Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, filling, and absolutely delicious? Meet your new favorite meal: chicken bell pepper burritos. These aren’t your average burrito—they’re packed with tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and all your favorite toppings wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Best of all, you can have them on the table in less than 30 minutes.
What makes these easy chicken burrito recipe so special is the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, protein, and flavor. The bell peppers add natural sweetness and crunch, while the seasoned chicken brings savory satisfaction. This is the kind of healthy burrito dinner that feels indulgent but actually nourishes your body. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to match everyone’s preferences at the dinner table.
Whether you’re a busy parent juggling work and family, a student looking for meal prep inspiration, or simply someone who wants to avoid takeout, these Mexican-style chicken wraps deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Here’s everything you need to know to make them perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks every box for a modern weeknight dinner. In fact, it’s one of those meals that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Easy to Make
First, the prep work is minimal. You’re simply sautéing chicken and peppers with a handful of seasonings. Moreover, there’s no complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. Furthermore, even kids can help with assembly—making it a fun family activity. You can go from grocery bag to dinner table in about 25 minutes.
Endlessly Customizable
Here’s where it gets exciting: customize these burritos to match your family’s tastes perfectly. Add sour cream, skip the cheese, include black beans, or load up on salsa. Additionally, you can make mild versions for the kids and spicy versions for the adults—all from the same base recipe. That flexibility makes it perfect for families with different preferences.
Packed with Nutrition
Beyond the deliciousness, you’re getting a truly balanced meal. The chicken provides lean protein. Meanwhile, the bell peppers deliver vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Furthermore, whole wheat tortillas add additional fiber and nutrients. It’s comfort food that actually is good for you.
Ingredient Breakdown: Fresh, Simple, and Flavorful
This recipe relies on quality ingredients—no fancy or hard-to-find items required.
The Protein Foundation
You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. The key is cutting them into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly. Additionally, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great for an even faster option.
The Star: Bell Peppers
For vibrant color and flavor, use 3 large bell peppers in mixed colors—red, yellow, and orange are ideal because they’re sweeter than green. Cut them into thin strips so they soften perfectly during cooking. The different colors not only look beautiful but also provide varied nutrients.
The Seasoning Blend
Keep this simple: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Additionally, include ½ teaspoon cayenne if you like heat. These spices create that authentic Mexican-style chicken wraps flavor profile without being overwhelming.
The Wrapper and Toppings
Use 8-10 large flour tortillas (burrito-size). Then gather your favorite toppings: shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, black beans, cooked rice, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. The beauty here is that everyone chooses their own toppings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4
Follow these simple steps for perfect burritos every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Next, slice your bell peppers into thin strips. Then, gather all your spices in a small bowl and mix together. Finally, have your toppings prepped and ready—this makes assembly quick and easy.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and starting to brown. Meanwhile, don’t worry if it’s not completely done—it will finish cooking with the peppers.
Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers and Spices
Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the spice mixture over everything. Stir well to coat all the chicken and peppers with those delicious seasonings. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the chicken is fully cooked through. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point.
Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas
Meanwhile, while the chicken and peppers finish cooking, wrap your tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Warm tortillas are crucial—they wrap much better than cold ones.
Step 5: Build Your Burritos
Place a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Add a line of filling down the center—about ¾ cup of the chicken-pepper mixture. Top with your desired toppings: cheese, beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. Don’t overfill or they’ll be hard to wrap.
Step 6: Wrap and Serve
Finally, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up. The burrito should be snug but not bursting. Place seam-side down on a plate. Serve immediately with extra salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for dipping.
Creative Variations to Keep Things Fresh
The basic recipe is versatile. Moreover, simple tweaks create entirely different flavor profiles.
Spicy Chipotle Version
For heat lovers, add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped) to the chicken mixture in Step 3. Additionally, drizzle finished burritos with adobo sauce. Furthermore, top with fresh jalapeños for extra kick. This version brings serious flavor and complexity.
Fajita-Style Burritos
Make these closer to traditional fajitas by including sliced onions along with the peppers. Additionally, add lime juice to the chicken mixture. Furthermore, serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa on the side—let everyone build their own. This approach feels more interactive and fun.
Creamy Avocado Version
For a richer, creamier burrito, mash 1-2 ripe avocados with lime juice and salt. Spread this inside the tortilla before adding the chicken mixture. Alternatively, add sliced avocado on top of the filling. This version adds healthy fats and luxurious texture.
Serving Ideas: Complete the Meal
These easy chicken burrito recipe burritos work perfectly as a standalone meal, but pairing them with complementary sides makes dinner more satisfying.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve alongside fluffy cilantro lime rice for an authentic Mexican-inspired plate. The bright lime flavor complements the burritos beautifully.
- Black Beans: Add a simple side of seasoned black beans. They provide additional protein and fiber, making the meal even more filling.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The fresh vegetables provide nice contrast.
- Corn Street Salad: Create a charred corn salad with cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro. It’s colorful, delicious, and feels special.
- Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Keep it casual with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for dipping. Add guacamole and queso for a proper appetizer situation.
Storage and Meal-Prep Tips: Make Ahead Magic
One of the best things about these burritos is how well they store and freeze. This makes them perfect for busy weeks.
Refrigerator Storage
Let cooked burritos cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. They keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, unwrap and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, place wrapped burritos in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Freezer-Friendly Magic
Here’s the best part: these burritos freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, wrap individually in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date. To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrapping, rewrap in foil, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly convenient.
Make-Ahead Assembly
For maximum convenience, prep the chicken-pepper mixture on Sunday. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Then, on busy weeknights, simply warm it up and assemble fresh burritos in minutes. You can also freeze the cooked filling in portions for future burrito nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them in the morning and wrap individually in foil. Store in the refrigerator until dinner. Then, simply reheat in the oven. Alternatively, make them the night before and reheat in the microwave for a quick dinner. They’re designed for convenience.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, perfect! Using rotisserie chicken cuts your cooking time in half. Simply shred about 3-4 cups of rotisserie chicken and skip Step 2 entirely. Add the shredded chicken to the peppers in Step 3 and proceed as normal. This is a fantastic shortcut for even busier nights.
How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
The key is not overfilling them with wet ingredients like salsa or sour cream. Moreover, add these toppings right before eating rather than inside the burrito. Additionally, warm your tortillas properly—they’ll be more pliable and less likely to tear or get soggy. Finally, wrap them tightly so steam doesn’t create moisture buildup.
Can I freeze chicken burritos?
Definitely! In fact, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before wrapping and freezing. To reheat from frozen, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave from frozen, though baking preserves texture better. This makes meal prep incredibly convenient.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Mexican blend cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and has mild flavor. Monterey Jack also works wonderfully. Alternatively, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for more complex flavor. Avoid pre-sliced cheese if possible—shredded cheese melts better. The goal is cheese that becomes creamy without separating.
Final Thoughts: Your New Weeknight Favorite
These chicken bell pepper burritos prove that healthy, delicious weeknight dinners don’t require complicated recipes or long ingredient lists. With vibrant bell peppers, tender seasoned chicken, and endless customization options, they satisfy everyone at the table. Moreover, they’re fast enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for casual entertaining.
The real genius of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Make them spicy or mild, loaded or simple, with rice and beans or just the filling. Furthermore, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep and future quick dinners. In fact, many families find themselves making double batches just to have extras in the freezer.
Start making these burritos this week and experience why they’re becoming a family favorite in kitchens everywhere. Your busy schedule will thank you, your family will love you, and your taste buds will celebrate every single bite.
Ready to add easy, flavorful dinners to your rotation? Make these chicken bell pepper burritos tonight and discover your new weeknight go-to meal!