Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe
If you are searching for a vibrant and satisfying meal that combines creamy, tangy, and savory elements effortlessly, look no further than this Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender, spiced chicken paired with the smoothness of ripe avocado and the cool, herbaceous ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla with a fresh squeeze of lime. This recipe delivers both comfort and a bright, refreshing finish, making it an instant favorite for lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe are deceptively simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor layers, textures, and colors that make this dish so inviting and exciting to eat.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, perfect for marinating with spices and cooking to juicy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken while adding subtle richness during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky spice that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings a deep, earthy aroma that complements the other seasonings beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic note without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Offers sweetness and mild pungency, rounding out the seasoning mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a zesty punch that freshens up the savory chicken perfectly.
- 4 large flour tortillas (or whole wheat tortillas): The soft, warm wrapper that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 1 large avocado, sliced: Creamy texture and subtle flavor that mellows the spice.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade): The cool, tangy element that makes this dish irresistibly flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese): Melty and rich, tying all the components together.
- Lime wedges (for serving): The final touch of citrus that brightens each bite just before eating.
How to Make Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously coat them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures every bite of chicken is bursting with bold, comforting flavors.
Step 2: Add the Lime Juice
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the seasoned chicken. The lime juice not only adds a bright tang but also helps to tenderize the meat slightly, elevating the overall taste profile of your burrito filling.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes afterward so the juices can redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
To make your tortillas flexible and pleasant to wrap, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft and pliable. This quick step prevents cracking when rolling your burritos.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Place each warm tortilla on a flat surface and spread a generous layer of ranch dressing down the center. Next, layer the sliced chicken, creamy avocado slices, shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. This layering strategy ensures each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Wrap It Up
Fold in the sides of the tortilla snugly and then roll tightly from the bottom up, keeping all the delicious filling enclosed. A good wrap holds the ingredients together so you can enjoy every mouthful without spills.
Step 7: Serve with Lime Wedges
Serve your Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating adds a vibrant citrus finish that complements the rich and creamy fillings beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of herbal freshness. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can boost the flavor profile if you like a little extra heat or smokiness.
Side Dishes
Pair this burrito with light, complementary sides like a crisp corn salad, black beans seasoned with a hint of cumin, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These simple sides enhance the meal without competing with the burritos’ star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the burritos into bite-size pinwheels and serve as finger food at a party. Alternatively, you can grill the assembled burritos lightly to get a toasty, crispy exterior that adds another delightful texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover burritos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze burritos for longer storage by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, they freeze well for up to 1 month without significant loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave them covered for 1-2 minutes until heated through. To avoid sogginess, you might want to crisp the tortilla briefly in a skillet after microwaving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, seasoned tofu, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version of the Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe.
Is ranch dressing necessary?
While ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor that elevates the burritos, you can swap it out for sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a cilantro-lime sauce if you prefer.
What tortillas work best?
Large flour tortillas are ideal for wrapping because of their softness and size, but whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas also work well depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Certainly! Precooked grilled or rotisserie chicken can speed up the assembly process, just be sure to season and reheat it gently before filling your burritos.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the seasoning to make it hotter or milder to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying? The Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe is such a delightful dish to make anytime you crave a bit of Tex-Mex magic with a creamy, zesty twist. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you may just find your new favorite go-to burrito that’s perfect for casual meals and impressively simple entertaining alike!
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Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos with Lime Wedges Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos are a delicious and quick meal featuring tender, seasoned grilled chicken combined with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and served with zesty lime wedges for a perfect citrus finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Burrito Fillings and Extras
- 4 large flour tortillas (or whole wheat tortillas)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil and season all sides with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a balanced and flavorful base.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the seasoned chicken to enhance the flavor with a tangy citrus note.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the hot surface and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips, ideal for burrito filling.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds or microwave for 10-15 seconds until they are warm and pliable, making them easier to roll.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each warm tortilla flat and spread 1-2 tablespoons of ranch dressing in the center of each. Then layer with sliced chicken, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Wrap the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla to enclose the fillings, then roll it tightly from one end to the other to form a secure burrito that holds all ingredients inside.
- Serve: Plate the burritos and serve with fresh lime wedges on the side to add a bright, fresh citrus kick when desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative.
- Homemade ranch dressing works well for a fresher taste, but store-bought is convenient.
- Adjust the seasoning amounts to suit your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as sour cream or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
