Name: Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts ((about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds)); 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 2 tablespoons Lime juice ((freshly squeezed)); 1 tablespoon Chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Cumin; to taste Salt; to taste Black pepper; 4 large Flour tortillas ((warmed)); 1 cup Shredded lettuce ((washed and dried)); 1 medium Tomato ((diced, about 1 cup)); 1/2 cup Red onion ((diced)); 1 piece Jalapeño or green pepper ((diced, optional, seeded if you prefer milder heat)); 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro ((chopped)); 1 cup Chipotle ranch dressing ((homemade or store-bought))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, smoky, and ridiculously satisfying: the Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito is a weeknight hero that checks all the boxes. Tender grilled chicken rubbed with smoky chipotle spices, crisp shredded lettuce, bright tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of chipotle ranch tuck into a warm, slightly charred flour tortilla — comfort food with a kick. Fun fact: the dance of lime and chipotle has roots in Mexican-inspired flavor pairings, though burritos as we know them took off in the U.S. decades ago. This version is special because it’s simple, quick, and family-friendly — perfect for busy evenings when you want bold flavor without fuss. If you love a saucy, handheld meal, try this one and then explore other crowd-pleasers like these Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites for party snacks: Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites. Get ready — you’ll want to make this again and again.

What is Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito?

What’s in a name? Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito basically tells you everything: smoky chipotle-spiced chicken, creamy ranch with a chipotle twist, all wrapped up burrito-style. Who named it — a flavor scientist or a hungry home cook? Maybe both. Why the charm? Because it’s equal parts juicy, tangy, and a little bit spicy. And yes, it’s the sort of dish that proves “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want to find out if it’s also the way to your heart? Give it a go — you may end up making this your new go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold, balanced flavor: The combo of chipotle chili powder, lime, and creamy ranch creates smoky heat and bright acidity that play beautifully with juicy grilled chicken.
Cost-effective and customizable: Making this at home saves money versus ordering out, stretches easily (double the chicken for meal prep), and allows you to control spice, salt, and toppings.
Textural contrast and freshness: Crisp shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomato, and crunchy onion lift the rich chicken and creamy dressing so every bite feels fresh and satisfying.

If you enjoy saucy, ranch-forward chicken dishes, this is like a burrito-shaped cousin to the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole — similar flavors in a totally different format: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Ready to roll up your sleeves and make dinner something everyone asks for seconds of? Let’s go!

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward and fast: a short marinade, a quick grill, simple prep of fresh fillings, and five minutes to assemble. You’ll get tender, juicy chicken with smoky char marks, a creamy standout chipotle ranch, and a satisfying wrap that’s easy to eat. Total time: about 35–45 minutes (including a minimum 20-minute marinade).

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas (warmed)
1 cup shredded lettuce (washed and dried)
1 medium tomato, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 jalapeño or green pepper, diced (optional, seeded if you prefer milder heat)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup chipotle ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)

Directions

Marinate & Grill the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours). Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Prep Burrito Fillings: While the chicken rests, dice the tomato, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Chop the cilantro. Rinse and dry the lettuce, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Warm & Grill Tortillas: Place each tortilla on the hot grill or grill pan for about 30 seconds per side until soft and lightly charred. This makes them pliable and adds flavor.
Assemble the Burritos: Lay out a warm tortilla. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, then top with several strips of grilled chicken. Sprinkle on diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle generously with chipotle ranch dressing — a little spilling at the end makes for a perfect photo and extra flavor.
Roll & Serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito. Serve immediately, cutting in half if desired, with extra chipotle ranch on the side.

Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito

What to Serve With

Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime rice for a heartier plate.
Black beans or refried beans for protein and comfort.
A crisp corn and avocado salad to balance the spice and add creaminess.
Lime wedges and extra chipotle ranch on the side for dipping.
Drinks: classic margaritas, iced tea with lime, or a cold cerveza.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Evenly sized chicken: Pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly.
Marinate time: While 20 minutes works, 1–2 hours will deepen the flavor without turning the chicken mushy.
Grill marks: Don’t move the chicken too often—let it sit 3–4 minutes per side to get nice char lines.
Tortilla warming: Use a very hot pan for only 30 seconds per side—too long and they dry out.
Make it milder: Reduce chipotle powder or skip the jalapeño if serving kids.
Add crunch: Toasted pepitas or crispy fried onions inside the wrap give a great texture contrast.
Make it vegan: Swap grilled Portobello or tofu for chicken and use a dairy-free ranch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store assembled burritos wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers for up to 2 days. For longest freshness, store components separately (chicken, veggies, tortillas) and assemble before eating.
Freezing: Best to freeze only the cooked chicken strips in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing assembled burritos with lettuce and fresh tomatoes — they get soggy.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To reheat an assembled burrito, wrap in foil and warm in the oven to preserve texture. Microwave if short on time, but expect softer tortillas.
Freshen up: If leftovers have lost some crunch, add fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and cilantro after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Adjust cooking time—about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness—and ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

Is chipotle chili powder very spicy?
It has a moderate smoky heat. You can reduce the amount or mix it with regular chili powder if you prefer milder heat. Removing the seeds from jalapeño also cuts spice.

Can I make the chipotle ranch at home?
Absolutely. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and a small amount of adobo or chipotle powder to taste. Homemade lets you control spice and tang.

How do I prevent tortillas from tearing when rolling?
Warm them well and don’t overfill. Folding the sides in before rolling from the bottom helps create a tight seal.

Can I prepare this ahead for a party?
Yes. Grill and slice the chicken ahead, store chilled. Warm tortillas and assemble just before serving to keep fillings fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burrito is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that brings smoky, creamy, and bright flavors together in a single hand-held package. It’s quick enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand. If you want inspiration from other cooks who love this combination, check out this version at Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito – Alyona’s Cooking and another take at Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito – Joy to the Food. Now grab your grill, set up your toppings, and get ready to roll — dinner is served!