Name: Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or 4 cups); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup salsa (or a little more if you want); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; pinch salt (to taste); 1 can black beans (15 oz); 1/3 cup jarred salsa; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 2 cups hot cooked rice; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 3 tablespoons cilantro (chopped); salt (to taste); burrito sized tortillas (whole wheat tortillas are great too!); shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese; pico de gallo or salsa; guacamole; sour cream

Introduction to Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

When it comes to meals that fit perfectly into the busy lives of young professionals, seven layer chicken burritos are a standout choice. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these burritos make for a wholesome meal that you can throw together after a long day at work. Imagine coming home and having a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in just 35 minutes! That's the beauty of this recipe.

What makes these burritos even better is their adaptability. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, making it easy to eat healthy while keeping your taste buds happy. The combination of shredded rotisserie chicken, seasoned black beans, and cilantro lime rice ensures you’re not only enjoying a vibrant mix of flavors but also fueling your body with quality nutrition.

Studies show that meals prepared at home are often healthier than dining out (source: CDC), allowing you to have control over ingredients. This is especially key for busy young professionals aiming for a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste. So, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, these seven layer chicken burritos are sure to bring a smile to your face!

Ingredients for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Chicken Filling

To kick off your seven layer chicken burritos, you’ll need a hearty filling that’s bursting with flavor. Start with 3 ½ to 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, which is perfect for quick meal prep. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil helps enhance the flavors, while ½ cup of salsa—feel free to add a bit more if you love it zesty—brings that necessary tang. Spice it up with a teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika and cumin, along with a pinch of salt and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to round it all off.

Seasoned Black Beans

For that extra layer of goodness, seasoned black beans are essential! A can of black beans (15 oz) mixed with ⅓ cup of your favorite jarred salsa can be enhanced with ½ teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin. This not only adds protein but also complements the chicken beautifully.

Cilantro Lime Rice

This seven layer chicken burrito wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing twist from cilantro lime rice. You’ll need 2 cups of hot cooked rice combined with a tablespoon of melted butter and a splash of fresh lime juice. Throw in about 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of salt. The citrusy flavor elevates each bite!

Additional Ingredients

Ready to wrap it all up? You’ll need burrito-sized tortillas—whole wheat works great! Add a medley of shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese, then top with pico de gallo, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream for that creamy finish.

With these ingredients, your seven layer chicken burritos are set for a satisfying feast you’ll want to share! For a great salsa option, check out this homemade salsa recipe.

Preparing Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Getting ready to whip up some seven layer chicken burritos? Great choice! These burritos are not only ridiculously delicious but also a fantastic way to impress friends or simply enjoy a cozy night in. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Make the Chicken Filling

Let’s start with the chicken filling, which is the heart of our burrito. In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add about 3 ½ to 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to the pan along with ½ cup of your favorite salsa. Don’t forget the spices: mix in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. A pinch of salt will make the flavors pop. Cook this mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, until everything is nice and heated through. You could also experiment with adding jalapeños if you like a touch of heat!

Prepare the Seasoned Black Beans

Now, let's move on to the seasoned black beans. In a small saucepan, combine a 15 oz can of black beans, ⅓ cup of jarred salsa, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and another ½ teaspoon of cumin. Heat this mixture gently on the stove and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let those flavors meld together. The beans add a great texture contrast and are an excellent source of protein!

Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Rice

Don't forget about the cilantro lime rice—it’s what lifts these burritos to another level! In a medium bowl, take 2 cups of hot cooked rice and toss in 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and about 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Add a dash of salt to taste. This zesty addition will bring brightness to your burrito fillings, making each bite an explosion of flavor!

Assemble the Burritos

Now for the fun part—assembling the burritos! Grab some burrito-sized tortillas (whole wheat ones also work beautifully). Spread shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or Cheddar) along the center of the tortilla, about 1 ½ inches away from the edge. Layer the chicken, rice, seasoned beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Remember, less is more — don’t overstuff! Next, fold in the sides and roll up from the bottom, tucking everything in securely.

Grill the Burritos to Perfection

Finally, it’s time to grill your burritos! Preheat a greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the burritos seam-side down, and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. For an irresistible crunch, spritz them with cooking spray before grilling.

Serve your deliciously prepared seven layer chicken burritos with your favorite hot sauces, salsas, and maybe even some chips on the side. Enjoy this delightful meal with good friends or as a tasty solo treat!

For more recipes and tips, see how other food enthusiasts create their own adventures in cooking!

Variations on Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Vegetarian Seven Layer Burritos

Craving a plant-based option? Transform your seven layer chicken burritos into a vibrant vegetarian delight! Substitute the chicken with a hearty mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Toss in black beans and your favorite cheese options such as Monterey Jack or shredded cheddar for extra flavor. Layer with guacamole and fresh pico de gallo, and you've got a filling and nutritious meal that even meat-lovers will rave about! For a delicious recipe inspiration, consider checking out Minimalist Baker’s veggie burrito recipe.

Spicy Seven Layer Burritos

Ready to turn up the heat? Make your burrito experience unforgettable by adding spicy elements. Replace regular salsa with a spicy habanero salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce, and don’t hesitate to toss in some jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also opt for spicy pepper jack cheese to enhance the zest. The fusion of flavors will tantalize your taste buds, making each bite an adventure. Experiment with your spice level and enjoy a boom of flavor in your seven layer chicken burritos!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Ingredient substitutions

If you’re out of a few ingredients, don’t sweat it! You can swap in canned chicken for rotisserie chicken or use corn instead of black beans for a sweeter crunch. For the tortillas, whole wheat is a healthy alternative, or you can go gluten-free with corn tortillas. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too, like feta or vegan options if you prefer.

Tips for even cooking

To ensure your seven layer chicken burritos come out perfectly cooked, preheat your skillet properly—it should sizzle when the burrito hits the pan! Keep the heat at medium to medium-low to avoid burning the tortillas while the inside gets heated through. Flipping them halfway gives you that golden, crispy finish everyone loves! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out helpful guides on proper skillet heating from sources like the Culinary Institute of America. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Best sides to pair

To elevate your seven layer chicken burritos into a full-fledged meal, consider pairing them with some tasty sides. Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole or salsa can add that perfect touch. A light Mexican street corn salad can also complement the flavors beautifully, adding texture and zest to your plate. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a side of refried beans or a simple avocado salad can round out your meal wonderfully.

Sauces and toppings to enhance flavor

When it comes to sauces and toppings, versatility is key! A drizzle of zesty sour cream or a dollop of your favorite hot sauce can take your seven layer chicken burritos to the next level. For a refreshing layer, pico de gallo adds brightness, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro introduces herbaceous notes. Feeling adventurous? Try a tangy chipotle mayo or homemade ranch for a unique twist. These additions not only enhance flavor but also add visually appealing layers to your dish.

Time Breakdown for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Preparation Time

You'll spend about 15 minutes preparing your ingredients and getting everything ready. This includes shredding your rotisserie chicken and mixing up the cilantro lime rice.

Cooking Time

The cooking portion takes around 20 minutes to bring all the flavors together and heat everything through. This includes sautéing the chicken filling, simmering the black beans, and assembling those delicious burritos.

Total Time

In just 35 minutes, you can have a batch of scrumptious seven layer chicken burritos ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead!

For more insights on burrito-making, check out this guide on cooking essentials.

Nutritional Facts for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Calories

Each of these delicious seven layer chicken burritos packs approximately 450 calories. It's a satisfying option for lunch or dinner, balancing flavors without overwhelming your daily caloric intake.

Protein

With the shredded rotisserie chicken and black beans, these burritos provide a hearty dose of protein—about 30 grams per serving. This makes them a great choice for fueling your active lifestyle, keeping you energized throughout the day.

Fiber

Thanks to the inclusion of black beans and whole grain tortillas, each burrito offers around 10 grams of fiber. Fiber is key for digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer, making these burritos a nutritious pick for any meal.

For more information on nutritional benefits, check out ChooseMyPlate.gov for guidance on balanced eating habits.

FAQs about Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the filling for your seven layer chicken burritos in advance can save you time. You can store the cooked chicken, seasoned black beans, and cilantro lime rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them when you're ready to assemble your burritos, making dinner a breeze amidst your busy schedule.

What sizes should the tortillas be?

For the best results with seven layer chicken burritos, opt for burrito-sized tortillas, typically around 10 to 12 inches. This size ensures you have enough room to hold all your delicious fillings without risking a messy explosion. Whole wheat tortillas also make for a tasty, nutritious option!

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Looking to lighten up your seven layer chicken burritos? Consider using low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat cheese or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. You could also swap regular rice for cauliflower rice or use legumes for extra fiber. Incorporating more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, can boost nutrients without sacrificing flavor! For even more tips, check out resources on healthy eating from Harvard Health.

Conclusion on Seven Layer Chicken Burritos

In wrapping up our delightful adventure into seven layer chicken burritos, you'll find they're not just tasty but incredibly adaptable. Whether you're prepping for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these burritos are sure to impress. Enjoy customizing them with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite!