If you’re mourning the loss of Taco Bell’s shredded chicken burrito, don’t worry—today, we’re bringing it back to life with a delicious homemade version!
With a few simple ingredients and tools, this recipe will satisfy your cravings without the mystery chicken chunks. Plus, you can customize it to your heart’s content.
What Does Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Taste Like?
The Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito delivers a comforting blend of flavors and textures. The shredded chicken is tender, seasoned with mild spices for a savory base, complemented by warm, fluffy rice that adds a hearty feel. A creamy chipotle sauce brings a smoky, tangy kick, while the melted cheddar cheese adds richness, like the Taco Bell Black Bean Burrito.
Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, each bite is balanced with the perfect mix of zesty, cheesy, and meaty goodness. It’s a satisfying combination that’s both indulgent and crave-worthy, making it a fan favorite among burrito lovers.
Ingredients Required for Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Copycat Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito
- 4 medium-sized uncooked tortillas (Guerrero brand recommended, about 8-10 inches)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or Mexican-style rice, seasoned with ½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (seasoned with 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp chili powder, and salt to taste)
- Taco Bell Spicy Potato Taco Sauce
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large skillet (10-12 inches)
- Fish spatula (or any flat spatula)
- Grater (for shredding cheese)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Copycat Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Taco Bell Style Shredded Chicken Burrito at home
1. Cook the Tortillas:
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the uncooked tortillas on the skillet one at a time, flipping after 20-30 seconds until lightly golden. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If the shredded chicken is juicy, drain excess liquid to avoid soggy burritos. Reheat in the skillet with a bit of olive oil for added flavor.
3. Reheat the Rice:
To reheat rice, sprinkle a bit of water over it or cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous amount of sour cream sauce.
- Add a layer of rice, followed by shredded chicken.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold the Burritos:
- Fold in the sides first, then roll tightly from the bottom to create a burrito.
5. Toast the Burritos (Optional):
For a crispy finish, add a layer of shredded cheese to the skillet. Place the seam side of the burrito down on the cheese and let it melt and crisp up for 2-3 minutes. Flip and repeat.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Shredded Chicken Burrito
1. Chips and Guacamole
Pair your burrito with a side of crispy tortilla chips and creamy guacamole. The freshness of the guac complements the rich flavors of the burrito.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Serve your burrito alongside grilled corn on the cob, smothered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic street food experience.
3. Fresh Pico de Gallo
Add a vibrant side of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. It adds brightness to the dish and works as a great topping or dip.
4. Black Bean Salad
Whip up a simple salad with black beans, corn, diced red bell peppers, and a lime-cilantro dressing for a healthy, refreshing side.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice
Upgrade your plain rice with a touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro. Serve it on the side or inside the burrito for an extra zesty kick.
6. Loaded Nachos
Complement your burrito with a platter of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa for a hearty, shareable side.
7. Spicy Roasted Vegetables
Roast a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with a sprinkle of chili powder and cumin. These add a smoky, healthy twist to your meal.
8. Refried Beans
Serve a small bowl of creamy refried beans as a side or use it as a dip for your burrito. You can even spread some inside the burrito for extra richness.
9. Mexican Hot Chocolate
For a sweet and indulgent pairing, serve your burrito with a cup of thick Mexican hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne.
10. Simple Green Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Balance the heaviness of the burrito with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lime vinaigrette. Add avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Some Tips on This Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe
1. Use High-Quality Tortillas:
Opt for uncooked tortillas like Guerrero brand for the closest texture to restaurant-style burritos. Toast them just enough to create a soft yet slightly crisp base.
2. Shred Your Cheese Fresh:
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating fresh sharp cheddar will give you that gooey, melty goodness.
3. Season the Chicken Well:
If your shredded chicken is bland, season it with taco seasoning, paprika, or a mix of garlic and onion powders to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Don’t Skip the Sauce:
The sour cream sauce is key to recreating the iconic taste. For an extra kick, add a bit more adobo sauce or lime juice to the mix.
5. Drain Excess Chicken Juices:
Overly juicy chicken can make the burrito soggy. Drain off excess liquid before adding the chicken to your tortilla.
6. Toast the Burritos:
Toasting the burritos in a skillet with melted cheese adds a crispy, golden crust and elevates the flavor.
7. Layer Ingredients Strategically:
Place rice and sauce below the chicken and cheese to ensure even distribution and prevent the tortilla from breaking.
8. Reheat Rice the Right Way:
Add a few drops of water or cover rice with a damp paper towel before reheating in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.
9. Don’t Overstuff the Burrito:
While it’s tempting to pile on the fillings, too much can make it hard to roll and cause leaks. Stick to moderate portions for a clean, easy-to-eat wrap.
10. Experiment with Add-Ons:
Customize your burrito with extras like black beans, pico de gallo, or guacamole for added flavor and texture. Make it your own masterpiece!
How to Store and Reheat This Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito?
To store, wrap burritos individually in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat in a skillet for a crispy finish. Add a damp paper towel while microwaving rice-based fillings to keep them moist.
Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized uncooked tortillas Guerrero brand recommended, about 8-10 inches
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice or Mexican-style rice, seasoned with ½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken seasoned with 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp chili powder, and salt to taste
- Taco Bell Spicy Potato Taco Sauce
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the uncooked tortillas on the skillet one at a time, flipping after 20-30 seconds until lightly golden. Set aside.
- If the shredded chicken is juicy, drain excess liquid to avoid soggy burritos. Reheat in the skillet with a bit of olive oil for added flavor.
- To reheat rice, sprinkle a bit of water over it or cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous amount of sour cream sauce. Add a layer of rice, followed by shredded chicken. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold in the sides first, then roll tightly from the bottom to create a burrito.
- For a crispy finish, add a layer of shredded cheese to the skillet. Place the seam side of the burrito down on the cheese and let it melt and crisp up for 2-3 minutes. Flip and repeat.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe that people often ask.
1. What’s in a chicken burrito from Taco Bell?
Taco Bell’s shredded chicken burrito originally included shredded chicken, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, and a flavorful chipotle sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
2. Why did Taco Bell get rid of their shredded chicken?
Taco Bell discontinued their shredded chicken menu items, including the shredded chicken burrito, in 2020 as part of a menu streamlining process to simplify operations.
3. How many calories are in a shredded chicken burrito from Taco Bell?
The original shredded chicken burrito from Taco Bell contained approximately 420 calories.
4. Does Taco Bell still have the grilled chicken chipotle burrito?
Taco Bell offers similar menu items like the grilled chicken chipotle ranch burrito, but it may vary by location. Always check with your local Taco Bell for current offerings.
5. Can I use store-bought tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought tortillas, but uncooked tortillas like Guerrero’s provide a more authentic texture closer to what you’d find in Mexican cuisine.
6. What’s the best way to reheat the homemade burrito?
Reheat your burrito in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes on each side to maintain crispness. Alternatively, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
7. What makes the chipotle sour cream sauce taste like Taco Bell’s?
The combination of adobo sauce, chipotle powder, and sour cream replicates the smoky and tangy flavor of Taco Bell’s chipotle sauce. Adjust seasonings to match your taste preference.
8. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Swap out white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice, use low-fat cheese and sour cream, and add more veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
9. How long can I store the shredded chicken?
Shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
10. What are some variations of this recipe?
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use spicy Mexican rice instead of plain white rice.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for unique flavors.
- Include toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or jalapeños for extra zest.
Enjoy customizing your copycat burrito and bring back those Taco Bell vibes at home! 🌯
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it goes! Whether you’re recreating the classic or adding your own twist, these burritos are guaranteed to hit the spot. 🌯
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