Easy Chicken & Black Bean Burritos Recipe

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Are you searching for quick dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition? These Chicken & Black Bean Burritos are about to become your go-to solution for easy weeknight dinners! Packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded black beans, and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, cheap dinners for a family, or kid friendly dinners that everyone will actually eat, these burritos check every box. They’re perfect for lazy dinners when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen but still want something delicious and nutritious on the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Recipe

These dinner ideas recipes are incredibly versatile and customizable to suit your family’s preferences. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy mashed avocado, savory black beans, and melted cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that rivals your favorite restaurant burrito but for a fraction of the cost!

This recipe is ideal for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weekdays when you need dinner ideas for family gatherings or quick supper ideas after a long day. You can prepare all the components ahead of time using your food processor and store them separately, then assemble the burritos in minutes when hunger strikes.

The use of low-carb whole wheat tortillas keeps these burritos on the healthier side without compromising taste. Plus, using a quality cutting board and sharp chef’s knives makes prep work quick and effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Chicken & Black Bean Burritos:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Mashed avocado	3/4 cup (about 1 large avocado)	Use ripe avocados for best texture
Low-carb whole wheat tortillas	4 large	Can substitute regular flour tortillas
Pico de gallo or salsa	1/2 cup	Store-bought or homemade
Shredded cooked chicken breast	2 cups	Rotisserie chicken works great
Black beans	1 cup, rinsed and drained	Canned beans are convenient
Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese	6 tablespoons	About 1 1/2 Tbsp per burrito
Shredded lettuce	1 cup	Iceberg or romaine both work
Diced tomatoes	1 cup	Fresh tomatoes, diced small

All ingredients can be prepared quickly using basic kitchen utensils and mixing bowls for easy organization.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these dinner dishes is incredibly simple! Follow these easy steps:

Prepare Your Workspace

Set up your ingredients in small bowls or containers for easy assembly. Use measuring cups and spoons set to portion everything accurately. This assembly-line approach makes the process super fast!

Assemble the Burritos

1. Start with the avocado: Spread 3 tablespoons of mashed avocado evenly across the center of one tortilla. The creamy avocado acts as the perfect base and helps bind all the ingredients together.
2. Add the pico de gallo: Top the avocado with 2 tablespoons of pico de gallo or your favorite salsa. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor and a bit of moisture to keep the burrito from being dry.
3. Layer the protein: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken breast. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with two forks or use your hands to pull it apart.
4. Add the black beans: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of rinsed and drained black beans over the chicken. Make sure to rinse canned beans thoroughly using a colander strainer basket to remove excess sodium.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese over the beans. The cheese will slightly melt from the warmth of the other ingredients.
6. Add the vegetables: Top with 1/4 cup shredded lettuce and 1/4 cup diced tomatoes for a fresh, crunchy element.
7. Fold the burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly as you go to create a secure burrito.
8. Repeat: Follow the same process for the remaining 3 burritos.

Optional Heating Step

If you prefer warm burritos, you can heat them in a frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes for a crispy exterior.

Pro Tips for Perfect Burritos

Meal Prep Like a Pro: Prepare all components ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble burritos just before eating for the freshest taste.

Prevent Soggy Burritos: Pat your diced tomatoes and black beans dry with paper towels before assembling. Excess moisture can make tortillas soggy.

Customize Your Fillings: This recipe is incredibly flexible! Add sautéed peppers and onions, corn, jalapeños, or swap black beans for pinto beans. Use your frying pans to quickly sauté any additional vegetables.

Make It Spicier: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy salsa instead of mild pico de gallo.

Keep Tortillas Soft: Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or in a dry pan before assembling. This makes them more pliable and easier to fold.

Batch Cook Chicken: Use your oven to bake several chicken breasts at once (375°F for 25-30 minutes). Shred and store for multiple meals throughout the week.

Nutritional Information

Each burrito provides approximately:

• Calories: 350-380 per serving
• Protein: 24-26g
• Carbohydrates: 38-42g
• Fiber: 7-8g
• Fat: 11-13g
• Sodium: 550-650mg

These burritos are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a balanced meal option for healthy dinner ideas.

Storage and Meal Prep

Refrigerator Storage: Store assembled burritos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Store components separately for up to 4 days for the freshest burritos.

Freezer Storage: These burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: Unwrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a frying pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. The air fryer also works wonderfully at 350°F for 8-10 minutes from refrigerated.

Serving Suggestions

These Chicken & Black Bean Burritos are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with these accompaniments:

• Side salad: A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Mexican rice: Yellow or cilantro-lime rice
• Tortilla chips and guacamole: Perfect for scooping up any filling that escapes!
• Sour cream and extra salsa: For dipping or topping
• Refried beans: For an extra protein boost
• Mexican street corn: Elote makes a fantastic side dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground beef, shredded pork, or even grilled shrimp work beautifully in this recipe. For vegetarian options, add extra beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu

What if I don’t have avocado?
You can substitute with guacamole, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. While the flavor will be slightly different, these alternatives still provide creaminess and moisture

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the burritos and wrap them individually in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners

How do I keep the tortilla from tearing?
Make sure to warm your tortillas slightly before assembling, and don’t overfill them. Leave about 2 inches of space at the edges when adding fillings

Are these burritos gluten-free?
This recipe uses whole wheat tortillas, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute with gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Can I add rice?
Definitely! Add 1/4 cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime) to each burrito for extra heartiness. Cook your rice perfectly using qualitypots.

What’s the best way to fold a burrito?
Place fillings in the center of the tortilla. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in both sides, and continue rolling forward to create a tight cylinder

Equipment You’ll Need

Here are the essential tools that make preparing these burritos a breeze:

• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables safely
• Chef’s Knives: For dicing tomatoes and other ingredients
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set: For accurate portioning
• Mixing Bowls: For organizing ingredients
• Colander Strainer Basket: For rinsing black beans
• Food Processor: Optional, for quickly shredding chicken
• Frying Pans: For warming burritos (optional)
• Air Fryer: For crispy burritos (optional)
• Kitchen Utensils: Spatulas and serving spoons

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

These Chicken & Black Bean Burritos are the epitome of easy weeknight dinners. With minimal prep time, affordable ingredients, and maximum flavor, they solve the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?” The recipe requires no cooking if you use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, making it one of the ultimate lazy dinners that still feels homemade and satisfying.

For families looking for cheap dinners for a family, this recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. You can easily feed four people for under $15, especially if you batch-cook chicken breasts and use canned beans. The ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.

The kid friendly dinners aspect cannot be overstated children love the customizable nature of these burritos. Set up a burrito bar and let each family member build their own creation, choosing their favorite fillings and toppings. This interactive approach often encourages picky eaters to try new ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken & Black Bean Burritos truly represent the best of quick dinner ideas they’re fast, flavorful, nutritious, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas for meal prep, supper ideas for a busy Tuesday night, or dinner ideas for family gatherings, this recipe delivers every single time.

The combination of protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich black beans, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs. Plus, with endless customization options, you’ll never get bored of this dinner dishes staple.

Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why these burritos have become a favorite among busy families everywhere. They’re proof that dinner ideas recipes don’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious!

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