Chicken Burritos with Lime Guacamole
If you’re looking for a vibrant, delicious, and satisfying one-dish meal, these Chicken Burritos with Lime Guacamole are a perfect choice. With tender chicken strips, fresh lettuce, savory black beans, and gooey melted cheddar, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and finished off with a zesty homemade guacamole, these burritos offer a delightful blend of flavors. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a weekend lunch, or a casual get-together, this recipe brings together both comfort and a burst of freshness. The lime guacamole elevates the flavors of the dish, bringing an irresistible zest and creaminess.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Tortillas | 4 |
Chicken breast | 400g |
Lettuce | 80g |
Precooked black beans | 150g |
Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 200g |
Ripe tomatoes | 200g |
Fine salt | 1 pinch |
Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
Lime juice | 10g |
Lime zest | 1 lime |
Chili pepper | 1g |
Honey | 20g |
Avocado | 1 |
Shallot | 10g |
Fresh chili pepper | 10g |
Ripe tomatoes (for guacamole) | 150g |
Extra virgin olive oil (for guacamole) | 20g |
Fine salt (for guacamole) | to taste |
Black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lime Guacamole
Start by preparing the guacamole to give it time to develop its flavors while you work on the other components of the burrito.
- Prepare the Avocado: Slice the avocado in half, removing the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh out of the skin. Place the avocado flesh into a medium-sized bowl.
- Add Lime: Squeeze in the lime juice to the avocado and mix to combine. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Other Ingredients for the Guacamole: Finely chop the shallot, and dice the tomatoes into small cubes. Cut the fresh chili pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice it into thin strips, then chop it into small pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the shallots, diced tomatoes, and chili to the avocado. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and stir everything together.
- Mash the Guacamole: Use a fork to mash and mix the ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined but still chunky. Set the guacamole aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Next, prepare the marinated chicken for the filling.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and place them in a bowl.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add honey, chili powder (or cayenne pepper), and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the chicken strips. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips along with any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown, cooked through, and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings
Now it’s time to assemble the burritos.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry the lettuce. Remove the hard base and any tough leaves. Chop the remaining lettuce into small strips.
- Prepare the Cheddar: Grate the cheddar cheese or cut it into small chunks. Set aside 4 whole slices of cheddar for later.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat a large, flat pan or griddle over medium heat. Warm the tortillas, one at a time, for about 30 seconds on each side, until soft and lightly toasted.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your burritos.
- Layer the Fillings: Lay one warm tortilla on a flat surface or cutting board. In the center of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the Chicken: Add a portion of the cooked chicken strips over the cheese, followed by a handful of fresh lettuce.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Next, add a spoonful of black beans and a few slices of fresh tomatoes to the burrito.
- Fold the Burrito: Carefully fold in the two sides of the tortilla, then roll up the bottom to encase the filling. The result should be a neat, tightly wrapped burrito.
Step 5: Grill and Serve the Burritos
- Grill the Burritos: Place the filled burritos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take the four slices of cheddar that you set aside earlier and place one slice on each burrito. Pop the sheet in the oven, preheated to 250°C (480°F), and let the burritos bake for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden, slightly crispy top.
- Serve: Once done, remove the burritos from the oven and cut them in half. Arrange them on a serving platter and serve hot, alongside the freshly made lime guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Burritos with Lime Guacamole make a fantastic standalone dish, but you can pair them with a fresh side salad, extra salsa, or even a tangy Mexican rice. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with a side of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. The lime guacamole offers the perfect fresh and zesty contrast to the savory flavors of the burritos, enhancing every bite.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The guacamole and black beans will still provide plenty of flavor.
- Make it Spicier: If you like your burritos with a kick, try adding extra chili or jalapeños to the guacamole or the filling.
- Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like corn, sour cream, or sliced olives to customize the burritos to your liking.
These Chicken Burritos with Lime Guacamole are an ideal meal for any occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, making it a great weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering. Enjoy!