Discover how to recreate Taco Bell’s famous chipotle ranch grilled chicken burrito at home with this foolproof copycat recipe. We’ll guide you through every step—from marinating juicy grilled chicken to layering burrito ingredients—for a meal that rivals the value menu and elevates your Mexican food nights. Whether you’re craving a burrito for lunch or dinner or planning meal prep for the week, read on to learn how to make this burrito truly unforgettable.
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What Makes Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito So Irresistible?
Taco Bell’s signature chipotle ranch grilled chicken burrito is a masterclass in balanced flavors. The smoky heat of chipotle sauce, the cool tang of ranch dressing, and the tender, smoky chicken come together inside a warm flour tortilla that wraps it all up neatly. Even if you normally opt for a chicken enchilada on Taco Bell’s menu, this burrito stands out as the perfect blend of spice and creaminess.
What really sets this copycat burrito apart is the grill-charred flavor on the chicken breasts. Achieving that perfect sear at home transforms ordinary chicken strips into juicy grilled chicken bites worthy of a restaurant. Top it off with crisp lettuce, plump black beans, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
How Do You Grill Juicy Chicken for the Perfect Copycat Burrito?
Mastering the grill is key to a stellar grilled chicken burrito recipe. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes so the spices penetrate the meat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring grill grates are clean and lightly oiled.
Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures safety while keeping the meat moist. After cooking, let the chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes before slicing into tender chicken strips. These juicy pieces will become the heart of your burrito, capturing the signature chipotle ranch chicken burrito essence.
What Burrito Ingredients Do You Need for an Authentic Copycat Recipe?
To recreate this copycat burrito, gather the following burrito ingredients:
- Warm flour tortilla (10-inch)
- Grilled chicken strips (from step 2)
- Seasoned rice (lime juice, cilantro, and salt)
- Black beans
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Crisp lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
Adding layers of flavor with simple components makes the difference between a bland wrap and an authentic burrito from Taco Bell. For extra crunch, toss in a handful of tortilla strips or tortilla chips. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or reduced-fat sour cream if you want to lighten things up.
How to Craft the Creamy Chipotle Sauce and Avocado Ranch Sauce?
No copycat recipe is complete without the iconic sauces. For the creamy chipotle sauce, blend together:
- Greek yogurt
- Adobo from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- A squeeze of lime juice
Adjust the heat by adding more peppers or a dash of chipotle peppers. This creamy chipotle sauce brings a smoky, tangy punch to your chicken.
For the avocado ranch dressing, mash ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and a spoonful of buttermilk. Stir in fresh herbs and a splash of ranch sauce for tang. This avocado ranch sauce offers a smooth, herby counterpoint that pairs perfectly with smoky chicken and crisp lettuce.
Can You Use an Air Fryer Instead of a Grill
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, an air fryer is an excellent alternative. Coat your chicken strips in olive oil and your chosen spices, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature. The air fryer delivers a crispy exterior reminiscent of a crunchy tortilla texture, while keeping the inside tender.
This method is especially handy for quick meal prep, letting you assemble the burritos ahead of time. Air fryer chicken also freezes well—store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to three days.
What’s the Step-by-Step Chicken Burrito Recipe to Assemble the Burritos?
Ready to make this burrito? Follow these steps:
- Lay a warm flour tortilla on a flat surface.
- Spread a line of seasoned rice down the center.
- Add grilled chicken strips.
- Spoon on black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese or shredded cheddar.
- Drizzle with chipotle ranch sauce and avocado ranch dressing.
- Top with tortilla strips for crunch.
- Fold the sides in, then roll tightly to seal.
This chicken burrito recipe yields a perfect copycat burrito that rivals any value menu offering. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping or keep wrapped for on-the-go enjoyment like taco night.
How to Store Burritos for Meal Prep in an Airtight Container?
For easier meal prep, wrap each burrito in foil and place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, unwrap and microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The veggies stay crunchy, and the sauces remain velvety, making these burritos perfect for lunch or dinner.
If freezing, individually wrap in parchment, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Customize Your Burrito with Fiesta Strips, Cheddar Cheese & More?
Want to elevate your burrito even further? Consider these add-ons:
- Fiesta strips or crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture
- A sprinkle of fiesta-style Mexican blend cheese
- A dollop of Greek yogurt in place of sour cream
- Fresh cilantro and extra lime juice
- A side of seasoned tortilla chips and salsa
Feel free to swap chicken for steak or even shrimp. You can turn the concept into a chicken enchilada bake by layering assembled burritos in a casserole dish, topping with cheese, and baking until bubbly.
FAQs
What is on the Chipotle Ranch grilled chicken burrito from Taco Bell?
The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito is built on a warm flour tortilla and filled with:
Grilled, marinated all-white-meat chicken
Crunchy fiesta strips (tortilla strips)
Avocado Ranch sauce
Creamy Chipotle sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crisp lettuce
Diced tomatoes.
Is the Chipotle Ranch grilled chicken burrito healthy?
A single burrito contains:
510 calories
29 g total fat (6 g saturated fat)
930 mg sodium
46 g carbohydrates (4 g fiber, 3 g sugars)
17 g protein
While it provides a solid protein boost (17 g) and some fiber (4 g), it’s relatively high in sodium (39% DV) and total fat (45% DV). As part of a balanced 2,000-calorie diet, it can fit in occasionally, but best enjoyed as an indulgent treat rather than a daily staple.
What is the flavor of chipotle ranch?
Chipotle ranch marries the smoky, slightly spicy notes of chipotle peppers (often from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce) with the cool, tangy creaminess of classic ranch dressing. The result is a balanced sauce that’s simultaneously smoky, tangy, and rich—perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, lettuce, and cheese.
The best Taco Bell Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
Ingredients
Warm flour tortilla (10-inch)
- Grilled chicken strips from step 2
Seasoned rice (lime juice, cilantro, and salt)
- Black beans
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Crisp lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Instructions
Ready to make this burrito? Follow these steps:
- Lay a warm flour tortilla on a flat surface.
- Spread a line of seasoned rice down the center.
Add grilled chicken strips.
- Spoon on black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese or shredded cheddar.
- Drizzle with chipotle ranch sauce and avocado ranch dressing.
Top with tortilla strips for crunch.
- Fold the sides in, then roll tightly to seal.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 930 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
Categories
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
- Method: Grilling (or Air Fryer)
- Keyword: Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
- Skill Level: Intermediate
