Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Best Copycat

The quest for replicating fast-food favorites at home can be tasty and fun, especially when it comes to popular items like Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.

Versatile, packed with protein, and totally customizable, burritos offer a meal-in-one that’s as perfect for a quick lunch as it is for a substantial dinner.

My love for this spicy, tangy, and smoky number led me to experiment with finding the right mix of ingredients and perfecting the cooking process to create an homage to this much-loved Taco Bell classic.

At the heart of this recipe is the grilled chicken, lightly charred and basted in a zesty chipotle ranch sauce that’s actually surprisingly simple to whip up.

I find that meal prep is a breeze with this recipe; cooking the chicken in advance and storing it alongside pre-chopped veggies makes for quick assembly.

When it comes to tortillas, choosing the right kind is key—they need to be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart, yet soft enough to achieve that perfect golden-brown toast upon grilling.

And, if you’re like me and always cook too much, these burritos hold up beautifully as leftovers, ideal for the next day’s lunch or a late-night snack.

Key Takeaways

• Replicating Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home is simple and fun.
• The recipe focuses on high-quality protein and customizable ingredients for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers from this burrito are just as delicious when prepped and stored properly.

Ingredients List

For my Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, inspired by the Taco Bell recipe, I gather the following ingredients to capture that perfect blend of zesty, creamy, and savory flavors:

Protein:

• Grilled chicken: I usually opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts, marinated in a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. The chicken is then grilled to perfection for that smoky taste.

Veggies

• Avocado or guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole add richness and flavor.
• Lettuce: Fresh, shredded lettuce adds a nice crunch.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are essential for that fresh burst of flavor.
• Onions: Gives a sharp, sweet tang to the burrito.
• Corn and cilantro: For an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Cheeses and Dairy:

• Cheddar cheese: I love the sharpness of shredded cheddar but sometimes also mix in Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese for variety.
• Ranch dressing: The creamy ranch blends beautifully with the spices for that cool, tangy taste.

Sauces and Extras:

• Chipotle peppers and adobo sauce: These are key for the signature smoky, spicy flavor in the chipotle sauce.
• Flour tortillas: Large and pliable, these are the canvas for my burrito.
• Fiesta strips: For that little extra crunch, these seasoned rice tortilla strips do the trick.
• Rice: Adds a filling texture and slight crunch. Soaks up flavors nicely!
• Black beans: These are a great source of protein and fiber, and I make sure they’re cooked and seasoned well.
• Sour cream: A little bit of sour cream can enhance the creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
• Pico de gallo or salsa: Nothing says fresh like a spoonful of homemade pico de gallo.

Preparation Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • I marinate the chicken in a zesty creamy chipotle sauce to infuse it with flavor. Then, I grill the chicken, let it rest, and slice or shred it.
   • Then, I chop tomatoes and lettuce for freshness, and shred some cheese—preferably a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that golden brown meltiness when grilled.
2. Assembly:
   • I lay a large flour tortilla flat and spread the center with a line of the creamy chipotle sauce for that signature Taco Bell zing.
   • Next, I add the chicken, followed by black beans, the veggies, and a generous sprinkle of cheese and a spoonful of sour cream. For a crunchy texture, I toss in some rice and tortilla strips.
   • It’s important not to overload the tortilla to ensure a tight wrap.
3. Grilling The Tortilla:
   • Folding the tortilla sides in, I roll it tightly and grill on a preheated skillet, aiming for a delectable golden brown surface.

This burrito is not just easy to make, but it’s truly a satisfying meal.

For those opting for a gluten-free version, using a corn tortilla is a great alternative.

I usually allow about 15 minutes for prep time and 15 minutes for cook time—it’s that quick and simple!

If I’m in a rush, I might use the microwave to warm the tortillas, but a skillet or grill is best for achieving that desired crispness.

Cooking Process

Mixing Ingredients

I like to season my skinless chicken breasts with a blend of spices that give them that signature Taco Bell flavor.

This includes ingredients like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

For the chipotle ranch sauce, combining 1-2 smoky chipotles in adobo sauce, peeled and seeded, with creamy ranch dressing creates a rich and tangy flavor that will be spread on the tortillas.

Getting the toppings ready is my next step; I shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and grate the cheese so that they’re ready to layer on.

Grilling Techniques

When it comes to grilling the chicken, I heat my skillet over medium-high heat to ensure that each piece gets cooked evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F—safety first!

I grill the chicken until it’s golden brown, which typically takes about 4-6 minutes per side.

It’s the same process I use whether I’m cooking on an outdoor grill or a stovetop skillet.

Once the chicken is ready, I let it rest, slice it, and load it into the tortilla with all of my yummy toppings. I lightly toast the large flour tortillas in the skillet for that slight crispiness and warmth that make a burrito so much better.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you’ll find answers to common questions about the Taco Bell Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito.

What ingredients are included in the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco Bell?

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito typically contains grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

How many calories are in the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito has a calorie count that varies depending on the size and any additional toppings you may choose. For the most accurate calorie information, it’s best to consult Taco Bell’s official nutritional information or contact your local restaurant.

Can you provide the nutritional information for the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?

Taco Bell provides the nutritional information for their menu items, including the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. This includes details on calories, fat content, carbohydrates, and more.

What are the protein contents in a Taco Bell Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito?

The protein content for the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito can be found on Taco Bell’s nutritional information page. Since the burrito includes chicken, it’s a good source of protein.

Why was the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito removed from Taco Bell’s menu?

Taco Bell often rotates its menu items to introduce new flavors and options. The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was removed as a part of this process. This is typical for many fast-food establishments.

How can I make a healthier version of the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito at home?

To make a healthier version of the burrito at home, consider using whole wheat tortillas, leaner cuts of chicken, and light or reduced-fat cheeses.

You can also add more vegetables and opt for homemade sauces to better control the overall calorie and fat content.