If you’re on the hunt for a flavor-packed meal that still keeps things wholesome, I cannot recommend this Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe enough. With a vibrant mix of lean ground chicken, fresh veggies, tender golden potatoes, and just the right blend of spices, these burritos come together to deliver a satisfying bite every time. They strike that perfect balance of hearty, healthy, and downright delicious, making them an instant favorite for lunch, dinner, or anytime you crave something comforting yet nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the burritos. From the aromatic garlic and colorful bell peppers to the tender potatoes and perfectly spiced chicken, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, or color that make this dish truly stand out.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Offers a fragrant warmth that makes every bite inviting and savory.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and soft texture when finely diced and cooked.
- Green and red bell peppers: Bring brightness and a slight crunch, plus a lovely pop of color.
- Cilantro: Freshly diced to brighten and lift the flavors with a citrusy herbal note.
- Jalapeno: Delivers just the right spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
- Canned diced green chiles: Adds smoky, tangy depth to the filling.
- Lean ground chicken: The star protein of the dish, keeping it light but hearty.
- Ground cumin: Infuses a warm earthiness that perfectly complements the other spices.
- Salt and black pepper: Basics that season and enhance all the flavors.
- Diced gold potatoes: Tender, golden bites that bring comforting texture and mild sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the potato seasoning with an extra garlic layer.
- Your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy, savory finish inside each burrito.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to bring creamy richness and gooey goodness.
- Burrito size tortillas: Choose regular, whole wheat, or gluten free to suit your preferences.
How to Make Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic, finely diced onion, green and red bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeno, and canned green chiles. Let them gently soften for about five minutes until the onions and peppers turn tender and fragrant. This flavorful base, often called recaito, is where the magic begins, layering in fresh, vibrant flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the lean ground chicken to the skillet with the mingling vegetables, breaking it apart so it blends evenly. Sprinkle in ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through. This mixture is savory, fragrant, and ready to be the hearty heart of your burritos. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and set aside while you prepare the potatoes.
Step 3: Brown the Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced gold potatoes, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook them for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a beautiful golden crust and become tender. If needed, cover the pan briefly with a lid and add a splash of water to avoid burning while allowing the potatoes to steam to perfection. Once ready, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Warm your tortillas briefly — around 10 to 20 seconds in the microwave works wonders to make them pliable for rolling. Lay them flat and evenly distribute the savory chicken mixture, golden potatoes, and about three tablespoons of shredded cheese on each. Drizzle roughly a tablespoon of salsa or enchilada sauce over the filling for added moisture and tang. Fold the sides in, tuck the ends, and roll each burrito tightly so none of that goodness escapes.
Step 5: Finish with Heat
Place your burritos on a baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F oven for five to ten minutes or microwave for one to two minutes for quick heating. For a crispy, golden exterior, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium and sear the burritos seam side down until golden brown, then flip to crisp the other side. This finishing step adds irresistible texture and elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is in the toppings, which can add freshness, creaminess, or extra spice. Consider dollops of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream for cooling contrast, sliced ripe avocado for buttery richness, fresh cilantro leaves to brighten the flavors even more, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if you like a little extra kick. These garnishes not only enhance the taste but also make the meal visually appealing and customizable.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair wonderfully with simple side dishes that complement their hearty texture. A crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance, while a side of Mexican street corn or charred vegetables boosts color and added nutrients. If you’re looking to keep things light but filling, a cup of black bean soup or a fresh pico de gallo makes a perfect accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Try slicing your burrito in half to showcase the colorful filling layers on a plate, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh cilantro. Or serve them with a side of warm salsa verde for dipping. For a crowd-pleasing option at parties, consider cutting the burritos into smaller pinwheel bites — great for sharing and perfectly bite-sized for mingling guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe store beautifully. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container to keep the flavors intact and prevent drying out. Refrigerate and enjoy within three to four days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for busy days, these burritos freeze well. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. They keep great for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can microwave your burrito wrapped in a damp paper towel for a couple of minutes, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the tortilla again. For the ultimate reheated crunch, a quick sear in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil works wonders. Keep the fillings juicy and the tortilla crisp, just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey is a fantastic alternative that works perfectly with the spices and veggies in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, try seasoned crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a hearty, protein-rich twist.
What if I don’t have gold potatoes? What can I use instead?
You can swap gold potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes for similar texture and flavor. Sweet potatoes are a tasty, slightly sweeter alternative if you want a hint of natural sweetness mixed in.
Are there gluten-free tortilla options for this recipe?
Definitely. Many stores carry gluten-free tortilla varieties made from corn, cassava, or other grains that are perfect for wrapping your burritos without sacrificing flexibility or taste.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The jalapeno and diced green chiles add a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the spiciness. Remove the jalapeno seeds to reduce heat or omit it altogether if you prefer mild flavors. Adding extra hot sauce at serving time allows everyone to control their spice level individually.
What kind of cheese works best for these burritos?
A shredded Mexican blend cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds authentic flavor. However, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Ready to elevate your meal game with a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? This Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal made from simple ingredients but bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try these burritos, they’ll become a favorite quick dinner or meal prep staple in your kitchen. Go ahead, make a batch — your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Print
Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Ground Chicken Burritos recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious twist on classic burritos by using lean ground chicken, sautéed fresh vegetables, and seasoned diced potatoes wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a wholesome meal, these burritos combine tender, spiced chicken with wholesome potatoes and melty cheese, finished with your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup very finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup very finely diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup very finely diced cilantro
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 pound lean ground chicken (93% lean)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups diced gold potatoes (½ inch dice)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Burrito Assembly
- ½ cup your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or any shredded cheese you prefer)
- 8 burrito size tortillas (regular, whole wheat, or gluten free)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, green and red bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeno, and diced green chiles. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions and peppers become tender and aromatic.
- Cook Ground Chicken: To the same skillet, add the lean ground chicken, breaking it apart so it mixes naturally with the vegetables. Sprinkle with ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and set aside.
- Prepare Potatoes: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the diced potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are browned and tender. Use a lid and a splash of water if necessary to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm Tortillas and Assemble Burritos: Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to make them easier to roll. Lay them flat and evenly distribute the cooked chicken mixture, potatoes, and approximately 3 tablespoons of shredded cheese on each tortilla. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce over each. Fold in the ends and roll up the tortillas tightly to form burritos.
- Finish Cooking Burritos: Place assembled burritos on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For a crispy exterior, heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat and cook the burritos seam side down until golden brown, then flip to brown the other side. Serve warm with Greek yogurt, extra salsa, avocado, or hot sauce as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- For spicier burritos, include jalapeno seeds or add hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Use gluten free tortillas to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add extra veggies like corn or black beans for more fiber and nutrition.
- If potatoes are cooking too fast or browning too quickly, add a splash of water and cover briefly to ensure they cook through.
- To reduce fat, use less cheese or low-fat cheese options.
