Looking for a tasty meal that’s both easy and filling? Try my Cheesy Ground Chicken Rice Burritos! Packed with ground chicken, rice, and zesty toppings, these burritos are perfect for any night. Whether you want a quick dinner or a fun family cooking project, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture that elevates the whole dish.
- Family-Friendly: These burritos are a hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- Ground chicken
- Cooked rice
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Salsa
Seasoning and Garnish
- Cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices
When making cheesy ground chicken rice burritos, the right ingredients matter. I use 1 pound of ground chicken as my base. It cooks quickly and adds great protein. Next, I add 2 cups of cooked rice. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your taste. Then, I mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts perfectly, creating that gooey texture we all love.
For added flavor and nutrition, I toss in 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn kernels. Both ingredients not only enhance taste but also pack extra fiber. 1/2 cup of salsa gives the mixture a zesty kick.
To spice things up, I add 1 teaspoon each of cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings make each bite flavorful. Finally, I like to garnish my burritos with 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. For those who want it creamy, I recommend serving with sour cream and avocado slices on top. These additions make each burrito a treat to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ground Chicken
First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Break the chicken into small crumbles as it cooks. Make sure it is browned and fully cooked. Next, add spices for flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
Combining Fillings
Now it’s time to mix the fillings. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of salsa to the skillet. Mix everything well. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is hot. Remove the skillet from heat. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the mixture.
Assembling the Burritos
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling. Then, roll the tortilla from the bottom up to create a burrito. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Optional Crisping Technique
If you want your burritos crispy, use a lightly greased skillet. Place the burritos seam side down in the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This adds a nice texture to the burritos. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Burritos
- Avoiding soggy tortillas: To keep your tortillas crisp, warm them before use. You can place them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This step makes them more flexible and less likely to tear. Avoid overfilling them, as this leads to sogginess.
- Ensuring even heating of the filling: Stir the filling well while cooking. This ensures every bite has the same great taste. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the mixture. This helps to heat everything evenly.
Flavor Enhancement Ideas
- Suggested spices for variation: You can change the taste by adding spices. Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or chili powder for some heat. The right spice mix can elevate your burrito.
- Recommended salsas and toppings: Use fresh salsa or mango salsa for a fruity twist. You can top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice touch too.
Serving Suggestions
- Plating ideas: Serve your burritos on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. A side of salsa can make the dish more inviting.
- Best accompaniments: Pair your burritos with a side of chips and guacamole. A simple salad can balance the meal nicely. Sour cream and avocado slices make great toppings too.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, this is a great way to use it up and save time on cooking.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the filling for a personalized twist!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep super easy!
- Crispy Burrito Option: For an extra crispy texture, pan-fry the burritos after wrapping them to add a delightful crunch!

Variations
Healthy Alternatives
You can make your burritos lighter. Use ground turkey or chicken breast instead of ground chicken. This change lowers the fat but keeps the taste. You can also switch to quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options add fiber and nutrients while keeping the dish tasty.
Vegetarian Option
Want a meat-free meal? Replace the ground chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Mushrooms give a nice, chewy texture. Tofu is a great protein source. You can add more veggies too, like bell peppers or spinach. These will enhance flavor and color in your burritos.
Spicy Twist
If you crave heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your filling. This extra spice makes each bite exciting. Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a kick. It melts beautifully and adds a zesty flavor to your burritos.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Burritos
To keep your burritos fresh, use airtight containers. You can wrap them in plastic wrap or foil first. This prevents drying out. For best results, refrigerate the burritos. They last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to store them longer, freeze the burritos. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
You have two main ways to reheat your burritos: the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place the burrito on a plate. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. The oven gives a crispier texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the burrito in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the outside.
Here are some tips to keep your burritos tasty:
- If using the microwave, add a small cup of water in the microwave. This helps keep the burrito moist.
- For the oven, check the burrito to avoid overcooking. You want it warm, not dried out.
FAQs
How do I make burritos without breaking them?
To make burritos without breaking them, choose large, soft flour tortillas. Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave to make them more flexible. This softening helps prevent cracks. When you fill the tortilla, don’t overstuff it. Use just enough filling to keep it easy to roll. Fold in the sides gently and roll from the bottom. This method keeps everything snug and tight.
Can I prepare burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare burritos ahead of time. Make the filling and let it cool. Then, fill the tortillas and wrap them tightly. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them in foil and freeze. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. This saves time on busy days!
What can I serve with Cheesy Ground Chicken Rice Burritos?
You can serve many tasty sides with these burritos. Here are some great options:
- Mexican rice: Fluffy and flavorful, it pairs well.
- Refried beans: Creamy and rich, they complement the burrito well.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds a fresh taste.
- Salsa: Fresh or cooked, choose your favorite for extra zest.
- Corn salad: A sweet and crunchy side adds color and flavor.
These sides make your meal complete and fun!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious cheesy ground chicken rice burritos. We covered the key ingredients like ground chicken, cooked rice, and cheese, and additional options like beans and corn. You learned step-by-step instructions from cooking the chicken to assembling the burritos. I shared tips to avoid soggy tortillas and ways to enhance flavor. Finally, we discussed variations and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy creating your tasty burritos and experimenting with your own flavors! Your kitchen adventures start no

Cheesy Ground Chicken Rice Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- to serve sour cream and avocado slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the chicken, cooking for an additional minute to bring out the flavors.
- Add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa to the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined with the filling.
- Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it from the bottom upwards to create a burrito. Repeat for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Optionally, to make them crispy, place the burritos seam side down in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the heat and let them rest for a minute before slicing in half.


