Magical Smothered Chicken Burritos Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering smothered chicken burritos that pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Tender chicken wrapped in warm tortillas creates a hearty meal that brings comfort straight to your plate.

The restaurant-quality smothered chicken burritos promise to satisfy even the most demanding taste buds with their rich, savory sauce.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that’ll make you forget about takeout.

Each burrito is generously filled with juicy chicken, zesty spices, and creamy elements that blend seamlessly.

The secret lies in the carefully crafted sauce that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new household favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that provides the main substance of the dish, select fresh, plump breasts without discoloration.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and brings out the natural taste of chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Dried Basil: Introduces a delicate herbal note and complements the chicken's mild flavor.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment for chicken and adds subtle richness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Evaporated Milk, Cornstarch: Creamy thickening agents that create luxurious, smooth sauce texture.

• Minced Garlic: Introduces aromatic, pungent base note to enhance overall dish complexity.
• Macaroni Noodles: Hearty pasta that absorbs sauce and adds substantial texture.
• Cheeses: Melty binding ingredients that create creamy, indulgent consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bright, fresh element that adds moisture and slight acidity.
• Fresh Basil: Vibrant herb that brings final burst of fresh, green flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: Optional luxurious drizzle for added tangy-sweet complexity.

Equipment for Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Large Pan: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending cornstarch and evaporated milk.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping fresh basil.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precisely cutting chicken and dicing tomatoes.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like broth and seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients in the pan.

Smothered Chicken Burritos Cooking Instructions

• Chicken Preparation

Select fresh chicken breasts and season with herbs and spices for enhanced flavor.

• Cooking Method

Sear chicken in a hot pan with olive oil until golden and thoroughly cooked, creating a delicious exterior.

• Sauce Creation

Develop a creamy sauce using garlic, chicken broth, and dairy, whisking until smooth and velvety.

• Cheese Incorporation

Blend multiple cheese varieties into the sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture.

• Vegetable Enhancement

Add diced tomatoes and fresh herbs to introduce brightness and complexity to the dish.

• Final Assembly

Layer sliced chicken into the cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with harmonious flavors.

• Serving Suggestion

Plate the chicken mixture with an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finishing touch.

Tips and Variations for Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Replace chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or diced tofu for a quick protein alternative that saves cooking time.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, aged cheddar, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or diced jalapeños to increase heat and give the dish a zesty kick that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, then quickly reheat and assemble burritos when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Wrap with Warm Tortillas: Grab soft flour tortillas and warm them slightly. Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into the center, then fold and roll into delicious burritos.
• Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado on top for added freshness and color. A dollop of sour cream can enhance the creamy texture.
• Pair with Zesty Sides: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp garden salad. A tangy salsa or homemade pico de gallo can complement the rich chicken flavors.
• Create a Comforting Meal Spread: Set out additional toppings like hot sauce, lime wedges, and jalapeños. Let everyone customize their burritos for a fun, interactive dining experience.

Meal Planning and Storage for Smothered Chicken Burritos

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Smart: Keep smothered chicken burritos in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual burritos in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen burritos stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw refrigerated burritos in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness during reheating.

Hearty Smothered Chicken Burritos Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired smothered chicken burritos deliver incredible flavor combinations with tender chicken, melted cheese, and spicy sauce. Home cooks can quickly craft this satisfying meal that brings zesty southwestern comfort directly to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved
• 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (90 g)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (113 g)
• 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
• 1 cup evaporated milk (240 ml)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch (16 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) salt
• 0.125 tsp (1/8 tsp) pepper
• 0.25 tsp (¼ tsp) dried basil
• 0.25 cups (¼ cup) fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cups (½ cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• Balsamic glaze (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Rest and Prepare: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 25-30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create Sauce Base: Pour chicken broth into the pan. Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and gradually incorporate into the skillet, stirring to prevent lumps.
4. Develop Pasta Layer: Add macaroni noodles and simmer for 9-11 minutes until pasta is tender. Blend in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Enhance Flavor Profile: Introduce diced tomatoes and freshly chopped basil leaves. Slice chicken into thin strips and return to the pan, ensuring even distribution.
6. Final Presentation: Plate the smothered chicken creation, optionally drizzling with balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch.

Notes

• Perfectly Time Chicken: Cook exactly 5-6 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown exterior and safe internal temperature of 165°F without drying out meat.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk thoroughly to prevent lumps and create smooth, creamy sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Sauté garlic briefly to release aromatic essence before adding broth, which builds depth and complexity in the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add shredded cheeses gradually and stir continuously to ensure complete melting and prevent scorching, creating silky smooth texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg