crispy as you like—usually about a minute or two on each side. Finally, spoon the chicken mixture onto the tortillas and serve.

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people cooked this recipe

By David Brown

David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.

Perfect Side Pairings

Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal. You can also add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa to enhance the taste and texture.

Reheating And Storage

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the burritos individually and reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes until fully cooked.

How spicy will this recipe be?

It has a moderate to high heat level due to the habanero tomatoes and jalapenos, but you can reduce spice by using fewer jalapenos or a mild tomato variety.

Can I skip frying the tortillas?

Yes, you can serve the tortillas soft if you prefer, but frying adds a nice crispy texture.

Is there a substitute for canola oil?

You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral cooking oil you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken mixture and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken mixture in advance and reheat it before assembling the burritos.

What can I add to make it more filling?

Add beans, rice, cheese, or avocado to increase the filling and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.