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This crispy chicken burrito recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches. The combination of parmesan-crusted chicken wrapped in a toasted tortilla delivers that satisfying crunch factor while keeping the interior perfectly cheesy and tender.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something beyond our usual taco night. My family was immediately hooked, and now these burritos have become our Friday night tradition when we want something special without the restaurant price tag.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: select firm, pinkish pieces with minimal fat for best texture
- Breadcrumbs: creates the crispy coating that makes these burritos special
- Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and helps form that golden crust
- Garlic powder: infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor throughout
- Paprika: provides subtle smoky notes and beautiful color to the coating
- Mozzarella or Monterey Jack: choose freshly shredded for best melting quality
- Flour tortillas: look for 10inch size for ideal wrapping capacity
- Butter: essential for that golden crispy exterior when toasting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the coating:
- Thoroughly mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until completely combined. This seasoned mixture is what transforms ordinary chicken into the star of your burrito.
- Coat the chicken:
- Press each chicken strip firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every side gets an even coating. The moisture from the chicken will help the coating adhere naturally, but press firmly to create a good crust.
- Pan fry to perfection:
- Heat your olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Cook chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing them to develop a golden crust for about 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Rest and chop:
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly before chopping. This prevents moisture loss and ensures juicy chicken pieces. Cut into bite sized chunks that will distribute evenly throughout the burrito.
- Assemble strategically:
- Lay tortillas flat and place cheese down first, followed by chicken and seasonings. This order ensures the cheese melts against both the tortilla and the warm chicken, creating the perfect binding effect.
- Roll properly:
- Fold the sides in first, then tightly roll from bottom to top, keeping filling centered and contained. A tight roll prevents filling from escaping during toasting.
- Toast to finish:
- Melt butter in a clean skillet and place burritos seam side down first to seal them closed. Press gently with a spatula while toasting each side to a golden crisp, about 3 minutes per side.
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The garlic parmesan coating is truly what makes this recipe special. My daughter initially claimed she didn't like chicken burritos until she tried these. Now she specifically requests the "crunchy chicken" version whenever burritos are mentioned. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior creates that craveable texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make-Ahead Options
These burritos work wonderfully for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken completely, cool it, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply assemble and toast the burritos. For even quicker meals, fully assemble the untoasted burritos, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just unwrap and toast when ready to eat.
Customization Ideas
The basic recipe serves as an excellent canvas for personalization. Try adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita style variation. Incorporate black beans for added fiber and protein. A spread of guacamole or sour cream inside creates a creamy contrast to the crispy elements. For heat lovers, add pickled jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the filling before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These burritos stand perfectly on their own, but pairing them with sides elevates the meal. Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for freshness. A cup of tortilla soup makes for a restaurant style combo. For casual gatherings, present with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. If serving for dinner, Mexican style rice and refried beans complete the feast.
Common Queries
- → What type of cheese works best for these burritos?
Mozzarella or Monterey Jack provide a creamy melt and complement the crispy chicken's texture. Feel free to substitute with your favorite melty cheese.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy inside the burrito?
Use a hot skillet to pan-fry the breadcrumb-coated chicken strips until golden, and let them rest before chopping. This helps maintain crispiness when rolled inside the tortilla.
- → Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken and cheese filling in advance, but toast the filled burritos right before serving to keep them crisp.
- → Are there any suggested sides for serving?
Fresh salad, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole pair nicely with these cheesy chicken burritos for a complete meal.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes or even sliced fresh chili to the cheese filling for extra heat.