Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and a flavor-packed punch, you’ll adore this Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe. It’s everything you want in comfort food wrapped up in a warm, satisfying tortilla—crispy chicken strips, tender bell peppers sautéed to perfection, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheddar cheese all come together in harmony. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive lunch, this recipe will soon become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe is straightforward, fresh, and essential to creating those layers of flavor and texture that make each bite such a delight. From the crispy coating on the chicken to the colorful bell peppers and the creamy ranch, each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect burrito.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips: Provides tender, juicy protein that crisps up beautifully.
- 2 eggs, whisked: Acts as the perfect glue to hold the breadcrumb coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken that irresistible extra crunch every time.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a gorgeous smoky depth to the breading mix.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory aroma and a subtle garlic kick.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances all the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Brings a mild heat to the seasoning mix.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips: Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- 4 flour tortillas, warmed: Soft envelope to wrap all those delicious fillings.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and frying): Necessary for cooking the chicken and peppers to golden perfection.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy finish that takes the burritos to the next level.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a rich, cheesy layer.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips so they cook quickly and evenly. Whisk your eggs in one bowl to create a smooth egg wash. In a second bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. This sets the stage for that wonderful crispy texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Fry your breaded chicken strips until they turn golden brown on every side and are cooked through—usually about four minutes per side. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps soak up any excess oil, keeping the chicken crispy rather than greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Bell Peppers
Sauté thinly sliced bell peppers in a little olive oil until they are tender-crisp. This usually takes about three to four minutes. This quick cooking process locks in their natural sweetness and offers just the right amount of crunch, which is a perfect counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Before you start, make sure your flour tortillas are warmed on a skillet or in the microwave—this makes them pliable and easy to roll. Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Layer on the crispy chicken strips and the sautéed bell peppers. Now fold in the edges and roll the burrito tightly, ensuring everything is snug and ready to eat.
Step 5: Optional – Crisp the Burritos
If you’re looking for that ultimate crunch on the outside, lightly brush your assembled burritos with olive oil and pan-fry them for one to two minutes on each side. This extra step sears the tortillas, transforming your burritos into crispy, golden delights that are absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your burritos, fresh garnishes can truly make a difference. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream can add creamy richness, balancing out the crispy chicken and tangy ranch perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a serving of Mexican street corn for a festive touch. Crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole also make for a crunchy, satisfying accompaniment that will round out your meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just add some flair to your dinner table, slice the burritos diagonally to reveal the colorful filling—this makes them easier to eat and visually inviting. You can also serve them in individual foil wraps to keep them warm and add a casual, picnic-inspired vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos are a dream to have on hand. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the chicken crispy enough and the bell peppers fresh, so you can enjoy the flavors again without any hassle.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these burritos. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for meal prepping or busy days when you want a quick, delicious meal.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or frozen burritos, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to help regain that crispy exterior. Alternatively, unwrap and microwave for a minute or two, then quickly pan-fry to restore texture. Avoid microwaving alone as it tends to make the tortillas a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While breast strips are ideal for a lean and easy-to-bread option, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and slightly more flavorful alternative. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading. This way, you still get all the textures and flavors without the gluten.
Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time before frying?
Definitely! You can assemble the burritos fully but skip the final frying step. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat, then pan-fry just before serving to keep the outside crispy.
What other vegetables can I add to the burritos?
Bell peppers are fantastic, but feel free to add sautéed onions, corn, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and variety. Just make sure to cook them well so they are tender and blend nicely with the other ingredients.
How spicy are these burritos?
This particular Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe leans toward mild and savory, with no added spicy ingredients. However, if you love heat, adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the breading can spice things up deliciously.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe captures the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and vibrant with each bite. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement to your plate without complicated steps. I truly hope you give it a try and make it a part of your favorite meals—the smiles and full bellies will be worth every minute in the kitchen!
Print
Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos combine tender, golden-fried chicken strips with sautéed bell peppers, creamy ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfectly crispy outside with a flavorful and satisfying filling, these burritos make a quick and delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
Other
- 4 flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and frying)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. In one bowl, whisk the eggs to create an egg wash. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Fry the coated chicken strips for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Sauté the Bell Peppers: Slice the bell peppers into thin strips. In the same or a clean skillet, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the bell peppers over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, preserving their natural sweetness and crunch.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on each tortilla. Then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, add crispy chicken strips, and sautéed bell peppers. Roll the tortillas tightly, folding in the edges to secure all the fillings.
- Optional – Crisp the Burritos: For an extra crispy exterior, lightly brush the outside of the assembled burritos with olive oil. Pan-fry them in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a crunchier texture for the chicken strips.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with a spicy mayo or chipotle sauce for additional flavor variety.
- To make it lower fat, bake the breaded chicken strips instead of frying them, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Ensure the tortillas are warmed to prevent cracking when rolling the burritos.
- The optional pan-frying step for crisping is great for added texture but can be skipped for a softer burrito.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
