Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (2024)

Home / All Recipes / Course / Main Dishes / Chicken

Total Time: 1 hour hour

4

Reviews
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my .

Covered in red, green and white (the Mexican flag colors), this Chicken Burrito Recipe brings the flavors of Mexico to your dining room table.

Love some good Mexican food? Make sure to also try this Mexican Corn Salad or this Tomatillo Salsa Verde.

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (1)

Growing up in New Mexico, it’s a given that Mexican food is one of my very favorites. Granted, there is a difference between Mexican food and New Mexican food, but I can definitely appreciate all of it. And if you check to see how many taco recipes are on my blog, you’ll see just how deep my love runs.

So it’s a given that I would pick up a copy of The Best Mexican Recipes from America’s Test Kitchen, right? It was worth it just for this burrito recipe.

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (2)

How To Make These Burritos

When I first saw these chicken burritos, I knew I wanted to make them. I will admit, though, that I kept putting it off because the recipe seemed quite involved, just looking at it.

But I was wrong.

While there are a few different components and steps, these actually came together way faster than I imagined they would. Yes, there are several steps, but nothing is very difficult.

Here are the steps to make them:

  1. Start by making the rice. This is a little unconventional, as you combine chicken broth, rice, beans, plus seasonings. This cooks the rice and the beans at the same time! Bring this to a boil, then cover and let it cook over low until the rice is tender. When it’s finished, you’ll also stir in the green onions.
  2. While that is cooking, you’ll make the red sauce and the chicken. By cooking the chicken in the sauce, you cut back on time and steps. Heat up your olive oil and cook the garlic and chili powder until it’s super fragrant. Then stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce (that’s all there is to it!) Place the chicken in the skillet, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. When the chicken is done, remove it from the sauce, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat.
  4. Time to assemble! Warm your tortillas, then place some of the rice and bean mixture, chicken, avocado and shredded cheese down the center of the tortillas. Roll them up and place them on a baking sheet. When you’re finished rolling all of the burritos, these will go into the oven to heat through.
  5. While the burritos are in the oven, combine the tomatillo salsa with some fresh cilantro and heat it up in the microwave.
  6. Time to serve – place a burrito on your plate, then spoon some of the tomatillo salsa over one side, some of the red sauce over the other, then drizzle the whole thing with Mexican crema.
Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (3)

Make Ahead Instructions

Wondering if you can make this chicken burrito recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This is especially beneficial if you are feeding company.

You can make and wrap the burritos, then refrigerate them until just before it’s time to serve. You’ll need to add a few extra minutes of time in the oven to heat them through when you put them in the oven.

Heat both sauces and loosen with water as needed.

I wouldn’t make these too far in advance, as the tortilla may get soggy and the avocado will brown. But they are totally doable to make the morning before serving. If you need more time than that, I would suggest making each component and not assembling until ready to cook.

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (4)

More Burrito Recipes

Camping Breakfast Burritos – these are great to freeze and serve at home, as well!
Bean, Sausage and Beef Burrito Recipe – one of my favorite weeknight meals.
Frito Pie Burrito – so perfect for when you are wanting something a little bit different.
Chicken and Broccoli Grilled Burritos – keep cooked, shredded chicken on hand to make these in a flash!
Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl – the burrito minus the tortilla!

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (5)

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce

5 from 4 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Print Pin Save

Covered in red, green and white (the Mexican flag colors), this Chicken Burrito Recipe brings the flavors of Mexico to your dining room table.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup long grain rice rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 8oz each cans tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
  • 6 10-inch flour tortillas
  • 2 avocados halved, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups tomatillo salsa
  • water as needed
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups of the broth, the rice, beans, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the green onions and fluff with a fork. Cover to keep warm.

  • Meanwhile, combine the oil, garlic and remaining 3 tablespoons of chili powder in a large saucepan set over medium-high heat. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and remaining 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken into the sauce, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until the chicken registers 160ºF, 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.

  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool slightly. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken. Place the chicken in a bowl then toss the chicken with 1/4 cup of the cooking sauce plus 2 tablespoons of cilantro. Set the remaining sauce aside.

  • Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

  • Wrap the tortillas in a damp towel and microwave until they are soft and pliable, about 1 minute. Lay the tortillas on a work surface, then place a mound of rice down each tortilla, close to the edge. Top with some of the chicken, avocado, and Monterey Jack cheese. Fold the sides then the bottom over the filling, rolling tightly into a burrito. Place the burritos seam side down on the baking sheet, cover with foil, and cook until heated through, 20-30 minutes.

  • Before serving, whisk the salsa and 2 tablespoons of cilantro together in a bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute. Reheat the red sauce in the saucepan over medium heat until hot, adding water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Arrange the burritos on individual plates. Pour the tomatillo sauce over one half of each burrito, and the red sauce over the other half. Drizzle the top with Mexican crema and sprinkle on additional cilantro to serve.

Recipe Notes:

Recipe source: America’s Test Kitchen The Best Mexican Recipes

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1burrito, Calories: 708kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 58g (19%), Protein: 43g (86%), Fat: 36g (55%), Saturated Fat: 12g (75%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 112mg (37%), Sodium: 1407mg (61%), Fiber: 12g (50%), Sugar: 7g (8%)

Keywords: burrito recipe, chicken burrito recipe, chicken burritos

You may also like...

  • Green Chicken Enchiladas

  • Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers

  • Beef Enchilada Casserole

Receive Free Recipes in Your Inbox

Subscribe to email updates for new recipes delivered to your inbox!

Meet Deborah

Welcome to Taste and Tell. Here you will find easy, fast and family friendly recipes. I am a believer that anyone can cook and that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Come join me in my kitchen! Read More

Previous PostMediterranean Pizza
Next Post Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment...

Comments

  1. JL says

    Is it teaspoons or tablespoons of chili powder?

    Reply

    • Deborah says

      Hi JL – it is 3 1/2 tablespoons total. 1 1/2 teaspoons (which is 1/2 tablespoon) goes in the rice mixture, and the remaining 3 tablespoons go in the sauce that the chicken is cooked in.

      Reply

  2. randy says

    Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (12)
    So, so good!

    Reply

  3. Judy says

    Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (13)
    My family loves these burritos, even our three picky teenagers. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  4. Judy says

    Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (14)
    This was delicious and my picky teenagers loved it too. Thanks!

    Reply

  5. Cindy says

    Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (15)
    These were so good. I had a hard time with the 450 for 20 – 30 minutes, so I altered my temp and time. Can you convince me that your timing and temp won’t burn or set off the smoke alarm? Lol. Will be making these again. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Deborah says

      Hi Cindy, I haven’t made these in awhile, but I did look up the original recipe that I adapted from a cookbook and it does have it at 450ºF for 20-30 minutes. I think the trick is to make sure they are covered in foil. But yes – use your best judgement and adjusting the temp and time is definitely ok!

      Reply

      • Cindy says

        Thanks so much for the insight! <3

  6. Lisa says

    Looks so good! Have you tried doing this in your Instant Pot yet?

    Reply

    • Deborah says

      I haven’t – but I definitely need to try!

      Reply

  7. Abby says

    I just made these tonight and OH MY GOSH! My husband ate two (THEY ARE HUGE) and said he is looking forward to consuming the rest at lunch tomorrow. Haha. I was also surprised how easy they were to put together. When I first read the recipe I thought it would be a little overwhelming with a 1 year old and 3 year old running around but I was wrong! Can’t wait to make them again!

    Reply

    • Deborah says

      This makes me so happy!! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. I agree – it looks a bit daunting at first, but they are actually pretty easy. Thanks for commenting!

      Reply

  8. jess larson | playswellwithbutter says

    ohmygoodness these look AMAZING. i’m practically drooling at the smothered perfection – total mexican food die-hard here. can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

    • Deborah says

      Thanks – they really were amazing!

      Reply

  9. Chels R. says

    Sounds like a book my family would love. This burrito…so much yum!

    Reply

  10. cookbook queen says

    Your Mexican food recipes are always my favorite, but I think this just got bumped up to the very top of the list!! I know my kids will go crazy for these burritos!!

    Reply

Chicken Burrito Recipe with Red and Green Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What sauce was in the spicy chicken burrito at Taco Bell? ›

The Spicy Chicken Burrito was a type of burrito found on the Big Bell Value Menu at participating Taco Bell locations. They consisted of a soft flour tortilla stuffed with spicy shredded chicken, rice, creamy jalapeño sauce, and Fiesta Salsa.

What is a Rojo burrito? ›

10” flour tortilla filled with choice of: chile rojo or chile verde, then smothered in sauce, garnished with jack & cheddar cheese, sour cream. Served with rice & beans.

What to serve with smothered burritos? ›

Burritos Are Best Served With:
  • Lime and Coriander Rice.
  • Mexican Bean Salad.
  • Mexican Rice With Chipotle.
  • Mexican Corn (Esquites)
  • Mexican Salad.
  • Mexican Coleslaw.
  • Pico De Gallo.
  • Guacamole and Chips.

How many calories are in a smothered chicken burrito? ›

Taco Bell Smothered Chicken Burrito (1 each) contains 66.6g total carbs, 60.6g net carbs, 27.2g fat, 30.9g protein, and 636 calories.

What is the red sauce from Taco Bell? ›

According to their website, red sauce from Taco Bell is made with water, seasonings, tomato powder, natural flavors, and a myriad of other ingredients that are hard to pronounce. My version is a lot simpler, and you'll know exactly what goes into it. It's one of the reasons why I love making these copycat recipes!

Is the red sauce at Taco Bell enchilada sauce? ›

You might know it best from the classic Bean Burrito on the menu today. But, actually, this enchilada-style sauce has been around for decades. A Taco Bell® sensation in every sense. Safe to say, red sauce has had plenty of time to hone its taste-bud-tantalizing, deliciously disarming techniques.

What does an authentic Mexican burrito have in it? ›

Authentic Mexican burritos consist of two thin flour tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients. Although the ingredients can be as creative and unique as one's imagination, a traditional burrito is filled with meat, vegetables, and beans. However, rice and guacamole are two very common additions.

How to make a burrito that tastes like a restaurant? ›

How To Get Homemade Burritos To Taste Like Restaurant Burritos
  1. Get bigger tortillas. The kind they sell at most grocery stores aren't as big as the kind at restaurants. ...
  2. Warm the tortilla up before you wrap. ...
  3. Learn how to wrap it right. ...
  4. Sear the seam to seal it shut. ...
  5. Wrap it in aluminum foil before you eat it.
Jul 27, 2020

What is a burrito covered in sauce called? ›

Wet burritos are made “wet” when smothered in enchilada sauce, served on a plate, and eaten with a fork. If you want to make my favorite version of a wet burrito, try it served with both red and green enchilada sauce spooned separately over each half of the burrito.

What's the best thing to put in a burrito? ›

Bean and Beef: As burrito filling ideas come, this one is a classic. Add minced or shredded beef to your burrito with Mexican spice seasonings, refried beans, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, onions and a large tablespoon of salsa! Chicken Verde: Cook some chicken breasts or thighs with some green salsa.

What is a smothered burrito called? ›

Wet Burrito/Smothered Burrito

Origin: Michigan or Texas. How it's made: A 10- to 12-inch tortilla wrapped around refried beans, meat, cheese, lettuce and other ingredients, covered in red or green salsa or enchilada-style sauce and melted cheese.

What's the difference between enchiladas and smothered burritos? ›

The major difference is in the type of tortilla and how the tortilla and the fillings are served. While both have similar ingredients and sauces, burritos almost always use flour tortillas, while enchiladas use corn tortillas. Enchiladas are smothered in sauce, while burritos are wrapped up and eaten with the hands.

Is chicken and rice burrito healthy? ›

On one hand, burritos can be healthy if made with whole, unprocessed ingredients such as brown rice, black beans, lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, and vegetables. These ingredients can provide fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients that can support a balanced and nutritious diet.

How do you eat a smothered burrito? ›

In contrast, a wet burrito is not something that you eat by hand, as that would get rather messy. Instead, they are served on a plate and eaten with a knife and fork because they are covered with sauce — which is why they are called smothered or wet — or mojado in Spanish.

What was in Taco Bell smothered burrito? ›

It also has a new name, the Smothered Burrito. To spruce up the old Enchirito, they added rice and creamy chipotle sauce to the burrito, and gave the finished product a squirt of sour cream in addition to the cheese on top.

What was in the old Taco Bell chicken burrito? ›

No more will forlorn fans taste the grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla — at least, not anytime soon.

What is the spicy sauce called at Taco Bell? ›

Diablo sauce is by far the hottest sauce on Taco Bell's menu. It's known less for the flavor and more for its strong kick of spice. It's more in comparison with Tabasco, Frank's Red Hot, or Cholula. You add the diablo sauce to make food more heated on the tongue.

What is the sauce called on the spicy chicken sandwich at Mcdonald's? ›

With our Spicy Pepper Sauce topping the southern style fried chicken fillet on a toasted potato roll, this sandwich was made for those who like it crispy, juicy, tender and hot.

What is spicy lava sauce Taco Bell? ›

Lava Sauce was a spicy nacho cheese sauce that added a fiery kick to Taco Bell's menu offerings for several years. It was first introduced in 2008 as part of the Volcano Taco, which quickly became a fan favorite thanks in part to the bold flavor of the Lava Sauce.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5891

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.