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Spicy Chicken Burritos with Creamy Cheese Filling

A quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with bold flavors and a creamy cheese filling that satisfies the whole family.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 burritos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the spicy chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust for heat.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Juice of lime
For the creamy cheese filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup milk (more if needed to loosen)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • pinch salt and black pepper
To assemble
  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Salsa, avocado slices, or pico de gallo, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prep your mise en place. Cut the chicken, slice the veggies, and soften the cream cheese.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the lime juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and red pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds.
  2. Push the veggies to the side and add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for 3-4 minutes without moving. Stir and cook until the chicken is cooked through (another 3-4 minutes). Combine vegetables and chicken, adjust seasoning, and squeeze more lime if needed.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, milk, cilantro, lime zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth, adjusting milk for consistency.
  4. Warm tortillas in a skillet for 15-20 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.
Assembly
  1. Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the creamy cheese filling down the center. Add 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture, rice, black beans, and lettuce. Fold sides in and roll tightly.
  2. For a crispy exterior, place burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet with a splash of oil, pressing with a spatula for 1-2 minutes per side.
  3. Slice in half and serve with salsa, avocado, or extra creamy filling on the side.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. You can lighten it by swapping cream cheese for low-fat options. These burritos freeze well for up to 2 months.