Name: Seven Layer Chicken Burritos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts; 6 large flour tortillas; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can black beans; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tomatoes diced; 1 cup lettuce shredded; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1 packet taco seasoning

Delicious seven layer chicken burritos cut in half showing colorful filling with melted cheese | lonerecipes.com

I first discovered the magic of seven layer burritos during a busy week when I needed something that could feed my family and use up ingredients I had on hand. The concept is brilliantly simple yet incredibly satisfying - you layer seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, protein-rich black beans, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and creamy accompaniments all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. What makes these special is how each layer contributes its own flavor and texture, creating a perfect bite every time. The seasoned chicken provides the hearty protein base, while the rice adds substance and the black beans contribute earthiness and fiber. The melted cheese brings everything together with its creamy richness, and the fresh tomatoes and lettuce add a bright, crisp contrast. When you bite into one of these burritos, you get all seven layers in perfect harmony. It's comfort food at its finest - familiar, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your family's preferences.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about these seven layer chicken burritos is how they manage to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. There's something so rewarding about creating these beautiful, restaurant-quality burritos in your own kitchen. The way the flavors meld together is just magical - the seasoned chicken with its perfect blend of spices, the creamy cheese that binds everything together, and those fresh vegetables that add the perfect crunch. I love how versatile this recipe is too; you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them when you're ready to eat. It's become my go-to recipe for meal prep because these burritos freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly. But what I love most is watching my family's faces when they take that first bite - the combination of textures and flavors never fails to make everyone smile. These burritos represent everything I want in a family meal: they're delicious, nutritious, budget-friendly, and bring everyone together around the dinner table. Every time I make them, I'm reminded why simple, well-executed comfort food is often the most satisfying.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Chicken breasts: Season and cook until tender, then shred for easy eating
Flour tortillas: Warm before use to make them pliable and prevent tearing
Black beans: Drain and rinse to remove excess sodium and liquid
Cheddar cheese: Shred fresh for better melting and flavor
Rice: Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool slightly
Tomatoes: Dice into small pieces and drain excess juice

Let's Make These Together

Season and Cook Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with the taco seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly. Cook in a hot skillet until they're golden brown and cooked through, then shred them with two forks while they're still warm.
Prepare Fresh Ingredients: While the chicken is cooking, take care of your fresh ingredients. Dice the tomatoes and let them drain, shred the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and chop your cilantro. This prep work makes assembly much smoother.
Warm and Layer Tortillas: Warm your tortillas so they're pliable and won't crack when you roll them. Then layer each ingredient carefully in the center, starting with rice as your base and building up those beautiful seven layers.
Master the Wrap: Here's the key to perfect burritos: don't overfill them! Fold the bottom edge over the filling first, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly from bottom to top. Keep that seam side down and you're golden.

Recipe picture — Mouth watering seven layer burritos displaying perfectly wrapped tortillas with vibrant ingredients | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made these burritos for a busy weeknight dinner. I was scrambling to find something that would use up the leftover rice and chicken in my fridge. As I started layering everything into the tortillas, I realized I was creating something really special. The aroma of the seasoned chicken mixed with the melted cheese had my whole family gathering in the kitchen. When I cut into that first burrito and saw all those beautiful layers, I knew I had stumbled onto our new favorite meal. Now it's become our go-to recipe whenever we want something hearty and satisfying. The best part is watching everyone's face light up when they take that first bite - pure joy! These burritos have become such a staple in our house that I often double the recipe just to have extras for lunch the next day.

Perfect Pairings

These seven layer chicken burritos pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides. Serve them with a dollop of fresh guacamole and some crispy tortilla chips for the perfect texture contrast. A side of Mexican street corn or a simple cilantro-lime rice makes an excellent accompaniment. For beverages, try a refreshing agua fresca, cold beer, or a zesty margarita. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the burritos beautifully.

Close up view of loaded chicken burritos with black beans rice and fresh cilantro garnish | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?: Yes! You can assemble these burritos up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
→ What's the best way to reheat frozen burritos?: For frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
→ Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, pork carnitas, or even seasoned black beans work wonderfully as protein alternatives in this recipe.
→ How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy?: Make sure to drain all wet ingredients well, don't overfill the tortillas, and consider adding a paper towel layer if storing overnight.
→ What size tortillas work best for these burritos?: Large flour tortillas (10-12 inches) work best as they provide enough surface area to hold all seven layers without tearing during wrapping.

Conclusion

These seven layer chicken burritos are the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your entire family. The layers work together beautifully - from the seasoned chicken to the creamy cheese and fresh vegetables. They're also incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, these burritos are guaranteed to be a hit.