Ultimate Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe: Flavor-Packed & Easy!

Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than the chicken fajita burrito! This recipe combines the classic taste of chicken fajitas with the convenience and portability of a burrito, making it the perfect lunch, dinner, or even on-the-go snack. This recipe walks you through every step, ensuring a perfect burrito every time.

## Why This Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe is a Winner

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of seasoned chicken, vibrant vegetables, and your favorite toppings creates an irresistible taste experience.
* **Easy to Customize:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. Want it spicier? Throw in some jalapeños! Need a vegetarian option? Use black beans instead of chicken.
* **Quick and Convenient:** This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you prep the ingredients in advance. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a batch of these burritos on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully!
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone loves a good burrito, and this chicken fajita version is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken Fajitas:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see recipe below)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Burrito Assembly:

* 6-8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
* 1 cup cooked rice (Spanish rice or plain white rice work well)
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
* 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
* Guacamole (optional, for serving)
* Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
* Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

### Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Mixing bowl (for homemade seasoning, if using)
* Aluminum foil (for wrapping burritos, optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with the fajita seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. If using store-bought seasoning, adjust the amounts to your preference.

### Step 2: Cook the Fajitas

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or fajita seasoning to your preference.
5. Remove the chicken fajita mixture from the skillet and set aside.

### Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. There are several ways to warm them:

* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until pliable.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

### Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

1. Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice in the center of the tortilla, leaving about 2 inches of space around the edges.
3. Top the rice with a generous portion of the chicken fajita mixture.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Add a spoonful of salsa on top of the cheese.
6. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
7. To fold the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then fold the bottom edge up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll the burrito forward, keeping the filling secure.

### Step 5: Serve or Store

1. Serve the chicken fajita burritos immediately. If desired, you can grill or pan-fry the burritos for a few minutes per side to crisp up the tortilla.
2. Serve with guacamole, hot sauce, and lime wedges, if desired.
3. To store the burritos, wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken fajita mixture for extra heat.
* **Add beans:** Black beans or pinto beans are a great addition to the burritos for added protein and fiber.
* **Use different vegetables:** Try adding other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to the fajita mixture.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with black beans, tofu, or vegetarian meat substitutes.
* **Add avocado:** Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy and healthy element to the burritos.
* **Make a burrito bowl:** If you prefer, skip the tortilla and create a burrito bowl by layering the rice, chicken fajita mixture, cheese, salsa, and other toppings in a bowl.
* **Grill the burritos:** After assembling the burritos, grill them for a few minutes per side to create a crispy and slightly charred exterior. This adds a delicious smoky flavor.
* **Add a sauce:** Consider adding a creamy cilantro-lime sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce to enhance the flavor of the burritos.
* **Cheese Choices:** Experiment with different cheese blends! Pepper jack adds a kick, while queso quesadilla melts beautifully.
* **Rice Variety:** Instead of plain white rice, consider using brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, or Mexican rice for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Prep Ahead Power:** The chicken fajita mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes assembling the burritos even quicker!
* **Freezing for Later:** These burritos freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the urge to overfill the burritos. This will make them difficult to roll and they may burst open during cooking.
* **Seal the Deal:** If you’re having trouble getting the burrito to stay closed, you can brush the edge of the tortilla with a little water before folding it over. This will help it to seal.
* **Press it Down:** After rolling the burrito, gently press it down to compact the filling. This will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from unraveling.

## Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Optional)

This guacamole recipe perfectly complements the chicken fajita burritos. Its fresh and vibrant flavors enhance the overall taste experience.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 ripe avocados
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
2. Mash the avocados with a fork until you reach your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
3. Add the red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl.
4. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for tanginess or salt for flavor.
6. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning) and refrigerate for up to 1-2 hours.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per Burrito)

* Calories: 500-700
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 50-70g

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

The chicken fajita burrito is a fantastic meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its customizable ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a flavor-packed chicken fajita burrito that will leave you wanting more!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fajita Burritos! Feel free to share your creations and variations in the comments below!