Tasty Chicken Burrito

This Chipotle Ranch Chicken Wrap combines juicy chicken, crunchy tortilla bits, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, gooey cheese, and tangy chipotle ranch dressing all tucked inside a warm flour tortilla. Our family can't get enough of this homemade take on the Taco Bell classic - it's now requested weekly at our dinner table. The mix of textures and Mexican-inspired flavors makes for a quick and filling meal that's perfect when life gets hectic.

We started making these at home after my youngest begged for "those chicken wraps with the crunchy stuff inside" following our takeout night. Our homemade version was such a success that it quickly became part of our regular menu. There's something magical about biting through that toasty outside to reach the creamy filling inside.

Wrap Components

• Flour tortillas: Go for the big 10 inch ones to fit everything without breaking. You'll want soft, fresh tortillas that won't crack when you roll them.
• Grilled chicken strips: Ready-made strips work in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste of chicken you've just grilled if you can spare the time.
• Shredded cheese: Pick sharp cheddar or a Mexican mix that melts well. Put some near the edges to help glue your wrap shut during cooking.
• Lettuce: Either romaine or iceberg adds a nice snap. Cut it super thin so it's easy to eat and spreads throughout the wrap.
• Diced tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are best since they're meatier with less juice. Scoop out some seeds to keep your wrap from getting soggy.
• Tortilla strips: These give the essential crunch that makes these wraps stand out. Go for plain or lightly salted ones.
• Chipotle ranch sauce: This brings everything together with its creamy, smoky kick. Store-bought is fine, or mix ranch with some chipotle in adobo sauce for a DIY version.

Cooking Instructions

Preparation Phase:

Get everything lined up before you start. Slice your lettuce thinly, chop tomatoes small, and have your cheese ready. Setting up properly saves you from rushing around later when you're in the middle of assembly.

Heat Control:

Get your pan or griddle nice and hot over medium-high. You want it hot enough to make the tortilla golden and crispy but not so hot that it burns before the inside warms up. Finding that sweet spot makes all the difference.

Assembly Strategy:

Spread your tortilla on the counter and put ingredients in the middle. Start with cheese (about 1/4 cup), then add 3 ounces of chicken, a good drizzle of chipotle ranch, some diced tomatoes, your lettuce, and finish with those crunchy tortilla strips.

Rolling Technique:

Fold in the sides of your tortilla first, then bring the bottom edge up to cover everything. Keep rolling forward, tucking in any escaping bits as you go. You're aiming for a tight bundle that won't fall apart during cooking.

Toasting Process:

Put your wrap seam-side down on the hot pan first. This keeps it from unrolling. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it's golden, then carefully flip it over and cook the other side until it's crispy too and the cheese has melted inside. Don't rush this step – it's what gives you that perfect crunch.

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My teenager swears these wraps beat the restaurant version because I sneak extra cheese along the edges. This little hack makes the melted cheese form a natural glue that keeps everything inside. He asks for them almost every week now, especially after he comes home starving from soccer practice.

Taste Boosters

That chipotle ranch sauce really turns this simple wrap into something special. The mix of cool, creamy ranch with smoky chipotle creates this perfect balance that works so well with the grilled chicken. If you like things spicier, just add more adobo sauce or a few splashes of hot sauce to make it your own. My husband always wants extra sauce on the side so he can dip each bite.

Prep Ahead Ideas

Getting the parts ready ahead of time makes this a no-brainer for busy nights. Cook your chicken and cut your veggies during weekend prep, and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. When dinner rolls around, just warm up the chicken, throw everything together, and toast your wraps. This strategy has gotten us through so many crazy evenings when we're short on time but still want something good.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps go great with some zesty cilantro lime rice to round out your meal. The rice gives you more to enjoy and soaks up any sauce that might drip out. A simple side of black beans with cumin and garlic adds protein and works perfectly with the flavors in the wrap. If you want something lighter, try a green salad with lime dressing to balance out the richness of the wraps.

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Creative Variations

Try swapping in grilled steak strips for a bolder taste. The rich beef flavor works amazingly with the smoky chipotle sauce and gives you a totally different experience. Switch the chipotle ranch for a creamy avocado sauce if you want something milder that kids usually love. You'll still get that creamy texture but without the heat. Throw in some black beans and corn to make it more filling when you need to feed a lot of hungry people.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of Taco Bell's Chipotle Sauce?

Combine mayo with chipotle peppers in adobo, or buy any smoky chipotle sauce from the store.

→ Can these wraps be prepped in advance?

Sure! Just skip the lettuce and tomatoes, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate. Add fresh veggies before grilling to heat them up.

→ How do I stop the wrap from falling apart on the grill?

Tightly tuck in the sides, roll the wrap snugly, and start grilling with the seam side down so it seals.

→ Is rotisserie chicken a good substitute for grilled chicken?

Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and works perfectly for this dish.

→ What goes well with these wraps?

Mexican rice, refried beans, guac, or a big side salad all pair wonderfully.