Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

Section: Quick and Satisfying Lunch Ideas

This burrito blends smoky chipotle sauce with creamy ranch to create a bold, balanced flavor alongside tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled until golden and crispy, it offers a satisfying handheld meal perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners. The crunchy tortilla strips add texture contrast, making each bite enjoyable for all ages. Simple to prepare, this dish is a versatile, crowd-pleasing option inspired by Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:54:29 GMT
A Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito with lettuce and tomatoes. Bookmark
A Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito with lettuce and tomatoes. | imaninthekitchen.com

This Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito blends grilled chicken with shredded cheddar, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips all wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla. Coated with creamy ranch and smoky chipotle sauce, it’s grilled until golden and crispy. Ideal for a quick meal rich in flavor, this burrito is a hit with kids and adults alike and perfect for casual dinners or meals on the move.

I first made this after a long day when I needed something fast and tasty. My husband asked if I had picked it up from a restaurant and now it is in our regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas: choose soft, fresh tortillas for easy folding and a chewy texture
  • Iceberg lettuce: adds refreshing crunch and coolness to balance the warm fillings
  • Diced tomatoes: fresh and juicy to brighten every bite
  • Grilled chicken breast strips: pick well seasoned store bought or grill your own for smoky depth
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and gives a sharp creamy flavor
  • Crunchy tortilla strips: provide texture contrast and a satisfying crunch
  • Ranch dressing: brings creaminess and tang that pairs beautifully with smoky chipotle
  • Creamy chipotle sauce: delivers bold smoky heat and rich flavor

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:
Wash the lettuce thoroughly and chop it finely. Dice the tomatoes evenly so each bite has a fresh burst. Grate the cheddar cheese and arrange all ingredients neatly on your workspace for smooth assembly.
Layer the Filling:
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Begin layering with shredded cheese first to help it melt while grilling. Add the grilled chicken strips over the cheese, then spread a generous amount of creamy chipotle sauce followed by ranch dressing. Top with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and finish with crunchy tortilla strips for texture.
Wrap the Burrito:
Fold the tortilla sides inward carefully to contain the filling. Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly without tearing it, keeping the ingredients snug inside to prevent spills during grilling.
Grill the Burrito:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam side down first to seal it closed. Cook each side until it turns golden and develops a slightly crispy crust. Use tongs to turn the burrito gently, ensuring even grilling without squeezing out the filling.
Serve:
Enjoy the burrito warm as soon as it comes off the skillet. Slice it in half for easier handling if desired.
A burrito with chicken and lettuce.
A burrito with chicken and lettuce. | imaninthekitchen.com

The creamy chipotle sauce is my favorite ingredient because it adds the perfect smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors. I remember the first time I made this burrito for a family picnic and everyone kept coming back for seconds.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and keep in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, use a skillet to preserve the crispy exterior or microwave if you need speed. Avoid freezing after grilling since the lettuce and tortilla strips will lose their crunch and become soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap shredded cheddar for pepper jack if you want a bit more heat. Rotisserie chicken makes a great shortcut without sacrificing flavor. If you don’t have tortilla strips, crushed corn chips work well for that crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the meal. Add a side of guacamole or fresh salsa for dipping. Pickled jalapenos offer a nice spicy kick if you want to turn up the heat.

A Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito with lettuce and tomatoes.
A Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito with lettuce and tomatoes. | imaninthekitchen.com

Enjoy the burrito warm for the best texture. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that works great for weeknight dinners.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use different cheese for this burrito?

Yes, cheddar can be swapped with Mexican blend or Colby Jack for a similar melt and flavor.

→ How do I keep the burrito from falling apart when grilling?

Tuck in the sides tightly before rolling and use tongs to press gently while grilling to seal it closed.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate burritos, then grill just before serving to keep them crisp and warm.

→ What can I use instead of tortilla strips?

Crushed tortilla chips work well as an alternative for added crunch inside the burrito.

→ Is the chipotle sauce spicy?

It offers a mild smoky heat but can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.

Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

Grilled chicken and cheddar with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Lunch Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: Tex-Mex

Portions: 4 Serves (4 burritos)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Tortillas

01 4 large soft flour tortillas

→ Produce

02 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
03 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes

→ Protein

04 450 grams grilled chicken breast strips, seasoned

→ Dairy

05 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Crunchy Elements

06 1/2 cup crunchy tortilla strips

→ Sauces and Dressings

07 1/3 cup creamy ranch dressing
08 1/4 cup smoky chipotle sauce

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Wash and shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and shred the cheddar cheese. Arrange all ingredients for assembly.

Step 02

Lay a flour tortilla flat. Layer shredded cheddar, grilled chicken strips, chipotle sauce, ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and tortilla strips evenly.

Step 03

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom, securing all fillings inside.

Step 04

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down first to seal, then grill on all sides until golden brown and slightly crisp, turning gently with tongs.

Step 05

Serve the burrito warm as is or sliced in half for easier handling. Best enjoyed fresh from the skillet.

Additional Notes

  1. Avoid overfilling the tortilla to prevent tearing during grilling.
  2. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crisp texture.
  3. Substitute tortilla strips with crushed corn chips for a crunchy alternative.

Must-Have Tools

  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Knife

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 35 g