Quick Chicken & Bean Burrito Recipe – Easy Mexican Street Food

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Chicken & Bean Burrito Recipe – Easy Mexican Street Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right spots. And honestly, nothing does it quite like a good burrito. I first made these when I was craving something flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since! This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Quick Chicken & Bean Burrito recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s unbelievably easy to make – seriously, minimal cooking involved! It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the fillings to your heart’s content, making it perfect for using up leftovers or catering to different tastes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a little bit of Mexican street food magic right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious burritos:

• Tortillas
• Refried Beans
• Salsa
• Shredded Lettuce
• Diced Tomatoes
• Sliced Spring Onions
• Sliced Black Olives
• Chopped Bell Pepper
• Chopped Onions
• Shredded Cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tortillas: You can use flour tortillas for a classic, soft burrito. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthier option, and corn tortillas are fantastic if you’re going for a more authentic flavour or need a gluten-free option. I usually go for flour, but my friend swears by corn!
• Salsa: Oh, the salsa possibilities! Pico de gallo is super fresh and vibrant. Salsa roja offers a deeper, roasted flavour. And salsa verde brings a tangy, herbaceous kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Beans: Pinto beans are traditional for refried beans, but black beans work beautifully too. I sometimes even mix them up for a more complex flavour. You can also use homemade or canned refried beans – just make sure they’re nicely seasoned.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s build these burritos!

1. Lightly warm the tortillas on a skillet. This makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking when you fold them. A few seconds per side is all you need.
2. Spread a generous layer of warmed refried beans on half of each tortilla. Don’t skimp on the beans – they’re the heart of the burrito!
3. Add a layer of your favourite salsa over the beans. This is where you can control the spice level, so choose wisely!
4. Now for the protein! Optionally add grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or cooked minced meat. I love using leftover grilled chicken for a super quick meal.
5. Layer on the goodness! Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, spring onions, black olives, bell peppers, onions, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Fold or roll the tortilla tightly and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Warming the tortillas is key. Seriously, don’t skip this step!
• Don’t overfill the burrito, or it will be impossible to fold.
• If you’re using a lot of juicy ingredients, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the burrito to prevent it from getting soggy.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Burrito Adaptation: Skip the cheese and meat, and load up on extra veggies! Black beans are a great protein source for a vegan burrito.
• Gluten-Free Burrito Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Just be extra careful when folding, as they can be a bit more fragile.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beans for an extra kick.

Festival Adaptations

These burritos are amazing for parties and events. You can set up a burrito bar with all the fillings laid out and let everyone customize their own. It’s always a hit!

Serving Suggestions

What goes well with a burrito? So much!

• Guacamole is a must-have, in my opinion.
• Sour cream adds a lovely tang.
• Mexican rice is a classic side dish.
• And don’t forget the chips & dip!

Storage Instructions

Leftover burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make these burritos ahead of time? You can assemble the burritos ahead of time, but I recommend warming them up in the oven or skillet before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
• What’s the best way to warm the tortillas? A dry skillet over medium heat works best. Just a few seconds per side!
• Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Black beans, kidney beans, or even cannellini beans would all be delicious.
• What kind of salsa is best for burritos? It really depends on your preference! Pico de gallo, salsa roja, and salsa verde are all great options.
• Can I freeze leftover burritos? Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.