If you’ve ever craved a warm, satisfying meal packed with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender strips of marinated chicken with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla and layered with rice, black beans, cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, quick, and delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when you want something comforting yet full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing texture and flavor. From the juicy chicken and colorful vegetables to the creamy cheese and zesty lime, it’s a harmony of elements that come together effortlessly.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of red color.
- 1 green bell pepper: Provides a fresh, slightly bitter crunch contrasting the other peppers.
- 1 yellow onion: Sliced for sweet and savory undertones after sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for marinating and sautéing, helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the spices.
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the chicken its signature Tex-Mex taste.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds comforting heartiness and helps absorb flavors.
- 1 cup black beans: Rinsed and drained, adding creaminess and protein.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey richness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Provides a cool and tangy contrast to the warm fillings.
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo: Adds freshness and a touch of spice.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fragrant finishing touch that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the thin chicken strips with olive oil, lime juice, and fajita seasoning in a large bowl. This marination, even for just 10 to 15 minutes, makes a world of difference by infusing the meat with zesty, smoky flavors that define the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step seals in juiciness while creating a savory crust that’s so satisfying.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly charred, about 5 to 6 minutes. This softens their natural sweetness and adds a hint of smokiness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together so the flavors mingle beautifully, creating the delicious fajita mixture you’ll want to pile into your burritos.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Warm the flour tortillas so they’re soft and pliable. Lay them flat and layer on rice, black beans, the chicken fajita mixture, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro if using. Fold in the sides and roll the tortillas tightly into burritos—each one a colorful bundle of flavor.
Step 6: Optional Toasting
For a crispy outside, toast the assembled burritos in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This gives a delightful crunch to contrast the tender fillings inside.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can transform these burritos from tasty to unforgettable. Consider a squeeze of fresh lime, extra chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of creamy guacamole. Each garnish adds pops of freshness and richness that brighten the entire meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Fajita Burrito with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa. These sides echo the burrito’s flavors and add textural contrasts that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the classic wrap, try serving your Chicken Fajita Burrito recipe as a burrito bowl by skipping the tortilla and layering all the fillings in a bowl. You can also slice the burrito into pinwheel shapes for fun party appetizers that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy quick meals without missing a beat, with all those delicious flavors ready to go.
Freezing
If you want to keep burritos on hand for longer, wrap each one individually in plastic and then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and the tortilla is crisp again, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Alternatively, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1 to 2 minutes, though you’ll miss out on that crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be more tender and juicy, and they soak up the marinade beautifully. Just slice them thinly and follow the same cooking steps.
Is fajita seasoning hard to make at home?
Not at all. Fajita seasoning typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes cayenne or oregano. You can easily mix your own blend to adjust heat and flavors to your liking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based protein substitute and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. You’ll still get plenty of that colorful fajita flavor.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
Warming tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds works great. Warm tortillas are more flexible and less likely to tear when rolling.
How spicy is this Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and mainly comes from the fajita seasoning and salsa. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa, adding jalapeños, or reducing the cayenne pepper in the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, all at once. I encourage you to try it the next time you want something quick, flavorful, and totally comforting. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a vibrant meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your rotation. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself craving that perfect blend of smoky chicken, tender veggies, and melty cheese wrapped up in every bite.
Print
Chicken Fajita Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Chicken Fajita Burrito recipe combines tender marinated chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a flavorful blend of rice, black beans, cheese, and fresh toppings wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for a quick, satisfying Mexican-inspired main course, these burritos can be served immediately or toasted for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Burrito Fillings
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, lime juice, and fajita seasoning. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and heat through for an additional minute.
- Prepare the Burrito Fillings: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and start layering with a scoop of cooked rice, black beans, the chicken fajita mixture, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa or pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro if using.
- Assemble the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortillas inward, then roll each tortilla tightly into a burrito, enclosing the filling securely.
- Optional Toasting: For a crispy exterior, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast each burrito for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the burritos immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a low-carb alternative, substitute flour tortillas with lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
- Add guacamole or hot sauce to the burrito for an extra layer of flavor.
- These burritos freeze well; wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and reheat as needed for a quick meal.
