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A perfect balance of creamy avocado, zesty ranch, and tender chicken comes together in these satisfying burritos. These handheld delights combine fresh ingredients with comfort food appeal, creating a meal that's both nourishing and crave-worthy.
Last week, I packed these for my daughter's lunch, and she came home asking if we could make them for her weekend sleepover. Even her pickiest friend loved them, proving these burritos are truly crowd-pleasers.
Essential Ingredients
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
- Ripe avocados: Look for ones that yield slightly to pressure.
- Fresh ranch dressing: Homemade gives the best flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh adds bright, herbal notes.
- Red onion: Adds crunch and zesty bite.
- Fresh lime: Essential for preventing avocado browning.
- Quality tortillas: Large ones that won't tear when rolling.
Creating Your Perfect Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos
- Filling Preparation:
- Start by mixing your shredded chicken with ranch dressing - this ensures even distribution of flavor. Add diced avocado and gently fold to keep chunks intact. The lime juice should go in right away to prevent browning. Add tomatoes, onion, and cilantro last, tossing everything together with a light hand to maintain textures.
- Tortilla Warming:
- Heat tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave between damp paper towels. They need to be warm enough to be pliable but not so hot they're difficult to handle. You want them soft enough to roll without cracking.
- Strategic Assembly:
- Lay out your warmed tortilla and spread filling slightly off-center toward you. Layer shredded lettuce and cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Don't overfill - about 3/4 cup total filling per burrito is perfect.
- Perfect Rolling Technique:
- Fold the bottom edge up and over the filling, then fold in both sides. Keep everything tight as you roll away from you. Place seam-side down to let the weight seal the edge.
- Optional Toasting:
- For extra crispiness, place the finished burrito seam-side down in a warm skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. This creates a delightful crunch and helps hold everything together.
My grandmother taught me to spread a thin layer of sour cream on the tortilla before adding other ingredients - it helps everything stick together and adds extra creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep chicken mixture (except avocado) the night before. Add avocado just before assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Create a DIY burrito bar with extra toppings like jalapeños, different cheeses, and various sauces.
Storage Solutions
If making ahead, wrap individual burritos in parchment paper, then foil. They'll keep in the fridge for 2 days.
Professional Chef Tips
- Toast tortillas slightly for better structure.
- Layer wet ingredients away from edges to prevent sogginess.
- Use slightly underripe avocados for better texture when making ahead.
These burritos have become our go-to solution for busy weeknights and packed lunches. They prove that simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Best assembled fresh, but you can prep the filling mixture a few hours ahead and assemble when ready to eat.
- → What type of chicken works best?
- Rotisserie chicken works great, or use any leftover cooked chicken shredded with two forks.
- → How do I keep avocados from browning?
- The lime juice helps prevent browning. Add avocado just before serving for best results.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
- Replace chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- → What's the best way to warm tortillas?
- Warm in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave briefly.