Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe

Few meals are as satisfying as a shredded chicken burrito. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make option. With perfectly seasoned shredded chicken, fresh ingredients, and a warm tortilla, this burrito is sure to become a favorite.

                                             

Ingredients Needed

Let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make the perfect shredded chicken burrito.

Chicken and Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth

Burrito Fillings

• 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup of chopped lettuce
• 1 cup of fresh salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

                                         

Tortillas and Extras

• Large flour tortillas
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with a blend of spices to infuse it with flavor. Here's how:

1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs.

Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Stovetop

Depending on your available time and equipment, you can cook the chicken using one of the following methods:

Shredding the Chicken

Techniques for Shredding

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it. Here are a few methods:

• Using two forks: Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board and use two forks to pull it apart.
• Using a stand mixer: Place the chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low until shredded.
• Using your hands: Simply use your fingers to pull the chicken apart if it's cool enough to handle.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Chicken

• Add a bit of the cooking liquid back into the shredded chicken to keep it moist.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                                                   

Making the Burrito Seasoning

Key Spices and Herbs

To enhance the flavor of your burrito, you'll need a simple seasoning blend:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Mixing the Seasoning Blend

1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices and herbs.
2. Mix well and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Place the seasoned chicken and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Pressure Cooker Instructions

1. Place the seasoned chicken and chicken broth in the pressure cooker.
2. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quickly releasing the remaining pressure.

Stovetop Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
3. Add the chicken broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.

Preparing the Rice

Choosing the Right Rice

• Basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.
• Brown rice for a healthier option.

Cooking and Seasoning the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine rice and water (follow package instructions for ratios).
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Fluff with a fork.
5. Add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime juice, and some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Making the Salsa

Fresh Salsa Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Steps for Preparing Salsa

1. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
2. Season with salt and mix well.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Beans

Types of Beans to Use

• Black beans for a classic touch.
• Pinto beans as an alternative.

Cooking and Seasoning the Beans

1. Heat the beans in a small pot over medium heat.
2. Season with salt, cumin, and a bit of garlic powder.
3. Cook until heated through.

Assembling the Burrito

Layering the Ingredients

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
2. Lay the tortilla flat and start with a layer of rice.
3. Add a portion of beans, followed by the shredded chicken.
4. Top with corn, cheese, lettuce, salsa, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Techniques for Rolling a Burrito

• Fold in the sides of the tortilla first.
• Roll from the bottom up, keeping the fillings tightly packed.
• Use a bit of moisture to seal the edge.

Toasting the Burrito

Benefits of Toasting

Toasting the burrito gives it a nice, crispy exterior and helps to meld the flavors inside.

How to Toast the Burrito Perfectly

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Sides for a Shredded Chicken Burrito

• A side of guacamole and chips.
• Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Presentation Tips

• Serve the burrito cut in half for a beautiful cross-section view.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Customizing Your Burrito

Adding Heat and Flavor Variations

• Include extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Use spicy cheese varieties.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu.
• Use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives.

Additional Toppings and Fillings

• Sautéed bell peppers and onions.
• Pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Proper Storage Techniques

• Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Flavor

• For best results, reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
• Microwave if in a hurry, but it may result in a softer texture.

Conclusion

Creating a shredded chicken burrito at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade burrito that's just as good, if not better, than what you'd get at a restaurant. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and savor the flavors of your homemade burrito.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How can I make the burrito spicier? To increase the heat, add extra jalapeños, use a spicy salsa, or include more hot sauce in your fillings.

What can I substitute for fresh salsa? If you don't have fresh salsa, you can use store-bought salsa, pico de gallo, or even diced tomatoes with a bit of lime juice and salt.

Can I make the burrito ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the burritos in advance. Wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them just before serving.

How do I keep the burrito from getting soggy? Ensure that any wet ingredients (like salsa) are well-drained before adding them to the burrito. Toasting the burrito also helps keep it crispy.