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Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients to create these incredibly flavorful Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect bite, from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the creamy avocado and tangy ranch dressing. For the best results, ensure your ingredients are fresh and ready to go!

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless
• 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for marinating the chicken)
• 4 large burrito-sized tortillas
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• 1 large avocado, perfectly ripe and sliced
• Fresh cilantro for inside the burrito (for assembly, optional but recommended)
• Ranch dressing for each burrito, for drizzling

Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to prepare your delicious Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos. Each stage is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal, making your cooking experience enjoyable and efficient.

1. Prepare the Chicken for Marination

   Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally. This technique creates thinner cutlets, which not only helps the chicken cook more quickly and evenly but also significantly increases the surface area for the marinade to penetrate, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Place the halved chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl or a large, resealable Ziploc bag. Add the taco seasoning, three tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and half a cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly with the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the flavorful marinade. For the best results and deepest flavor infusion, place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this marination step and cook the chicken immediately, though allowing it to marinate will yield a more tender and flavorful result.

2. Cook the Seasoned Chicken

   Heat a large pan or skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. While a grill pan is excellent for achieving beautiful char marks and a subtle smoky flavor, any large frying pan will work perfectly to cook the chicken. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely consumed. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken cutlets. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken rather than sear it. Cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Resting the chicken helps redistribute its juices, ensuring it remains tender and succulent inside your burritos.

3. Assemble and Crisp the Burritos

   Now for the most exciting part: assembling your incredibly delicious burritos! Lay out each large burrito-sized tortilla on a clean surface. Begin by sprinkling a little shredded Monterey Jack cheese onto the center of each tortilla. Next, add a generous portion of the diced seasoned chicken. Follow this with several slices of creamy, ripe avocado and a light sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness. Finally, drizzle your favorite ranch dressing generously over the filling, and add a little more cheese on top for ultimate melty goodness. Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight burrito, ensuring the ends are securely tucked in to keep all the delicious fillings from escaping. To achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and further melt the cheese, place the rolled burritos on a hot, lightly oiled pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. Serve immediately and savor the incredible combination of flavors and textures!

Watch the Recipe Video

Tips for Success & Delicious Variations

Achieving the Perfect Burrito

• Marination is Key: While optional if you’re truly short on time, marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or even overnight) significantly deepens the flavor and tenderness. The lime juice not only adds a bright zest but also acts as a natural tenderizer, making the chicken incredibly juicy.
• Warm Tortillas for Pliability: Gently warming your tortillas before assembling makes them much more pliable and less likely to tear when rolled. You can do this in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side, or briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack your burritos with as much filling as possible, but overfilling makes them difficult to roll and prone to bursting. Aim for a balanced amount of each ingredient to ensure a tidy and delicious wrap.
• Crisp It Up: The final step of browning the burrito in a hot, lightly oiled pan isn’t just for aesthetics; it truly transforms the burrito. It melts the cheese thoroughly and adds a delightful crispy texture to the tortilla, greatly enhancing the overall eating experience.

Creative Variations to Try

• Add Some Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, consider incorporating finely diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the burrito filling.
• Boost with Beans & Rice: Transform these burritos into even heartier, more substantial meals by adding a scoop of cooked black beans, pinto beans, or a spoonful of seasoned Mexican rice. It’s a fantastic way to stretch the meal and introduce more texture and fiber.
• Explore Different Cheeses: Don’t limit yourself to Monterey Jack! Experiment with different cheese blends like a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick, a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, or a creamy Oaxaca cheese for superior melt.
• Veggie Power-Up: Incorporate more vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Wilted spinach, sautéed bell peppers, corn kernels, or even caramelized onions can be fantastic additions.
• Make it a Bowl: If you’re looking to reduce carbs or prefer a gluten-free option, simply serve the delicious chicken, avocado, cheese, and ranch mixture over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or rice for a satisfying “burrito bowl.”
• Alternate Proteins: Not a fan of chicken, or simply want to try something different? This versatile recipe works wonderfully with seasoned ground beef, shredded pork carnitas, or even plant-based protein alternatives like seasoned black beans, grilled halloumi, or firm tofu.

Serving Suggestions

These Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your feast. Consider serving them with:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast.
• Classic refried beans or seasoned black beans for an authentic Mexican touch.
• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a more filling and traditional accompaniment.
• Extra salsa (pico de gallo or a spicy roja) or freshly made guacamole for dipping.
• A sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese or a dollop of cool sour cream on top for added richness.
• Grilled corn on the cob or a vibrant corn salad during warmer months.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

These burritos are a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, which can make your busy weeknights even smoother. You can prepare the seasoned and cooked chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm the chicken, then assemble your burritos with fresh avocado, cilantro, cheese, and ranch dressing, and crisp them up in a pan. Cooked burritos can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results when reheating, warm them in a dry pan until heated through and crispy, or use a microwave if you’re truly in a hurry, though the tortilla may not retain its crispness.

Nutrition

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