If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in the car outside Chipotle or Taco Bell debating whether to indulge again in that crave-worthy grilled chicken burrito, you’re not alone. We’ve all had those “I’m too tired to cook but also too broke for takeout” kind of nights. That’s where this homemade Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito swoops in to save your evening, your budget, and your sanity.
This recipe delivers all the bold, creamy, crunchy goodness of your favorite fast-casual burrito joint—but you get to skip the drive-thru line and keep your yoga pants on. 🙌 Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make and customize, which means your picky eaters, spicy-food-lovers, or avocado-obsessed family members will all be satisfied.
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Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Let’s be real—there’s something magical about a good chicken burrito. The warm tortilla, the melty cheese, that spicy-creamy sauce…it hits every craving in one handheld meal. But here’s why this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is a total game-changer:
- Quick and easy: Whether you use pre-cooked grilled chicken or spice up your own, it comes together fast.
- Customizable: Like it spicy? Toss in jalapeños. Want it extra creamy? Double up on ranch or avocado.
- Crowd-pleasing: Kids, teens, partners—everyone loves a burrito night.
- Cheaper than takeout: Make a whole batch for what you’d pay for one burrito at Chipotle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into your dream burrito:
- Grilled Chicken – Store-bought or homemade, it’s the protein hero.
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce – Found in most grocery stores near the Taco Bell sauces. A little goes a long way!
- Avocado Ranch Sauce – Use ranch dressing as-is or mix in some mashed avocado for extra richness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Or try a Colby-Monterey Jack or Mexican blend—whatever makes your cheese-loving heart happy.
- Iceberg Lettuce – Just like Taco Bell’s, but you can sub in romaine if you’re feeling fancy.
- Tomatoes – Diced Roma or paste tomatoes work best—less mess, more flavor.
- Fiesta Strips – Crunchy, red tortilla chip strips. Or just crumble up some corn chips—zero judgment.
- Flour Tortillas (10-inch or larger) – Bigger is better here to hold in all that deliciousness.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Jalapeños
- Crispy potatoes
- Seasoned rice
- Sour cream
- Creamy jalapeño sauce
Pro tip: Burrito building is like adult arts and crafts. Have fun with it!
How to Make a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Step 1: Prep Your Fillings
Dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and warm up the chicken. If you’re cooking from scratch, season boneless skinless chicken breasts with your favorite spices and grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm each tortilla in a skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This helps them roll without tearing—don’t skip this step unless you enjoy burrito explosions. 🫠
Step 3: Build Your Burrito
Lay out your tortilla and layer on:
- A handful of grilled chicken
- Shredded cheese
- Diced tomatoes and lettuce
- A squirt of chipotle sauce (go easy—it’s got kick!)
- A drizzle of avocado ranch or spoonful of diced avocado
- A sprinkle of fiesta strips for that epic crunch
- Any extras you’re adding (beans, rice, etc.)
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom. Think burrito origami.
Step 5: Optional – Grill It!
For that extra Taco Bell vibe, grill your burrito seam-side down in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. This adds a little crispness and helps seal everything in.
Cooking Tips for Burrito Bliss
- Keep it tight: Overstuffing = disaster. Leave about 1 inch of space around the edges so you can roll without spillage.
- Sauce smartly: Too much sauce will turn your tortilla soggy. A light hand is your friend here.
- Batch it up: You can make a bunch of these burritos, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate or freeze for later. Weeknight dinner = done.
A Little Burrito Backstory
This chicken burrito at Chipotle–inspired recipe came to life during a particularly hectic week when I had zero energy and a fridge full of “ehhh” ingredients. I threw together what I had—some grilled chicken, leftover ranch, and crushed tortilla chips—and suddenly it clicked. My family devoured them, and now it’s a weekly staple. There’s something oddly satisfying about recreating fast-food faves at home, isn’t there?
FAQs About the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Can I substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights and works beautifully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap your burritos in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Is the creamy chipotle sauce super spicy?
It’s got a little kick, but it’s more smoky and tangy than fiery. Start with a small squirt—you can always add more!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas and double-check the labels on your sauces.
What happened to the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?
Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was part of their Cravings Value Menu but disappeared from some locations over time. It tends to rotate on and off the menu depending on promotions and testing. Lucky for us, recreating it at home means never having to say goodbye again!
What was in the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco Bell?
The original version from Taco Bell included grilled chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, avocado ranch, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and those irresistible crunchy fiesta strips—all wrapped in a flour tortilla. Sound familiar? 😉 That’s exactly what inspired this homemade version!
Is the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito healthy?
That depends on how you build it! The homemade version gives you full control over ingredients. Opt for low-fat cheese, light sauces, whole wheat tortillas, and lean grilled chicken to lighten it up. You can even sneak in more veggies (hello, spinach and bell peppers!) if you want a nutrition boost.
What goes in a Cantina Chicken Burrito?
Taco Bell’s Cantina Chicken Burrito usually features marinated grilled chicken, creamy chipotle or avocado ranch sauce, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and lettuce, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a heartier, more “gourmet” twist—but totally DIY-able at home with this same recipe base.
Conclusion
You’ve made it to the end—and now it’s time to make magic in your kitchen. This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito isn’t just a meal—it’s a mood. A vibe. A whole weeknight dinner revolution waiting to happen. So go ahead, grab your favorite tortilla, stuff it to your heart’s content, and enjoy a little fast-food fantasy… without ever leaving the house.
Happy burrito-making, friend 💛
Craving More Chicken Magic?
If you loved this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, here are a few more Chicken Magic favorites to add to your weekly rotation:
- Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to prep ahead—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A lighter, wholesome option packed with flavor and protein.
- Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders – Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside… basically what cheese dreams are made of.
- Pull-Apart Chicken Tacos – A fun twist on taco night that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or picky eaters.
Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
This Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito brings all the bold flavors of your favorite fast-food burrito right into your kitchen. Loaded with juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, crunchy tortilla strips, melty cheese, and topped with creamy chipotle and avocado ranch sauces—this easy dinner is fast, customizable, and family-approved!
Ingredients
2 cups grilled chicken, chopped (store-bought or homemade)
4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup creamy chipotle sauce (like Taco Bell brand)
1/2 cup ranch dressing or avocado ranch
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (or romaine)
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup fiesta strips or crushed tortilla chips
Optional add-ons:
1/2 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup cooked corn
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1 cup cooked seasoned rice
1/2 cup crispy potatoes
Sour cream, to taste
Instructions
Prep the ingredients: Dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and warm the grilled chicken. If using raw chicken breasts, cook with your favorite spices until no longer pink.
Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
Assemble the burritos: On each tortilla, layer grilled chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, a light squirt of chipotle sauce, a drizzle of ranch, and crunchy fiesta strips. Add any optional ingredients if desired.
Wrap it up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom to form a burrito.
Optional – Grill for extra flavor: Place burritos seam-side down in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to crisp up and seal.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overfill your burritos—leave space to roll without tearing.
Use store-bought grilled chicken for quicker prep or make a batch ahead of time.
Adjust spice level by adding more or less chipotle sauce.
These freeze beautifully! Wrap in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Assembled, Grilled (optional)
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 530 Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg