Welcome to an irresistible culinary journey! Today, we’re diving into a crowd-pleasing recipe for Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos. This dish combines the bold flavors of lime and honey with savory chicken, beans, and cheese, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion. These burritos are easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Whether you’re a burrito lover or new to Tex-Mex cuisine, this recipe will leave you craving for more.
If you’re looking for a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, look no further. Imagine tender, marinated chicken enveloped in soft flour tortillas, complemented by creamy rice and beans, all topped off with a delicious sauce. The combination of honey and lime adds just the right balance of sweetness and brightness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of honey, lime, and savory chicken creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.
- Versatile: Customize your burritos by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans.
- Great for Meal Prep: These burritos hold up well and can be made in advance for a quick lunch or dinner option.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start whipping up these flavorful burritos, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Ensure you have a large bowl for marinating the chicken and separate bowls for mixing the sauce and prepping the rice and beans. A cutting board and a sharp knife will also come in handy for shredding the rotisserie chicken.
When it comes to cooking, a decent baking sheet is crucial for smothering and finishing the burritos in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Having all your ingredients at the ready not only makes the cooking process smoother but also enhances the enjoyment of creating this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Package Fresh Flour Tortillas
- 1/4 Cup Lime Juice
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 6 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken, meat removed and shredded
- 2 Cups Cooked Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 Can Pinto Beans, drained and warmed
- 1–2 Cups Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- 1–2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo, for serving
- Chopped Cilantro, for garnish
- For the Sauce:
- 1–16 Ounce Jar Herdez Salsa Verde
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chili powder until well combined. Add the shredded meat from the rotisserie chicken and ensure it’s thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes—the longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Beans
While the chicken is soaking up those zesty flavors in the fridge, it’s time to prepare the cilantro lime rice and warm your pinto beans. Follow your favorite rice cooking method, infusing the rice with fresh cilantro and lime for that irresistible taste. For the beans, simply heat them in a small pot on low until they’re warmed through. Set both aside to cool slightly before assembling your burritos.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium size bowl, combine the jar of Herdez salsa verde with the heavy cream. Whisk them together until smooth. This creamy and tangy sauce will enhance the flavor of the burritos, ensuring each bite is packed with a burst of deliciousness.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now that your chicken, rice, beans, and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your burritos. Start by warming the flour tortillas slightly in a pan or the microwave to make them more pliable. On each tortilla, layer some cilantro lime rice, a generous scoop of the warm pinto beans, the marinated chicken, and a sprinkle of both Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese. Once you’ve added the fillings, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.
Step 5: Smother and Bake
Arrange the assembled burritos on a baking sheet, seam side down, and lovingly spoon the creamy salsa verde sauce over each. Finally, sprinkle more shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that golden and bubbly finish. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your burritos are done baking, pull them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish each burrito with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa or pico de gallo on the side. Prepare for flavor explosions with every delicious bite!
Variations
- Protein: You can swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked shredded beef or turkey for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers or onions inside the burrito for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile further.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to warm your tortillas to prevent them from tearing during assembly.
- You can customize the level of creaminess in the sauce by adjusting the amount of heavy cream you add.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these burritos with a side of Mexican street corn for a full meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the burritos.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the filling before wrapping.
- Make extra sauce to have on hand as a dip for chips or as a dressing for salads.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 Minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 35 grams
- Sodium: 900 milligrams
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for these burritos?
Yes! Feel free to use shredded beef, turkey, or even a meat substitute like jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply switch out the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones, and ensure you’re using gluten-free sauce and seasoning.
Can I freeze the burritos?
Absolutely! Assemble the burritos and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time when baking from frozen.
What can I serve with these burritos?
They pair well with salsa, pico de gallo, and a fresh side salad, or consider serving with chips and guacamole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are not just a meal; they are a culinary experience that leaves you feeling satisfied and happy. The combination of flavors will delight everyone at the table, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a simple weeknight treat. Don’t hesitate to try variations of this recipe; the options are endless and allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences. I encourage you to give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below. How did your version turn out? What ingredients did you swap? Let’s connect over our love for delicious homemade meals!
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Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, creating a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 Package Fresh Flour Tortillas
- 1/4 Cup Lime Juice
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 6 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken, meat removed and shredded
- 2 Cups Cooked Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 Can Pinto Beans, drained and warmed
- 1–2 Cups Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- 1–2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo, for serving
- Chopped Cilantro, for garnish
- For the Sauce:
- 1–16 Ounce Jar Herdez Salsa Verde
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chili powder until well combined. Add the shredded meat from the rotisserie chicken and ensure it’s thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes—the longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- While the chicken is soaking up those zesty flavors in the fridge, it’s time to prepare the cilantro lime rice and warm your pinto beans. Follow your favorite rice cooking method, infusing the rice with fresh cilantro and lime for that irresistible taste. For the beans, simply heat them in a small pot on low until they’re warmed through. Set both aside to cool slightly before assembling your burritos.
- In a medium size bowl, combine the jar of Herdez salsa verde with the heavy cream. Whisk them together until smooth. This creamy and tangy sauce will enhance the flavor of the burritos, ensuring each bite is packed with a burst of deliciousness.
- Now that your chicken, rice, beans, and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your burritos. Start by warming the flour tortillas slightly in a pan or the microwave to make them more pliable. On each tortilla, layer some cilantro lime rice, a generous scoop of the warm pinto beans, the marinated chicken, and a sprinkle of both Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese. Once you’ve added the fillings, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.
- Arrange the assembled burritos on a baking sheet, seam side down, and lovingly spoon the creamy salsa verde sauce over each. Finally, sprinkle more shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that golden and bubbly finish. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and bubbly.
- Once your burritos are done baking, pull them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish each burrito with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa or pico de gallo on the side. Prepare for flavor explosions with every delicious bite!
Notes
These burritos hold well in the fridge and can be reheated for quick meals. Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 35 g