Description
Cheesy ground chicken and rice burritos make for a quick, budget-friendly dinner or meal prep option. They’re easy to assemble, packed with flavor, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for lean chicken)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown), cooled slightly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (or Mexican blend), plus more for extra cheesy pulls
- 1/2 cup salsa (or 1/2 cup diced tomatoes + 2 tbsp diced green chiles)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red/green) optional
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- Optional for serving: sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken (and olive oil if it’s very lean). Cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up, until mostly cooked through.
- Add onion + garlic: Stir in diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the chicken is evenly seasoned.
- Add salsa + veggies: Stir in salsa (and bell pepper if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and looks saucy (not watery).
- Mix in rice + cheese: Turn off the heat. Stir in cooked rice, then fold in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Let filling cool 5 minutes (helps burritos roll tighter).
- Assemble burritos: Warm tortillas 10–15 seconds in the microwave so they’re flexible. Add about 1/2–2/3 cup filling to the center, fold in sides, then roll tightly.
- Toast (optional but so good): Place seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden and sealed.
- Freezer tip: Wrap each burrito in foil or parchment, then store in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave 2–3 minutes (flip halfway), then crisp in a skillet or air fryer if you want.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground chicken reaches 165°F.
- For crispier burritos, toast in a skillet or air fryer after microwaving.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado or pickled jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cheesy ground chicken & rice burritos, ground chicken burritos, chicken and rice burritos, freezer burritos, meal prep burritos, budget friendly dinner