Quick and Easy Chicken Burritos

Category: Quick Dishes For When You're Already Hungry

These quick and easy chicken burritos feature tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and fresh cilantro wrapped in tortillas and pan-grilled until golden. Mix your filling, roll it tight in tortillas, and crisp on both sides in a heated skillet until beautifully browned. Serve warm for a comforting lunch or dinner. The combination of savory chicken, rich cheese, and fragrant cilantro brings bold flavors with little effort. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal prep and cook time. Freeze extras for a convenient future meal—great for families or sharing with friends.

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:06:40 GMT
A stack of chicken burritos with cheese and guacamole. Save
A stack of chicken burritos with cheese and guacamole. | lilicooks.com

Quick and Easy Chicken Burritos are perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner ready fast and still want something homemade and satisfying. I started making these after late soccer practices and now they are my go to when the fridge is almost empty and everyone is hungry.

Ingredients

  • Cooked shredded chicken: adds protein and makes these burritos filling look for juicy white or dark meat and shred by hand or fork for best texture
  • Mexican cheese blend or mozzarella: brings creamy gooey melt choose blocks you shred yourself for richer flavor than pre shredded cheese
  • Avocado: diced for creamy richness ripe but slightly firm avocados are easiest to cube and distribute evenly
  • Cilantro: chopped for fresh pop of flavor use bright green leaves and skip stems for milder taste
  • Large tortillas: form the wrapper big enough to hold the filling and get golden and crispy when toasted
  • Oil: helps crisp and brown the outside of the burrito use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Filling:
In a bowl combine cooked shredded chicken cheese cilantro and diced avocado stir gently so the avocado holds its shape this keeps the filling colorful and creamy
Fill and Roll:
Lay one tortilla flat on your work surface spread about a quarter of the filling across the center work edge to edge for even bites then fold in the sides and roll tightly this keeps everything packed and prevents leaks
Toast the Burritos:
Heat oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium high until shimmering place the burritos seam side down cook two minutes until the outside is a deep golden brown this step adds crunch and seals the roll
Flip and Finish:
Turn each burrito to the other side cook another minute until crispy all over adjust heat if needed for even browning then remove and let cool just enough to eat
Serve Warm:
Slice in half if desired and serve while the cheese is still melty and gooey great with salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce
A stack of chicken burritos with avocado and cheese. Save
A stack of chicken burritos with avocado and cheese. | lilicooks.com

I always add extra avocado for my daughter it is her favorite part and her little hands are expert burrito rollers now we make this together on movie nights

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers wrapped in foil or plastic and store in the fridge up to three days Reheat in a hot pan or oven for best texture Microwaving works in a pinch but the outside will not be as crisp For longer storage freeze burritos wrapped individually and reheat straight from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute rotisserie chicken for quick prep or use cooked turkey or black beans for a vegetarian twist For cheese cheddar or pepper jack gives a sharp bite In place of cilantro chopped green onions add brightness

A stack of chicken burritos with avocado and cheese. Save
A stack of chicken burritos with avocado and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

These burritos shine on their own but pair well with salsa sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime For a fuller meal serve alongside a quick side salad or tortilla chips with pico de gallo

Cultural Context

Burritos have roots in Mexican and American border cuisine They make use of whatever is on hand and always taste best when the filling is warm and the outside is crisp My spin keeps it simple with fresher lighter ingredients for busy family schedules

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and either freeze or refrigerate the burritos before cooking. They reheat well and maintain good texture.

→ What is the best way to reheat frozen burritos?

Reheat frozen burritos in a skillet or oven at medium heat until hot throughout. This helps keep the outside crisp.

→ Can I substitute the cheese blend?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or any favorite melting cheese will work for extra flavor variation.

→ Is it possible to use flour alternatives for tortillas?

You can replace standard tortillas with whole wheat, gluten-free, or even low-carb wraps if preferred.

→ Can I add other fillings?

Feel free to add beans, sautéed peppers, or rice to the chicken mixture for extra heartiness and flavor.

Quick and Easy Chicken Burritos

Tortillas stuffed with chicken, cheese, avocado, and cilantro—grilled until golden and ready in minutes.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Overall Time
10 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Lunch

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
02 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend or mozzarella
03 1 avocado, diced
04 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
05 4 large tortillas
06 1 tablespoon oil

Steps

Step 01

Mix the shredded chicken, cheese, cilantro, and the diced avocados.

Step 02

Lay a tortilla flat on a plate and add 1/4 of the mixture, then form a roll. Repeat the process for all four tortillas.

Step 03

Pour 1 tablespoon oil into a heated pan or griddle. Place all four tortillas on the pan and cook for 2 minutes on medium-high heat. Flip to the other side and cook for another minute or until the burritos are golden in color. Serve warm.

Step 04

Burritos can be frozen cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months.

Tips

  1. If you do not have cooked chicken on hand, grill or sear 2 chicken breasts for 10 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pan or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • Contains gluten (tortillas).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 28 g