If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and layers upon layers of deliciousness, you have to try this Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe. It’s a showstopper of a meal, packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy guacamole, zesty rice, hearty black beans, melted cheese, fresh salsa, and cool sour cream all wrapped in a warm, grilled tortilla. Every bite delivers a perfect symphony of taste and comfort, making it an absolute favorite for dinners, gatherings, or whenever you want a fiesta on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret behind this Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe’s incredible flavor and texture. Each component adds a unique touch that brings the burrito to life, from the creamy guacamole for richness to the black beans for heartiness and the fresh salsa for a pop of zest. Ready to dive into these essentials?
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: The star protein that’s tender, flavorful, and ready to soak up the spices and salsa.
- Black beans: Provides fiber, a creamy texture, and earthiness that balances the dish.
- Cooked rice: A fluffy base that adds bulk and soaks up all the vibrant accents.
- Burrito-sized tortillas: Essential for wrapping all those layers securely and grilling to perfection.
- Cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar): Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, savory finish.
- Guacamole: Creamy, buttery, and packed with fresh avocado flavor.
- Salsa: Brings a bright, zesty kick that livens up every bite.
- Sour cream: Adds cooling creaminess to balance the seasoning and heat.
- Olive oil: Helps cook the chicken filling gently while enhancing richness.
- Lime juice, cilantro, melted butter, and seasonings: These little flavor boosters elevate the rice and chicken to memorable heights.
How to Make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your shredded rotisserie chicken combined with salsa and your choice of seasonings. Cooking it until it’s heated through allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become wonderfully juicy and infused with that signature zest.
Step 2: Prepare the Black Beans
While the chicken warms, simmer your black beans in a saucepan with a little salsa and spices. This step is all about deepening flavor and ensuring the beans are nice and warm for layering later. The beans add robust heartiness and a smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 3: Flavor the Rice
Now mix your cooked rice with melted butter, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This simple trick transforms plain rice into a fragrant, citrus-kissed bed of goodness that brightens the whole burrito experience.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Lay a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start with a sprinkle of cheese, then layer on the savory chicken filling, followed by the zesty rice, seasoned black beans, creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo or salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Each layer adds a new burst of flavor and texture, creating the magic of the Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe.
Step 5: Roll and Grill
Fold the tortilla sides in snugly and roll it tightly from one end to the other. Place the burrito seam-side down on a hot grill or skillet until the tortilla crisps up and the cheese melts inside—flip and repeat on the other side. This final step ensures a golden, crunchy outside encasing the luscious filling.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, slice the burritos in half diagonally. This makes the layers peek out enticingly and makes sharing or eating on the go a breeze. Serve them immediately with any extra guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping, and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can turn your burritos from great to unforgettable. Try topping with chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. These small touches brighten the flavors and add a lovely freshness to every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Complement your Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe with classic sides like a crisp Mexican street corn salad, tortilla chips with salsa or queso, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These help round out the meal and provide a delightful contrast to the rich, layered burritos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the burritos in a large cast-iron skillet so everyone can dig into the cozy, warm dish family-style. Alternatively, stack halves upright on a colorful platter garnished with extra guacamole and salsa for a festive look that will impress guests with its abundance and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any burritos left over, tightly wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped well helps maintain their moisture and flavor without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Wrap each burrito individually in foil and then place in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making for a ready-made meal perfect for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and warm the burrito in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and the tortilla is crisp again. You can also use a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally to retain that delightful grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the shredded chicken with seasoned grilled vegetables or another plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to keep all those satisfying layers intact.
What kind of salsa is best for this recipe?
A fresh, chunky salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a little heat works beautifully. You can also use a roasted or smoky salsa for a deeper flavor profile.
Can I use homemade tortillas for these burritos?
Yes! Homemade tortillas add a wonderful authentic touch and fresh flavor. Just make sure they are large enough to hold all the layers without tearing.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or certified gluten-free flour tortillas, and double-check all seasoning and store-bought ingredients for gluten content.
How spicy is the Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe?
It’s versatile! The spice level depends on the salsa and seasonings you use. You can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy salsa and adjusting spices accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a tortilla. With its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe and share it with friends and family — it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Seven Layer Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Seven Layer Chicken Burritos are a delicious, hearty meal featuring layers of tender shredded rotisserie chicken, seasoned black beans, flavorful rice, and classic Mexican toppings—all wrapped in a warm burrito-sized tortilla and grilled to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup salsa (for chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Spices to taste (such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
Beans
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup salsa (for beans)
- Spices to taste (such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt)
Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Assembly & Toppings
- Burrito-sized tortillas (4 large)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- Guacamole (about 1 cup)
- Pico de gallo or salsa (about 1 cup)
- Sour cream (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded rotisserie chicken along with salsa and your choice of seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the salsa and spices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Warm the black beans: In a separate saucepan, combine the drained black beans with salsa and similar spices to taste. Simmer over low heat until warmed through, around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the seasoned rice: In a mixing bowl, combine the hot cooked rice with melted butter, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Mix well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese. Add layers of the warm chicken filling, seasoned rice, warmed black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream carefully in the center of the tortilla.
- Fold and grill the burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then roll tightly from one end to the other to enclose all the fillings. Place the burrito seam-side down on a hot grill or skillet. Grill until the tortilla is crispy and browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently to seal.
- Serve: Remove the burritos from the grill, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately with extra guacamole, salsa, or sour cream as desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and rich flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for heat and seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Grilling the burritos helps seal them and adds a delightful crispy texture.
- Make sure the rice is hot when combined with butter and lime for best flavor absorption.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
