Description
Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burritos are a deliciously sweet and tangy meal featuring tender shredded chicken marinated in honey, lime, garlic, and chili powder. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas filled with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, and melted cheese, then baked under a creamy salsa verde sauce, these burritos offer a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Burritos:
- 1 package fresh flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups cooked cilantro lime rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and warmed
- 1–2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1 (16-ounce) jar Herdez salsa verde
- 1 cup heavy cream (or to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chili powder. Add the shredded chicken and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Rice and Beans: Cook cilantro lime rice according to your recipe or package instructions and warm the drained pinto beans until heated throughout.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the salsa verde and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas until they become soft and pliable, making them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay a warm tortilla flat and layer with cilantro lime rice, warmed pinto beans, marinated shredded chicken, and a sprinkle of Colby Jack cheese. Fold in the ends and roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each rolled burrito seam-side down on a baking sheet. Generously spoon the prepared salsa verde cream sauce over each burrito, then top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Burritos: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and plate the burritos. Serve with fresh pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, and sour cream if desired for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- To save time, use microwave-ready rice instead of cooking from scratch.
- If the fillings are already warm, you can broil the assembled burritos for 3–5 minutes to melt the cheese instead of baking them fully.
- Black beans are a suitable substitution for pinto beans if preferred.
- Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For added spice, include diced jalapeños in the chicken marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican