Spice Up Your Morning: A Copycat Chick-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Breakfast Burrito Recipe

Are you a fan of Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken breakfast burrito but don’t always have the time (or the proximity) to grab one? Well, you’re in luck! This copycat recipe will allow you to recreate that delicious, fiery flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping for those busy mornings. Get ready to kickstart your day with a burst of spice and savory goodness!

Why Recreate the Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Breakfast Burrito?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why you should consider making your own version of this breakfast classic. There are several compelling reasons:

* **Convenience:** No need to drive to Chick-fil-A or wait in line. You can have a spicy chicken breakfast burrito ready in minutes, especially if you prep some of the ingredients ahead of time.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own burrito is generally cheaper than buying one, especially if you’re making multiple burritos for the week.
* **Customization:** You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and control the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Healthier Options:** You can opt for leaner chicken, whole-wheat tortillas, and healthier cheese options to make a more nutritious version.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite restaurant meal at home.

What Makes Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Breakfast Burrito So Good?

Before we jump into replicating it, let’s deconstruct what makes this burrito so irresistible. The key elements are:

* **Spicy Chicken:** The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful kick of spice.
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Fluffy and perfectly cooked eggs, providing a creamy texture and essential protein.
* **Cheese:** A blend of melted cheeses that adds richness and a gooey element.
* **Hash Browns:** Crispy and golden hash browns for a satisfying crunch and added heartiness.
* **Jalapeño Cream Cheese:** A creamy, slightly spicy spread that ties all the flavors together.
* **Tortilla:** A warm, soft tortilla that holds everything together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients to make your copycat Chick-fil-A spicy chicken breakfast burrito. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preference and how many burritos you’re making.

**For the Spicy Chicken:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (breasts will be leaner, thighs will be more flavorful)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional, for extra tender chicken)
* 2 tablespoons pickle juice (optional, for flavor)

**For the Scrambled Eggs:**

* 6 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons milk or cream
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Hash Browns:**

* 1 package (20-30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Jalapeño Cream Cheese:**

* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon jalapeño juice from the jar
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

**For the Burrito Assembly:**

* 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your choice
* Optional toppings: salsa, hot sauce, avocado, sour cream

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Medium skillet or frying pan
* Mixing bowls
* Spatula
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Cutting board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making your copycat Chick-fil-A spicy chicken breakfast burrito:

**Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Chicken**

1. **Marinate the Chicken (Optional):** If you have time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in a mixture of buttermilk and pickle juice. This will help tenderize the chicken and add extra flavor. Skip this step if you’re short on time.
2. **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
3. **Season the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
4. **Coat the Chicken:** Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the spice mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Make sure each piece is well-seasoned.
5. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Set Aside:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Scrambled Eggs**

1. **Whisk the Eggs:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. **Cook the Eggs:** Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will continue to cook in the burrito.
3. **Set Aside:** Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.

**Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns**

1. **Cook the Hash Browns:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen shredded hash browns and spread them in an even layer.
2. **Cook Until Golden Brown:** Cook the hash browns, without stirring too much at first, until they are golden brown and crispy on the bottom, about 5-7 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown on the other side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Set Aside:** Remove the hash browns from the skillet and set them aside.

**Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeño Cream Cheese**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, and garlic powder.
2. **Mix Well:** Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

**Step 5: Assemble the Burritos**

1. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until they are pliable. This will prevent them from tearing when you roll them.
2. **Spread the Jalapeño Cream Cheese:** Spread a generous amount of jalapeño cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
3. **Add the Fillings:** Layer the scrambled eggs, spicy chicken, hash browns, and shredded cheese on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas.
4. **Fold the Burritos:** Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom and roll it tightly into a burrito shape.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Optional: Toast the Burritos:** For an extra crispy exterior, you can toast the assembled burritos in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or place them seam-side down in a panini press.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the burritos immediately. You can enjoy them as is or with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, hot sauce, avocado, or sour cream.

Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken marinade and use fewer jalapeños in the cream cheese.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach and add them to the burrito for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Replace the chicken with black beans, seasoned tofu, or plant-based chicken substitutes.
* **Meal Prep:** Prepare the chicken, eggs, hash browns, and cream cheese ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the burritos in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Wrap the assembled burritos tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then microwave or bake until heated through.
* **Add a Sauce:** Consider adding a drizzle of Chick-fil-A sauce (or a copycat version) or your favorite hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
* **Different Protein:** Substitute the chicken with sausage, bacon, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
* **Elevate your Eggs:** For extra creamy eggs, try cooking them sous vide style. They will be perfectly cooked and incredibly tender.
* **Tortilla Type:** Experiment with different types of tortillas. Whole wheat, spinach, or even low-carb tortillas are all great options.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per burrito)

* Calories: 600-800 (depending on ingredients and portion sizes)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

**Disclaimer:** *Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Serving Suggestions

This spicy chicken breakfast burrito is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your breakfast experience:

* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes provides a sweet and healthy contrast to the spicy burrito.
* **Yogurt Parfait:** A yogurt parfait with granola and berries adds a creamy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A cup of hot coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to a breakfast burrito.
* **Fresh Juice:** A glass of fresh orange juice or grapefruit juice provides a boost of vitamin C.
* **Side of Guacamole:** A dollop of guacamole adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.

Conclusion

With this copycat Chick-fil-A spicy chicken breakfast burrito recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying, and customizable breakfast anytime you want. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on a busy morning or a flavorful weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to spice up your morning! Enjoy!