Hearty, homemade chicken burritos with seasoned roast chicken, beans, rice, and guacamole—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Lazy day cooking at its best! These chicken burritos are packed with flavour—seasoned roast chicken, spiced beans, creamy guac, and all the toppings you love. A crispy, golden finish makes them irresistible! Who’s ready to roll? ✨ #HomemadeBurritos #LazyDayMeals #TexMexMagic
Burritos are the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a tortilla—simple, flavourful, and endlessly customizable. While we often rely on local Mexican restaurants for this beloved meal (sadly, no Chipotle here in New Zealand!), a recent trip to the US inspired me to give homemade burritos a go. Pair that inspiration with some leftover Costco roast chicken, and voilà: a lazy-day dinner that hits all the right notes.
A Bit of Burrito History
The word “burrito” translates to “little donkey” in Spanish, likely referring to the way the tortilla wraps around the fillings, much like a pack mule’s load. Originally a simple fare of beans, meat, and chilies in a flour tortilla, burritos gained popularity in northern Mexico before making their way to the United States in the early 20th century.
Tex-Mex cuisine took burritos to the next level, introducing new ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Over time, burritos became a global phenomenon, with regional variations popping up everywhere (think teriyaki chicken, beef tapa and kimchi in Asia).
But today, we’re keeping things classic with a homemade version that’s hearty, flavourful, and easy to make.
Why Homemade Burritos Are Worth It
Making burritos at home might sound ambitious, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers. This recipe uses shredded roast chicken as the star ingredient, complemented by seasoned red beans, fluffy white rice, and all the classic toppings.
The best part? You control the ingredients. Want it extra spicy? Add more cayenne. Prefer black beans over red? Go for it. Homemade burritos are all about making the dish your own.
A Lazy-Day Meal That Satisfies
I won’t lie—this recipe was born out of convenience. After a Costco run left us with extra roast chicken, I decided to turn it into something more exciting. With a few pantry staples and some quick assembly, these burritos came together beautifully.
The seasoned chicken, spiced beans, and creamy guacamole create a medley of flavours that’s nothing short of addictive. Toasting the burritos in a sandwich press adds a golden, crispy finish that takes them over the top.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these burritos are guaranteed to please.
Tips for Perfect Burritos
Warm Your Tortillas: Heating the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents tearing as you wrap.
Customize Your Fillings: Swap out the chicken for beef, pork, egg, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the fillings, but too much can make rolling and eating messy.
Toast for Texture: A quick press on a hot pan seals the burrito and adds a delightful crunch.
1/4cupchicken drippings (or chicken stock if not available)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika powder
Other Fillings
2cups cooked white rice
1cupguacamole
2cups shredded cheese
1/2 head small lettuce, chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
6 large flour tortillas
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the shredded roast chicken to the skillet.
Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried oregano, salt, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Stir to coat the chicken with the seasoning and cook for another 3 minutes until heated through and well combined. You may add a bit of water or chicken stock to add moisture. Remove from heat then set aside.
Heat a small amount of oil in another pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Add the cumin, onion powder, and paprika powder, and stir briefly to combine.
Pour in the chicken drippings (or chicken stock), and let it simmer for a minute.
Add the seasoned red beans and cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat then set aside.
Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are warm and pliable.
Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Place a portion of the seasoned chicken filling in the centre of the tortilla.
Add a good scoop of seasoned red beans, followed by a scoop of cooked rice.
Top with guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling. Roll up the burrito from the bottom,6 tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight, neatly packed roll.
Using a sandwich press or pan, toast both sides of burritos until golden brown.
Serve the burritos immediately while they are warm and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken burritos are the ultimate comfort food, blending bold flavours with the ease of a quick meal. They’re a reminder that even lazy-day cooking can be creative and satisfying.
So, next time you have leftover roast chicken or simply crave something hearty and delicious, give this recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
I’ve only had a burrito a few times in my life – can’t say I’m particularly a fan of it. But your version looks absolutely delicious and mouthwatering – I’d totally have one!
Have never had a burrito :-/ This looks droolworthy.
I’ve only had a burrito a few times in my life – can’t say I’m particularly a fan of it. But your version looks absolutely delicious and mouthwatering – I’d totally have one!