Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos

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Introduction

Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with the creamy richness of avocado and the zesty kick of ranch dressing. Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, these burritos offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleaser for lunch or dinner. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and tangy ranch dressing, creating a mouthwatering bite in every wrap.

These burritos are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. They’re also highly customizable, so you can add extra toppings like cheese, lettuce, or salsa to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping, enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, or packing a lunch, Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos are a versatile and flavorful option that everyone will love.

Perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something hearty and fresh, these burritos are a great way to bring together fresh ingredients in a simple, delicious dish. Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos offer a satisfying combination of protein, healthy fats, and bold flavors that make for a go-to meal.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep for the week
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Avocado lovers and ranch dressing fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos are a must-try:

  • Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy avocado and tangy ranch dressing complement the tender chicken perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
  • Simple and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, these burritos come together with minimal effort.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add other toppings like cheese, lettuce, or tomatoes to fit your preferences.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These burritos can be made ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin C

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Burritos:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that’s easy to cook and provides the perfect base for the burritos.
  • Avocado: Adds a creamy, buttery texture and a dose of healthy fats to the burritos.
  • Ranch Dressing: The creamy, tangy dressing enhances the flavor and binds the ingredients together.
  • Tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas that hold all the delicious fillings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer until it’s in bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Burritos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
  2. Layer the Burritos: On each tortilla, add a portion of shredded chicken, sliced avocado, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and optional toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, or diced tomatoes.
  3. Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to enclose the fillings.

Serve:

  1. Serve Immediately: Cut the burritos in half if desired and serve with extra ranch dressing or salsa on the side for dipping.

Storage:

  1. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven or microwave until warm.

How to Serve

These Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos can be served in many ways:

  • With Chips and Salsa: Serve the burritos with tortilla chips and a side of salsa for a complete meal.
  • With a Side Salad: A light salad with greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with these burritos.
  • With Rice: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice for an even heartier meal.

Additional Tips

  • For Extra Spice: Add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your burritos for an added kick.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts.
  • Grill the Burritos: After assembling, you can grill the burritos in a pan for 2-3 minutes on each side for a crispy texture.
  • For a Healthier Version: Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, or swap ranch dressing for a lighter dressing or Greek yogurt.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: This variation starts with grilled chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Combine it with creamy avocado, ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful burrito. For added heat, include jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • BBQ Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: Grilled or shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, ranch dressing, red onions, and fresh cilantro. You can also add a BBQ ranch dressing for extra flavor and smokiness.
  • Crispy Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: In this version, crispy fried chicken tenders take center stage. Add mashed avocado, ranch dressing, lettuce, and pickled red onions for a crunchy and creamy combination. A drizzle of hot honey can bring a sweet and spicy contrast to the flavors.
  • Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burrito: For a zesty twist, marinate grilled chicken in cilantro and lime. Then, wrap it with creamy avocado, ranch dressing, brown rice, black beans, and corn. For a lighter take, swap the brown rice for cauliflower rice.
  • Tex-Mex Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: Grilled chicken is paired with avocado, ranch dressing, spicy salsa, black beans, and shredded cheese in this Tex-Mex inspired burrito. You can enhance the flavor by adding a layer of guacamole or refried beans.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: Marinate grilled chicken in a soy-sesame sauce for an Asian flavor profile. Combine it with avocado, ranch dressing, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce for a touch of sweetness that contrasts the savory ranch.
  • Mango Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: This refreshing variation uses grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and ranch dressing, paired with a fresh mango salsa and red cabbage. If you like a little spice, add a sprinkle of chili powder to the mango salsa.
  • Greek Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: Bring Mediterranean flavors to your burrito by combining grilled chicken with avocado, ranch dressing, cucumber, feta cheese, red onion, and Kalamata olives. For an even more authentic touch, swap ranch for a creamy tzatziki sauce.
  • Vegan Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: For a plant-based option, use plant-based chicken strips, avocado, vegan ranch dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, and vegan cheese. Add roasted chickpeas or tofu for extra protein and texture.
  • Breakfast Chicken Avocado Ranch Burrito: This morning-inspired burrito combines scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, avocado, ranch dressing, hash browns, and cheddar cheese. For an even heartier breakfast version, you can add crispy bacon or sausage.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: These burritos can be frozen before rolling them up. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat in the microwave or oven.
  • Storage: Leftover burritos can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment

  • Skillet: For cooking the chicken and warming the tortillas.
  • Shredder or Forks: To shred the chicken.
  • Aluminum Foil or Wax Paper: For wrapping the burritos for meal prep or freezing.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?
    Yes! You can use any dressing you like, such as blue cheese, Caesar, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
  2. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
    Absolutely! The burritos will still be delicious without cheese. You can add extra avocado or another filling of your choice.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the burritos?
    Yes! Grilled peppers, onions, or corn would be great additions.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time, then assemble and roll the burritos when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos are the ultimate combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors, making them perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. With tender chicken, smooth avocado, and a tangy ranch dressing, these burritos are packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick dinner or preparing a batch for the week, they’re sure to satisfy.

The beauty of these burritos is their versatility! You can easily add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or salsa to make them just how you like. They’re a great option for customizing and creating the perfect meal for everyone.

I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken and Avocado Ranch Burritos turn out! Be sure to share a photo of your creation on Instagram—I’d love to see how you personalized them! Enjoy!

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