Name: Chicken Bell Pepper Burritos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced; 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cooked rice (optional); 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional); 4 large flour tortillas; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

These Chicken Bell Pepper Burritos are a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of delicious ingredients. With tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a blend of spices, these burritos are a perfect way to enjoy a homemade, nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, sliced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup cooked rice (optional)

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

4 large flour tortillas

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet, then sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.

If you’re using rice and black beans, stir them into the skillet and cook until everything is heated through. Remove from heat.

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.

Divide the chicken and bell pepper mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.

Roll up the tortillas tightly into burritos. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for an extra touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

For a vegetarian option, I often skip the chicken and add more beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a bit more chili powder to the chicken mixture.

You could also swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, or use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

For a more filling meal, I sometimes add extra rice or black beans to the burritos.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I like to wrap the burritos in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes per burrito.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If I want a spicier version, I add more chili powder, or include diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! I sometimes use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these burritos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven, or microwave them.

What can I serve with these burritos?

I often serve them with a side of chips and salsa, a simple salad, or my favorite guacamole. You can also serve them with a creamy dip like sour cream.

Can I freeze the burritos?

Absolutely! I freeze these burritos by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, I bake them in the oven or microwave them until hot.

Conclusion

These Chicken Bell Pepper Burritos are the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week. They’re full of flavor, easy to make, and completely customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prep option, these burritos are sure to become a favorite in my kitchen!

Recipe: