18 Minute Burrito

A weeknight friendly burrito.

3-4 burritos
18 minutes
Ethan Chlebowski

Ingredients

Pollo asado

  • Chicken Thighs, boneless
    3-41 lb / 450 g
  • Mayonnaise
    2 spoonfuls30 g
  • Garlic, microplaned
    2 cloves
  • Lime zest, microplaned
    1/2 lime
  • Lime juice
    1/2 lime
  • Salt
    a sprinkle5 g
  • Chili Powder
    a sprinkle
  • Dried oregano
    a sprinkle
  • Black Pepper
    a sprinkle

Spicy pinto beans

  • Pinto Beans, drained
    400 g14 oz can
  • Jalapeños, minced
    1
  • Cooking oil
    a drizzle
  • Cumin seeds
    a sprinkle
  • Salt
    to taste

Accoutrements

  • Large 12" flour tortillas
  • Sour Cream
  • Lettuce, thinly sliced
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Pickled onions
  • Queso Fresco
  • Hot Sauce
  • Cilantro

Method

Step 1: Season & sear the chicken

Set a cast-iron pan over medium to preheat.

Meanwhile, mix the mayo and spices into a bowl. Add the chicken and slather the on the exterior, making sure the thighs are well coated.

Add the chicken to the pan and on each side until well . Cook the thighs until their internal temp is at least 176°F/80°C. Remove from the pan, slice into thin strips, and set aside.

Step 2: Bloom aromatics & saute the beans

Drizzle oil into a pan over medium-low heat.

Add diced jalapeño and cumin seeds and until just fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the drained pintos beans and for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas

Use a large pan to warm the tortillas until pliable. This will ensure they don’t break during rolling. Meanwhile, gather or prep any remaining toppings.

Step 4: Assemble the burritos

To assemble a burrito, take a warm tortillas and spread a thin layer of sour cream on the bottom which will act as a glue and moisture barrier for the toppings. Then make sure to position the remaining toppings in a line on the upper third of the burrito.

First, hit it with a layer of the seasoned beans followed by some hot sauce. Next a generous helping of the chicken then a sprinkle of queso fresco, the diced tomatoes minced cilantro, some shredded lettuce, and the pickled onions.

Repeat with remaining burritos. You should have enough chicken and beans to make 3-4 burritos total.

“In order to make an above-average chicken burrito in 18 minutes, you need a quality flour tortilla layered with a mix of fats, acids, and fresh accouterments that provide contrast in taste and texture. And please don't add rice, it's just unnecessary filler.”

Ethan Chlebowski
Creator

Watch & Cook

Nutritional Information

entire recipe
Calories2673
269g
94g
183g

Show macros split into…

--

Recommended: 4 servings

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but be careful not to overcook the meat. You’ll want to stay closer to 160°F/70°C. In general, thighs are much more forgiving because of their higher content. You can overcook them and they’ll stay juicy.

What kind of tortillas should I find?

You want to find the biggest and thinnest flour tortillas you can find. Often standard grocery stores won’t carry large enough tortillas. It’s worth seeking out a Latin supermarket, visiting a tortilleria, or making your own.

Can I use different beans or toppings?

Always. Black beans would work just the same in this recipe. Add whatever extra toppings you would like - corn, pico de gallo, peppers, etc.