Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

These Seven Layer Chicken Burritos are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these burritos offer a satisfying meal that everyone can customize to their liking. With layers of seasoned chicken, black beans, cilantro-lime rice, and fresh toppings, they stand out as a crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Each layer brings its own unique taste, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Easy to Make: Quick prep and cook times mean you can whip these up in about 35 minutes.
• Customizable: Adjust the fillings to suit your preferences—add more veggies or swap out proteins!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love building their own burrito just the way they like it.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your Seven Layer Chicken Burritos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Griddle or second skillet
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for heating and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for simmering black beans without overcrowding your main pan.
• Griddle or second skillet: Helps achieve that crispy texture on the outside of your burrito.

Ingredients

These hearty seven-layer chicken burritos are packed with seasoned chicken, flavorful black beans, cilantro-lime rice, cheese, guacamole, and fresh toppings. Each layer adds bold, satisfying flavor, making these burritos perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a customizable meal the whole family will love.

For the Chicken Filling:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup salsa (or more if desired)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

For the Seasoned Black Beans:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1/3 cup jarred salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 2 cups hot cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• Salt (to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

• Burrito-sized tortillas (whole wheat optional)
• Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream

How to Make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add the shredded chicken along with salsa, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until heated through.

Step 2: Cook the Black Beans

In a small saucepan, combine the black beans with salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes before setting aside.

Step 3: Make Cilantro Lime Rice

In a mixing bowl, combine hot cooked rice with melted butter, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito

Preheat your griddle or another large skillet over medium heat. To assemble each burrito:
1. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the center of a tortilla about 1 ½ inches from the edge.
2. Layer on chicken filling followed by cilantro lime rice.
3. Add more cheese if desired.
4. Top with seasoned beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream while keeping fillings within the lower two-thirds of the tortilla.

Step 5: Roll It Up

Fold in both sides of the tortilla then roll it up tightly from the bottom.

Step 6: Grill Your Burritos

Spray each burrito lightly with cooking spray and place seam-side down in the heated skillet. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side until toasted and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Slice each burrito in half and serve with additional salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, or chips on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Seven Layer Chicken Burritos, bursting with flavor and perfect for any meal!

How to Serve Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

These seven layer chicken burritos are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your burrito enjoyment.

With Fresh Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds a crunchy texture and bright flavor to balance the richness of the burrito.
• Mango Salsa: A sweet and tangy twist that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken and beans.
• Tomatillo Salsa: For a zesty kick, tomatillo salsa brings vibrant acidity that complements every layer.

Accompanied by Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole pairs perfectly with the various flavors in the burrito.
• Sour Cream: A classic choice, sour cream adds a cool element that balances spicy flavors.
• Queso Dip: Melted cheese dip can elevate the indulgence, adding gooey goodness.

With a Side of Crunch

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for an extra crunch and a great way to scoop up any leftover fillings.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Add a tangy, spicy bite on the side for those who enjoy heat.

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How to Perfect Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Creating the perfect seven layer chicken burritos is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your burritos are a hit!

• Seasoning: Use extra spices in your chicken filling for richer flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Layer Wisely: Distribute ingredients evenly across the tortilla for a balanced bite every time, ensuring no single layer overpowers the others.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before assembling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling.
• Seal It Right: Tightly roll your burrito and fold in the sides securely to prevent fillings from spilling out during cooking or serving.
• Toast for Texture: Grilling your assembled burritos gives them a crispy exterior that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences, such as adding corn or avocado.

Best Side Dishes for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Pairing side dishes with your seven layer chicken burritos can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with spices complements the burrito’s taste and adds heartiness.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that enhances the Mexican theme of your meal.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing provides sweetness and crunch.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add vibrant colors and healthy elements to your plate.
5. Nachos: Crispy nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and olives make for a fun side dish perfect for sharing.
6. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw gives freshness and crunch that balances out the rich flavors of the burrito.
7. Guacamole Salad: A salad featuring guacamole ingredients can serve as both a dip and side dish, enhancing flavor variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Seven Layer Chicken Burritos, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using too much filling – Overstuffing your burrito can make it difficult to roll. Keep fillings within the lower two-thirds of the tortilla for easier wrapping.
• Not heating ingredients properly – Cold or unevenly heated fillings can lead to a less enjoyable burrito. Ensure all components, especially chicken and beans, are heated through before assembly.
• Skipping seasoning – Underseasoned ingredients can result in bland flavors. Don’t forget to season each layer, especially the chicken and black beans, for a flavorful experience.
• Choosing the wrong tortillas – Using small or flimsy tortillas can cause tearing. Opt for burrito-sized tortillas that are sturdy enough to hold all your delicious layers.
• Neglecting toppings – Fresh toppings enhance taste and texture. Don’t skip on ingredients like guacamole, pico de gallo, or sour cream; they add freshness and balance.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store burritos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

• Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat, then grill the burrito for about 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Seven Layer Chicken Burritos.

Can I customize my Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?

Absolutely! You can add other proteins such as beef or tofu, or include additional veggies like bell peppers and corn.

How do I ensure my Seven Layer Chicken Burritos don’t fall apart?

Make sure not to overfill your burritos and wrap them tightly after folding in the sides. This helps keep everything secure.

What kind of tortillas should I use for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?

Burrito-sized flour tortillas work best because they are flexible and sturdy enough to hold all the layers without tearing.

Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does it take to prepare Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?

The total time is about 35 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Final Thoughts

These Seven Layer Chicken Burritos are not only hearty but also versatile! You can easily customize them to suit your tastes with different proteins or toppings. They make an excellent weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love. Try making them tonight and enjoy a delicious meal!