Introduction
Seven Layer Chicken Burritos are a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned chicken, creamy beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and tangy sauces all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These burritos are perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or on-the-go meals, offering a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Packed with Flavor – Each bite has layers of savory, creamy, fresh, and tangy goodness.
- Nutritious & Filling – A balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for quick meals.
- Perfect for Sharing – A family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.
Origin of Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
- Burritos originated in Mexico, with early versions dating back to the 1900s in Northern Mexico.
- The concept of layered burritos became popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, with American influences adding more ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce.
- Seven-layer dishes, such as seven-layer dip, inspired the creation of the Seven Layer Chicken Burrito, which offers layers of texture and taste in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Seven Layers:
- Refried Beans – 1 cup, warmed
- Mexican Rice – 1 cup, cooked and seasoned
- Guacamole – ½ cup
- Sour Cream – ½ cup
- Shredded Cheese – ½ cup (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Diced Tomatoes – ½ cup, fresh
- Shredded Lettuce – ½ cup
For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
How to Make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken, then season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Squeeze lime juice over the chicken and stir well.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
- Cook Mexican rice and warm the refried beans.
- Dice fresh tomatoes and shred lettuce.
- Prepare guacamole and sour cream for layering.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Warm the tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Spread refried beans in the center of each tortilla.
- Add Mexican rice, then the seasoned chicken.
- Layer with guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly.
Step 4: Serve or Store
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil for later.
- Optionally, grill the burrito on a skillet for a crispy exterior.
Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- Customize layers with your favorite toppings (add jalapeños for spice!).
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overfilling the burrito – Makes it difficult to roll properly.
- Not sealing the burrito well – Can lead to a messy eating experience.
- Using cold ingredients – Warm ingredients help everything blend better.
- Skipping the lime juice on chicken – Adds freshness and balance to the spices.
Serving Tips
- Serve with salsa, hot sauce, or extra guacamole.
- Pair with corn chips or a side of Mexican street corn.
- Slice the burrito in half for easy eating.
- Wrap in foil for on-the-go meals or meal prep.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Chicken – High in protein for muscle growth and satiety.
- Beans – Rich in fiber, aiding digestion.
- Avocado (Guacamole) – Provides healthy fats and vitamins.
- Tomatoes – A great source of antioxidants.
- Lettuce – Low-calorie and hydrating.
- Rice – A good source of energy-giving carbohydrates.
Interesting Facts About Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
- Burritos were named after “burros” (donkeys) because they carry a variety of ingredients.
- The first burritos appeared in Mexican cookbooks in the 1890s.
- The concept of seven layers comes from the popular “seven-layer dip”.
- This burrito is a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Summarized Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos
Ingredients:
Chicken, refried beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, tortillas, spices.
Instructions:
- Cook and season the shredded chicken.
- Prepare Mexican rice and warm refried beans.
- Chop fresh ingredients and make guacamole.
- Warm tortillas and layer with beans, rice, chicken, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Roll burritos tightly and serve.
Final Thoughts
Seven Layer Chicken Burritos are a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or quick lunches. With layers of texture and bold flavors, this burrito is a Mexican-inspired favorite that will keep you coming back for more!