Making a chicken burrito at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a quick weeknight dinner, homemade chicken burritos deliver restaurant-quality flavour without the hassle. At The Burrito Bros, we serve authentic halal chicken burritos across Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke and the GTA, and today we’re sharing what makes a great chicken burrito recipe and how you can recreate similar flavours in your own kitchen.
What Makes a Great Chicken Burrito?
A truly great chicken burrito starts with quality ingredients and proper technique. The tortilla needs to be warm and pliable, the chicken should be seasoned well and tender, and everything should work together in balanced proportions. When you bite into a properly made burrito, you taste each component while experiencing them as one cohesive dish.
The chicken burrito filling is the heart of everything. It needs enough flavour to stand on its own but shouldn’t overpower the other ingredients. At our Etobicoke location, we’ve perfected this balance using halal chicken that’s marinated, cooked perfectly, and seasoned with authentic Mexican spices.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Filling
Your chicken burrito filling starts with protein—chicken breast is the most common choice because it’s lean and takes on flavours beautifully. You’ll also need rice and beans, which provide substance and texture. Black beans work wonderfully, though some people prefer refried beans for their creamy consistency.
Beyond the basics, you need cheese (cheddar cheese or shredded cheddar cheese work great), salsa for moisture and tang, and your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and tomatoes. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect burrito experience.
Choosing Quality Chicken Breast for Your Burrito
When selecting chicken for your burrito, fresh chicken breast gives you the best results. Look for pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Some people use chicken thighs for extra moisture, while others prefer rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut.
If you’re in Toronto or Mississauga looking for halal options, The Burrito Bros uses certified halal chicken in all our Mexican chicken recipes. This means everyone can enjoy authentic flavours without compromising their dietary requirements.
Easy Chicken Burrito Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
This easy chicken burrito recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and makes four generous burritos. It’s a great recipe for beginners because the steps are straightforward and forgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For assembly:
- 4 large flour tortilla wraps
- 2 cups cooked rice (white rice or mexican rice)
- 1 cup black beans (or beans or pinto beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Optional: bell pepper, onions, hot sauce
Make This Recipe in Under 30 Minutes
The beauty of this chicken burrito recipe is how quickly it comes together. While your rice cooks, you prepare the chicken. By the time both are ready, you can assemble and serve. It’s super easy to make even on busy evenings when you need something fast but satisfying.
Start by getting all your ingredients ready—this makes the actual cooking process smooth and stress-free. Cook your rice first since it takes the longest, then move on to the chicken while the rice finishes.
Cooking Easy Chicken for Your Burritos
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Season your chicken breast with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for five minutes. This resting period keeps the juices inside when you shred it. The cook time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken, so use a meat thermometer to be sure.
Preparing Your Chicken Burrito Filling
The filling is where flavour really develops. This step transforms simple ingredients into something delicious and crave able.
How to Cook and Shred Chicken Perfectly
After your chicken rests, it’s time to shred. Use two forks to pull the meat apart, working with the grain. The delicious shredded chicken should be in bite-sized pieces, not too fine but not in large chunks either. If you find it difficult to shred, the chicken might need to rest a bit longer.
Some people prefer diced chicken instead of shredded—both work fine in burritos. Diced chicken gives you distinct pieces in each bite, while pulled chicken distributes more evenly throughout the burrito.
Using Instant Pot for Quick Chicken Preparation
If you have an instant pot, you can cook and shred chicken even faster. Place your chicken breast in the pot with chicken broth and seasoning, pressure cook for 10 minutes, then quick release. The chicken comes out incredibly tender and easy to shred right in the pot.
This method is especially useful when making large batches to freeze for later. The chicken mixture stays moist and flavourful, making it perfect for meal prep.
Adding Salsa and Seasonings to Your Filling
Once your chicken is shredded, return it to the skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken back with a splash of chicken broth and your favorited salsa. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavours meld. This step ensures every piece of chicken is well-seasoned and moist.
Taste and adjust—if you like heat, add hot sauce to taste. If it needs more depth, add a pinch more cumin. The chicken filling should be flavourful enough to carry the burrito but not so intense that it overwhelms the other ingredients.
How to Make Chicken Burritos at Home
Now comes the fun part—assembling your burrito. This is where burritos are easy to make but also where technique matters.
Assembling Your Homemade Chicken Burrito
Warm your flour tortilla in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds. A warm tortilla is essential—cold tortillas crack when you fold them.
Lay your tortilla flat and add ingredients in the centre, leaving about two inches clear on each side. Start with rice and beans as your base, then add the chicken. Top with chicken filling, cheese, salsa, and your other toppings. Don’t overload—too much filling makes the burrito impossible to close properly.
How to Make Burrito Wraps That Don’t Fall Apart
To make the burrito, fold the bottom edge up over the filling, covering it completely. Tuck in both sides tightly, then roll away from you, keeping everything compact. The key is maintaining tension as you roll—loose burritos fall apart.
If your burrito style involves grilling the outside, place the seam side down in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. This creates a crispy exterior and helps seal everything inside. Some prefer to pan fry their burritos for extra texture.
Chicken and Rice: The Perfect Base
The combination of chicken and rice creates the foundation of your burrito. The rice absorbs the juices from the salsa and chicken, while also adding bulk. Whether you use plain white rice, Mexican red rice, or red rice, make sure it’s seasoned well. Unseasoned rice makes the whole burrito bland.
At The Burrito Bros in Mississauga and across the GTA, we use specially seasoned Mexican rice that brings its own flavour while supporting the other ingredients. This attention to every component is what separates good burritos from great ones.
Baked Chicken Burritos: Oven Method
If you’re making multiple burritos or want a hands-off approach, baked chicken burritos are perfect.
How to Make Baked Chicken Burritos
Assemble your burritos as described above, then place them seam-side down in a baking dish. You can wrap each burrito in tin foil if you want them to stay soft, or leave them unwrapped if you prefer a crispier exterior.
Pour burrito sauce or extra salsa over the top, sprinkle with cheese, and cover the dish. This method is excellent for meal prep because you can make several at once.
Oven Temperature and Timing Tips
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes if the burritos are freshly made, or 30-35 minutes if they’ve been refrigerated. The cheese should melt completely and everything should be heated through. If you want the top crispy, remove the cover for the last 5 minutes.
Baked chicken burritos have a different texture than pan-fried or fresh ones—they’re softer and the flavours meld more. Both styles have their fans.
Chicken Burrito Bowls: A Healthier Alternative
Not everyone wants the tortilla, and that’s where chicken burrito bowls shine.
Creating Chicken Burrito Bowls Without Tortillas
Start with rice and beans in a bowl, then layer your chicken, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and any vegetables you like. You get all the flavours of a burrito without the carbs from the tortilla. This makes it easy to make at home for those watching their calorie intake.
The bowl format also lets you control portions of each ingredient better. Want extra salsa? Add it. Need more protein? Double the chicken. The customization is limitless.
Building a Balanced Bowl with Chicken and Rice
A balanced burrito bowl includes protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. Your chicken provides protein, rice gives you energy, black beans add fiber, and guacamole brings healthy fats. Add lettuce and tomatoes for freshness and you have a complete meal.
At our Toronto and Etobicoke locations, chicken burrito bowls have become incredibly popular. They’re lighter than traditional burritos but just as satisfying.
Storage Tips: How to Freeze Burritos and Reheat Chicken Burritos
One of the best things about chicken burrito recipes is how well they work for meal prep.
How to Freeze for Later: Meal Prep Guide
To freeze burritos, wrap each one individually in tin foil or plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Don’t add sour cream or guacamole before freezing—these don’t freeze well and can make your burrito soggy.
When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frozen burritos are perfect for quick lunches or emergency dinners.
Best Ways to Reheat Chicken Burritos
To reheat chicken burritos, you have several options. The microwave is fastest—unwrap the burrito, place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For better texture, reheat in the oven. Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (30-35 if frozen). For the crispiest exterior, unwrap and finish in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
How Long Frozen Burritos Stay Fresh
Properly wrapped burritos stay good in the freezer for up to three months. After that, they’re still safe to eat but quality declines—the rice can get dry and the chicken might lose some flavour. Label your burritos with the date so you know when you made them.
Where to Find Halal Chicken Burritos in Toronto, Mississauga, and GTA
While making chicken burritos at home is rewarding, sometimes you want the convenience of restaurant quality without the work.
The Burrito Bros: Halal Chicken Burritos in Mississauga
The Burrito Bros specializes in halal Mexican recipes made with certified ingredients. Our chicken is marinated, grilled fresh daily, and seasoned with authentic spices. Whether you order a traditional burrito, a bowl, or one of our taco options, you’re getting quality halal food.
We serve locations across Mississauga, making it convenient to grab lunch, dinner, or catering for events. Our chicken burritos have become favourites among families, students, and professionals looking for satisfying, halal-friendly meals.
Finding Quality Halal Mexican Recipes in Toronto and Etobicoke
Beyond Mississauga, we serve Toronto and Etobicoke with the same commitment to quality. Finding halal Mexican food used to be challenging, but we’ve made it our mission to provide authentic flavours that everyone can enjoy.
Our menu goes beyond just burritos—we offer burrito recipes variations, rice and beans combinations, and sides like nacho cheese and cheese sauce for dipping. Everything is prepared fresh and meets strict halal standards.
Recipe FAQs: Common Chicken Burrito Questions
Let’s address some common questions about making chicken burritos.
Can I Shred Chicken Using Different Methods?
Yes! You can shred chicken with forks, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or even use your hands once it’s cool enough. An instant pot makes chicken so tender it practically falls apart. The method matters less than making sure the chicken is cooked properly and still moist.
What’s the Difference Between Burrito Recipes?
Different burrito recipes vary in their seasoning, cooking methods, and ingredient combinations. Some use chicken breast, others prefer thighs. Some recipes include rice, while others skip it. Mexican recipes for burritos often include specific regional seasonings or preparation styles.
The recipe as written here gives you a solid foundation, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce. Prefer it mild? Skip the chili powder or reduce it.
Can I Make This Chicken Burrito Recipe Ahead?
Absolutely. This is a great recipe for meal prep. Cook your chicken, prepare your rice and beans, then store everything separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, warm everything up and assemble fresh burritos. This keeps the tortilla from getting soggy while giving you quick meals throughout the week.
You can also assemble complete burritos and freeze them as discussed earlier. Just remember to add the beans and keep wet ingredients moderate to prevent sogginess.
Whether you’re following this chicken burrito recipe at home or visiting The Burrito Bros in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, or anywhere in the GTA, the key to a great chicken burrito is quality ingredients, proper seasoning, and careful assembly. Making burritos at home gives you control over every ingredient and lets you customize to your exact preferences. And when you want the convenience of restaurant-quality halal chicken burritos without the work, we’re here to serve you with authentic Mexican flavours that respect your dietary needs.