There is something truly special about the Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe that has made it a go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. Combining tender, juicy chicken with the vibrant crunch of colorful bell peppers and a creamy ranch dressing, this dish offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla. Whether you are craving a quick meal or a crowd-pleaser, these burritos deliver satisfaction in every bite, making them an irresistible choice for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial in creating the bright, savory, and creamy profile that makes this recipe so memorable. Each component plays an important role—from the juicy bell peppers providing sweetness and color to the ranch dressing adding its signature tangy creaminess.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped: The star protein that adds substance and flavor to the burritos.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables to tender perfection without losing their vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and gorgeous red hue making the dish visually inviting.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a sunny brightness and subtle sweetness that balances out the savory cheese.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a slightly earthy crispness to round out the pepper trio.
- 1 small red onion, sliced (optional): Adds a mild sharpness and a zesty layer for those who love a little extra bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory dimension without overpowering the fresh produce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that amplifies the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: The creamy element that melds everything together with a zesty kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey richness and depth.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and warm carriers that hug every delicious filling inside.
- Cooking spray or butter (optional): For a perfectly golden, lightly crispy sear on your burritos if you like them toasted.
How to Make Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and, if you like, the red onion. Sauté them gently for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of snap to them. This quick cooking keeps the peppers vibrant and flavorful without turning them mushy.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Next, stir in the cooked chicken breast along with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat the chicken through and let the flavors mingle. The seasoning brings a comforting savory warmth that perfectly complements the fresh peppers.
Step 3: Blend in Ranch Dressing and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ranch dressing along with the shredded cheese. The cheese melts into a creamy blanket, while the ranch gives it a tangy, herby finish. Mixing these ingredients while the pan is off the heat prevents the ranch from breaking and keeps the cheese stringy and luscious.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas either in the microwave for a few seconds or on a dry skillet until they become soft and flexible. This makes wrapping the filling much easier and prevents tearing, resulting in neat, perfectly folded burritos.
Step 5: Assemble and Roll the Burritos
Divide the chicken and pepper mixture evenly among the tortillas. Fold the sides in tightly and roll them up like a classic burrito. Taking time to roll snugly helps keep all those delicious fillings inside where they belong.
Step 6: Optional Pan-Searing for Extra Crispness
If you want to add a golden, slightly crispy crust to your burritos, lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray or add a touch of butter. Toast the burritos seam-side down over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds a wonderful texture contrast that makes every bite extra special.
How to Serve Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, add a dollop of ranch dressing or a spoonful of salsa on the side. A sprinkling of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions can add a fresh herbal note. For a little extra zest, a wedge of lime or some sliced jalapeños make great garnishes too.
Side Dishes
This burrito pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or even easy guacamole and chips. The lightness and freshness of these sides provide a fantastic counterpoint to the rich, cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the burritos in half on the diagonal and stack them up on a platter for a colorful, enticing presentation at your next party. Alternatively, serve alongside individual bowls of dressing and salsa for a fun DIY dipping experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the burrito shells from becoming soggy, you can wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Freezing
These burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or thawed burritos in a skillet over medium heat, turning gently until warmed through and the exterior is crisped up again. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, but to maintain the best texture, the skillet method is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack for some heat, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or grilled tofu. The bell peppers and ranch dressing will still deliver that wonderful creamy, crunchy combo.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. You can make the pepper and chicken filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before assembling your burritos for a quick dinner fix.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are traditional and ideal for this recipe because they are pliable and sturdy. However, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can work well too, depending on your dietary preferences.
How spicy is this burrito?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. If you like more heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy ranch dressing to kick up the flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, this Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe is a fantastic choice. It brings together the best flavors with minimal fuss, making it a sure winner for your dinner table. Give it a try and watch how quickly these burritos disappear—your new favorite is just a skillet away!
Print
Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos combine tender cooked chicken, sautéed colorful bell peppers, and creamy ranch dressing wrapped in warm flour tortillas. A quick and easy 20-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights, with an optional step to toast the burritos for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dressing and Cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Burritos
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or butter (for pan-searing burritos, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the bell peppers and onion: Add the sliced bell peppers and optional red onion to the skillet, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften slightly but retain some crispness.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in the cooked chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Mix in ranch dressing and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ranch dressing and shredded cheese until everything is evenly combined and the cheese starts to melt.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet until pliable, making them easier to roll without breaking.
- Assemble the burritos: Evenly distribute the chicken and pepper mixture onto each tortilla. Fold the sides in and roll each tortilla burrito-style to enclose the filling.
- Optional toasting step: Lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray or melt some butter, then place each burrito seam-side down. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the burritos hot, optionally with extra ranch dressing, salsa, or sour cream on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can customize the peppers by substituting with different colors or adding other vegetables like mushrooms.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free ranch dressing and cheese alternatives.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
