If you love burritos with plenty of flavor and crave-worthy crunch, youโre about to meet your new favorite: Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos. This recipe wraps juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese in a golden, pan-crisped tortilla for handheld magic in every bite. Itโs a fantastic weeknight dinner or meal-prep superstar, and every component comes together so easily that youโll want to put these on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos is short and sweet, but each one packs a serious punch. Every piece brings bold taste, amazing texture, or an extra pop of color to your final burritos.
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken all work; shred or chop for easy filling.
- Bell Peppers (any color): Diced for bright, juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack or cheddar melt beautifully and add that satisfying gooeyness.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herby ranch brings the signature tang and ties everything together.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Look for ones big enough to hold all those tasty fillings without tearing.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Just a brush is all you need to get those burritos extra crispy on the skillet.
- Salt & Pepper: A pinch to season everything perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by chopping or shredding your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the bell peppers into small, even pieces for a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness in each bite. Mix the chicken, bell peppers, and shredded cheese in a bowl, then add a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated and deliciously creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out the large flour tortillas on your work surface. Spoon the chicken, pepper, and ranch mixture down the center of each tortilla. Be sure to leave some space at the edges so rolling is a breeze. Fold in the sides, then tightly roll up each burrito, securing all that goodness inside.
Step 3: Crisp Them Up
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with a little olive oil or add a small pat of butter. Place each burrito seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crisp all over. This step gives your Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos their irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the burritos rest for a minute to firm up, then cut them in half on the diagonal for the ultimate reveal of melty cheese and vibrant peppers. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes or sides for a meal nobody can resist!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos
Garnishes
To add a fresh touch, top your burritos with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or an extra drizzle of ranch dressing. For a touch of heat, try some pickled jalapeรฑos or hot sauce on the side. These simple garnishes not only add color and flair but bring even more flavor to your Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos.
Side Dishes
You can keep it classic with chips and salsa, pair with a zesty corn salad, or serve alongside a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette. The rich flavors and creamy ranch in the burritos pair especially well with fresh, crunchy sides and tangy dips. Donโt forget to have some extra ranch for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the burritos into bite-sized rounds and secure with toothpicks for party-ready appetizers. Or, serve them on a wooden board with assorted dips, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh veggies for a colorful, customizable โburrito board.โ The irresistible look and taste of Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos are sure to wow your dinner guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra burritos (lucky you!), wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Theyโll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days and are fantastic for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos are excellent for make-ahead meals. Once assembled (and cooled, if youโve already crisped them), wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer bags. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, let them thaw in the fridge before reheating and crisping them up in the pan again.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy magic, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, flipping to ensure all sides get crisp. If youโre in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but for best texture, finish them off in the pan or toaster oven. This brings back that signature crunch and gooey cheeseโjust like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken keeps things quick, but grilled steak, pulled pork, or even seasoned tofu are all fantastic substitutions in your Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos.
Whatโs the best cheese to use?
Monterey Jack and cheddar are my top choices for meltiness and flavor, but feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for extra stretch!
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! You can assemble and keep them in the fridge, uncooked, up to 2 days ahead. Crisp them up fresh in the pan when youโre ready to eat for fastest, tastiest results.
Are these burritos spicy?
The recipe as written keeps things mild and kid-friendly, but if you want a little heat, add diced jalapeรฑos or your favorite hot sauce to the filling before rolling up.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Place assembled burritos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 425ยฐF for about 15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy. This is a great way to make a big batch all at once.
Final Thoughts
I canโt recommend these Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos enoughโtheyโre just the right mix of crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and fresh. Try them for your next family dinner or game night and watch them disappear faster than you can say “burrito night!” Enjoy every bite, and donโt forget to share your delicious creations!
PrintCrispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crispy Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos are bursting with flavor, combining crispy chicken, sautรฉed bell peppers, melty cheese, and creamy ranch all wrapped in a golden, toasted tortilla. They make the perfect hearty snack, lunch, or dinnerโeasy to assemble and guaranteed to please crowds or picky eaters alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked crispy chicken, chopped (use homemade or store-bought tenders)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling Burritos
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Crisping
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red and green bell peppers, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sautรฉ for 4-5 minutes until just softened but still vibrant. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each flour tortilla flat. Spread 2 tablespoons ranch dressing down the center. Top with about 1/2 cup chopped crispy chicken, a quarter of the sautรฉed peppers, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro if using.
- Roll the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling, forming a burrito shape.
- Crisp the Burritos: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place burritos seam-side down, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches if needed.
- Serve: Slice burritos in half. Serve hot, with extra ranch or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Swap crispy chicken for grilled chicken or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Jack, pepper jack, or Monterey cheese all work well as alternatives.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeรฑos inside the burrito.
- To make ahead, assemble burritos and refrigerate. Crisp them in the skillet just before serving.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and chicken tenders.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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