Name: Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1/2 cup Plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/8 teaspoon Pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive oil for pan-frying; 1 cup Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional); 2–3 large Flour tortillas; 1 tablespoon Butter for toasting the burritos; to taste Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos are a delicious mash-up of crunchy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla — comfort food at its best. Imagine a golden, crisp chicken crust that gives way to tender, juicy chicken and molten cheese with each bite. Fun fact: wrapping crispy chicken in a burrito is a quick way to turn dinner into something party-worthy without a lot of fuss. If you love easy dinners, this is your new weeknight hero.

This recipe shines because it’s simple, quick, and wildly family-friendly. You can get everything on the table in about 25 to 30 minutes, and kids and adults both love the crunchy-cheesy combo. If you enjoy creamy pasta dinners, you might also like the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini for a cozy variation on garlic-parmesan comfort food — try it here: https://recipesfiber.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-rotini-in-parmesan-sauce/. Give these burritos a try tonight — they’re fast, satisfying, and totally addictive.

What is Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos?

What’s in a name? Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos pretty much tells the whole story: crispy chicken coated in Parmesan and garlic flavors, rolled into a burrito. How did this mash-up come to be — was someone craving Italian flavors and Tex-Mex at the same time? Probably. Who wouldn’t want to take two great things and make dinner even better? The recipe may have been born out of a happy kitchen accident where someone wrapped leftover parmesan chicken into a tortilla and thought, why not?

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and really, the same goes for friends and family. Are you ready to win people over with buttery toast, crispy chicken, and stretching cheese? Try it and see. You’ll be glad you did.

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy, savory highlight: The real star is the crisp Parmesan-breadcrumb crust that gives an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor, balanced by garlicky warmth and melty cheese inside.
Cost-saving and convenient: Making these at home is far cheaper than takeout. Basic pantry ingredients like breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and tortillas turn into a restaurant-style meal with minimal effort.
Flavorful toppings and versatility: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or a quick slaw adds layers of flavor and texture. These burritos are easy to customize — make them mild for kids or add more heat for grown-ups.

If you like bold garlic-parmesan flavors, consider also trying a garlicky chicken fillet recipe for another take on the theme: https://recipesfiber.com/chicken-fillet-in-spicy-garlic-parmesan-sauce/. Ready to make a batch? Let’s get cooking.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, fast, and extremely satisfying. Preparation is simple — a quick dredge and pan-fry gives you a crispy exterior with juicy chicken inside. Expect a creamy, cheesy melt inside and a satisfyingly crispy finish outside once the burritos are toasted. Prep time: about 10 minutes. Cook time: about 15–20 minutes. Total time: ~25–30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for pan-frying
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2–3 large flour tortillas
1 tablespoon butter for toasting the burritos
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until evenly combined.
Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken strip in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
Heat the pan: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken strips in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if necessary.
Rest and chop: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the burritos: Lay a tortilla flat. Add a layer (about 1/3 cup) of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese in the center, add the chopped crispy chicken, and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
Roll tightly: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom up to form a tight burrito.
Toast the burritos: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and toast 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp all over.
Serve: Slice each burrito in half and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos

What to Serve With

Fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice for a heartier plate
Homemade pico de gallo or a simple tomato salsa for brightness
Creamy coleslaw for a cooling crunch contrast
Iced tea, a light beer, or a sparkling water with lime to drink

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use panko crumbs for an extra-light, super-crispy crust if you prefer more crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: cook chicken in single layers for even browning.
To make prep faster, slice the chicken before coating — thin strips cook quickly and evenly.
If you want extra cheesy pull, add a second cheese layer or mix in a little cream cheese for richness.
Avoid soggy tortillas: toast seam-side down first to seal and crisp the burrito shell.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooked burritos individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crisp, but if in a hurry, microwave covered for 60–90 seconds and then crisp in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used; they stay juicy and work well when cut into strips. Adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are thicker.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Bake coated chicken strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.

How can I make these vegetarian?
Use thick slices of roasted cauliflower or a plant-based chicken substitute coated and cooked the same way. Add a bit more seasoning to compensate for milder flavors.

Are these burritos freezer-friendly?
Yes. Wrap cooled burritos tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I make these ahead for a crowd?
You can cook and chop the chicken ahead, store separately, and assemble/ toast burritos just before serving to keep them crispy.

Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos are a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines crunchy texture, melty cheese, and big garlic-parmesan flavor — easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. They’re wallet-friendly, simple to prepare, and wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. If you want an extra recipe idea with similar flavors, check out this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos recipe for more inspiration: Parmesan Garlic Chicken Burritos – Cooking in the Midwest. Grab your tortillas and get ready to enjoy a crunchy, cheesy meal your whole family will love.