This Chicken Avocado Burrito is a tasty wrap filled with juicy chicken, fresh avocado, and all your favorite toppings. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and easy to make!
I love how quick it is to whip up, and you can customize it with salsa, cheese, or anything your heart desires. It’s like a party in a tortilla! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas make great burritos, but you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas as healthier options. If gluten-free is a must for you, look for gluten-free tortillas available at stores.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Avocado: A good ripe avocado is key for creaminess. If avocados are hard to find, try using guacamole as a quick substitute. Just check its ingredients to avoid added sugars.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro really adds flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work instead, although it’ll change the taste a bit.
Sour Cream: Dairy-free options like coconut yogurt or cashew cream can substitute for sour cream. They give a nice creamy texture without the dairy!
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly for the Burrito?
Cooking the chicken so it’s juicy and tender can be a challenge. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with evenly sized chicken strips to ensure they cook thoroughly and uniformly.
- Season your chicken well before cooking. Letting it sit with spices for a few minutes enhances the flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear, which locks in moisture. Aim for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside, it’s ready. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Letting it rest for a few minutes off the heat ensures the juices redistribute, making the chicken even juicier!
How to Make a Delicious Chicken Avocado Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burrito:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Avocado Burrito takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick meal, you can have a delicious burrito ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this blend until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they are browned and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare the Avocado Mixture:
In a small bowl, mash the diced avocado with the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to maintain some chunky texture for extra flavor and freshness.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Give the tortillas a quick warm-up either in a dry pan over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until flexible. This will make them easier to roll without tearing.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Lay each tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of sour cream over it. Next, add a layer of shredded lettuce or greens on top of the sour cream.
6. Add Chicken and Avocado:
Place the cooked chicken strips on the lettuce, then spoon the avocado mixture over the top. If you want, sprinkle a bit more chopped cilantro for extra freshness!
7. Roll Your Burrito:
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, securing all the delicious fillings inside.
8. Grill (Optional):
If you like a crispy exterior, lightly grill the burrito in a pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side to seal it and give it a nice golden texture.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the burrito in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your Chicken Avocado Burrito packed with flavors and freshness!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here. Just shred or slice it, and mix it with the spices or skip that step if it’s already seasoned. Heat it through in the skillet before assembling your burrito!
How Do I Store Leftover Burritos?
Wrap any leftover burritos in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or place in a skillet to warm up while getting a bit crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for grilled vegetables, black beans, or tofu to create a delicious vegetarian version. Just season them similarly and follow the same assembly steps!
How Can I Make These Spicier?
If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the avocado mixture. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken for extra heat!