Seven Layer Chicken Burritos have become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights and effortless meal prep. I remember the first time I tried making them, I was aiming for something that felt special but was still quick enough after a long day, and these delivered! The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, and perfectly melted cheese all wrapped up in a warm tortilla is pure comfort. You’ll love how truly easy seven layer chicken burritos are to assemble, and the fact that you can create these delicious, homemade seven layer chicken burritos in under an hour is a game-changer. The aroma alone as they bake is enough to make your mouth water! Let’s get cooking!
I’m here to help.
Why You’ll Love This Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
- The taste is absolutely incredible, a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors.
- You can whip up these easy seven layer chicken burritos in no time, perfect for busy evenings.
- They offer a great way to get a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Budget-friendly ingredients make these a smart choice for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Kid-approved and endlessly customizable, these are truly family friendly seven layer chicken burritos.
- Meal prepping is a breeze with this recipe, making your weeknights even smoother.
- The combination of chicken and bean layers creates a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make.
Seven Layer Chicken Burrito Ingredients
Gathering your seven layer chicken burrito ingredients is the first step to this amazing meal. I love how versatile each component is! You can find more delicious recipes here. You’ll need:
- 1 pound seasoned chicken, grilled or shredded – I usually grill chicken breasts with a taco seasoning blend for extra flavor.
- 1 cup beans (black, pinto, or refried) – Black beans add a nice texture, but refried beans make it extra creamy.
- 1 cup rice (white or brown) – Cooked rice forms a great base layer.
- 1 cup fresh salsa – This adds a bright, zesty kick.
- 1 cup guacamole – Creamy avocado goodness is a must!
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – For a cool, tangy contrast. Greek yogurt is a lighter option.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) – Melty cheese brings it all together.
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños – For those who love a little heat!
- Optional: 1 cup shredded lettuce – Adds a refreshing crunch.
How to Make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Let’s dive into the fun part of how to make seven layer chicken burritos! It’s all about building those delicious layers.
- Step 1: Start by preparing your chicken. If you haven’t already, grill or pan-sear about 1 pound of chicken breasts seasoned with your favorite taco spices until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before shredding it with two forks. The aroma of the seasoned chicken is amazing!
- Step 2: While the chicken rests, cook your rice according to package directions. Whether you prefer fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice, aim for about 1 cup cooked. In a separate small saucepan, warm up your beans over medium heat until they’re heated through, about 3-5 minutes. This is key for a warm, comforting burrito.
- Step 3: Now for the assembly! Gently warm your large flour tortillas. I like to do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, just until they’re pliable and warm – this makes them so much easier to roll without tearing.
- Step 4: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Start building your delicious layers. Spoon a base of your warmed beans and cooked rice into the center of the tortilla.
- Step 5: Next, add generous portions of the shredded seasoned chicken, followed by a layer of fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finally, sprinkle your shredded cheese over everything. This is where the magic happens in how to make seven layer chicken burritos that truly impress.
- Step 6: To wrap it up, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll it up from the bottom. Tuck in any loose bits as you go. This technique ensures all those wonderful flavors stay contained.
- Step 7: Your homemade seven layer chicken burritos are ready to be enjoyed immediately! If you’re meal prepping, wrap them tightly in foil or parchment paper. This method of how to make seven layer chicken burritos is so satisfying and yields fantastic results every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Want to elevate your burrito game? I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in creating the most delicious and satisfying Seven Layer Chicken Burritos. For more tips on cooking, check out these helpful cooking tips.
- Always warm your tortillas before assembling. A quick pass in a dry skillet or microwave makes them pliable and prevents tearing, ensuring a neat wrap.
- Don’t overstuff your burritos! It makes them incredibly difficult to roll and increases the chances of them bursting open.
- Layer your ingredients strategically. Placing wetter items like salsa and sour cream towards the outer edges can sometimes lead to sogginess.
- Season your chicken well! This is the foundation of flavor, so don’t skimp on the spices for your chicken and bean layers.
What’s the secret to perfect Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?
The secret to an ultimate seven layer chicken burrito lies in the balance and texture of each layer. Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned, your beans are warm, and your fresh ingredients like salsa and guacamole are vibrant. Don’t overcook the rice, as it can get mushy. Learning about different types of rice can be helpful.
Can I make Seven Layer Chicken Burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For make ahead chicken burritos, assemble them as directed but don’t add the cheese until just before you plan to eat or reheat them. Wrap them tightly. You can also prep all the individual components ahead of time and assemble them fresh for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?
The most common mistake is a soggy burrito. To avoid this, make sure your rice isn’t too wet and consider placing drier ingredients like chicken and rice closer to the tortilla. Also, avoid overfilling, which makes rolling difficult and can cause blowouts.
Best Ways to Serve Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
These hearty burritos are a meal in themselves, but I love pairing them with a few simple sides to round out the meal. They are perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. The way the chicken and bean burrito layers come together is just fantastic! Consider trying a delicious side salad with your burritos.
- Serve them piping hot right after assembly for the ultimate gooey cheese and warm filling experience.
- For a refreshing contrast, pair them with a simple side salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette.
- A small bowl of tortilla chips and extra salsa or a light cilantro-lime slaw also complements the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts for Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each of these delicious burritos. They’re packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients! For more information on healthy eating, explore healthy eating tips.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
These burritos are fantastic for meal prep, and storing them properly ensures they stay delicious. Once assembled and slightly cooled, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn, making them ideal for future meals. You can keep these make ahead chicken burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Think of them like a personal chicken burrito casserole recipe you can grab and go!
When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheating is simple. For a taste closest to fresh, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Place the wrapped burritos on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, but be aware they might not be as crispy. Either way, they’re a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
What are Seven Layer Chicken Burritos?
Seven layer chicken burritos are a delicious and hearty meal where all the classic burrito fillings are neatly layered inside a large tortilla and then rolled up. They typically include seasoned chicken, beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese, creating a wonderfully complex flavor and texture profile in every bite.
Can I make a chicken burrito bake recipe with these?
Absolutely! These burritos are fantastic for a chicken burrito bake recipe. After assembling and rolling them, place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Top with extra salsa, cheese, and maybe some enchilada sauce, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through. It transforms them into a comforting casserole!
What are the best chicken and bean burrito layers for flavor?
For the most satisfying chicken and bean burrito layers, I love using seasoned shredded chicken and black beans. The earthiness of the black beans pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. Adding a layer of warm rice underneath helps keep everything moist and provides a great base for the other ingredients. You can learn more about different bean varieties.
Are these considered healthy seven layer chicken burritos?
You can definitely make these healthy seven layer chicken burritos! Opt for lean chicken, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose brown rice, and load up on fresh salsa and guacamole. Controlling portion sizes and the amount of cheese also helps keep them on the healthier side. For more healthy options, see these healthy meal ideas.
Variations of Seven Layer Chicken Burritos You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Seven Layer Chicken Burritos! These variations let you cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making them even more versatile.
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Swap the chicken for seasoned black beans or a mix of roasted sweet potatoes and corn. Add shredded lettuce and extra salsa for a vibrant, vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy Fiesta Stack: Amp up the heat by using spicy shredded chicken, adding pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, and a pepper jack cheese blend. This makes for a truly fiery chicken burrito stack recipe.
- Deconstructed Burrito Bowl: Skip the tortilla altogether! Layer all the ingredients in a bowl for a healthy and easy-to-eat meal. This is perfect if you’re looking for a lighter option or avoiding carbs.
- Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bake: Assemble your burritos as usual, then arrange them seam-side down in a baking dish. Top with extra salsa, cheese, and perhaps some enchilada sauce, then bake until bubbly. This transforms them into a comforting layered chicken burrito casserole.
Seven Layer Chicken Burritos: Amazing Meal
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create delicious Seven Layer Chicken Burritos for a satisfying meal prep. This recipe features seasoned chicken, beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese layered in a tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 pound seasoned chicken, grilled or shredded
- 1 cup beans (black, pinto, or refried)
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- Optional: 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest, then shred.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Warm your chosen beans in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Layer beans and rice in the center of a large flour tortilla.
- Add shredded chicken, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese on top of the beans and rice.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Serve immediately or wrap tightly for storage.
Notes
- These burritos are customizable and great for meal prep.
- Experiment with different proteins and flavors.
- Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing.
- Layer drier ingredients first to avoid sogginess.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Layering and Rolling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
