If you’re craving a bold and comforting meal that bursts with flavor, let me introduce you to the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe—a thrilling twist on classic burritos that blends spicy buffalo chicken with gooey melted cheese and fresh, vibrant veggies. It’s a perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, and savory notes wrapped inside a warm tortilla that makes every bite downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for that crowd-pleasing game day snack, this recipe brings irresistible heat paired with satisfying textures that will have you reaching for seconds, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and hearty flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, or that signature buffalo kick.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all that buffalo sauce goodness.
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds the irresistible spicy tang that defines this dish’s bold flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates the perfect cheesy layer inside the burrito.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Offers a creamy, gooey complement with hints of mild peppers for extra depth.
- 1/2 cup cooked rice: Adds hearty bulk and a comforting texture that balances the spice.
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings mild earthiness plus a protein boost to every bite.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch for fresh contrast.
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper: Offers a crisp texture and a touch of sweetness to mellow the heat.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they’re the perfect vessel for folding up all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used for toasting the burritos to a golden, crispy finish.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional): Adds creamy coolness to balance the spicy buffalo chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brings bright, herbaceous freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your shredded cooked chicken in a large bowl with the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is gloriously coated in that vibrant, spicy glaze. This base layer ensures every bite packs a punch of flavor right from the get-go.
Step 2: Mix in the Cheese and Veggies
Next, stir in the sharp cheddar, the melty Mexican cheese blend, and the rest of the filling ingredients—rice, black beans, diced red onion, and green bell pepper. This mixture is where taste and texture meld, giving you a filling that’s creamy, crunchy, and so satisfying.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on your workspace, then spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture right into the center. This step is about creating the perfect balance so that every bite has the right amount of filling and tortilla.
Step 4: Roll Up Your Burritos
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then carefully roll from the bottom up to seal your burrito. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and ready to cook, ensuring a tight wrap that will hold all that cheesy, spicy goodness inside during cooking.
Step 5: Toast to Golden Perfection
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and place your burritos seam-side down for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side until each burrito is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is perfectly melted. This step adds a satisfying crunch and locks the flavors in.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Remove the burritos from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes. This brief rest allows the cheesy filling to settle ever so slightly, so you don’t end up with a molten mess when you dig in.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your delicious Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe hot with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a festival of spicy, cheesy delight that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sour cream and fresh cilantro not only brightens the presentation but also brings an essential cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken. If you like, a squeeze of lime or a handful of diced tomatoes can elevate each bite even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these burritos with crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole, a simple green salad, or some refreshing cucumber slices to balance the bold flavors. A light, citrus-infused slaw can also cut through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the burritos in half diagonally to show off the colorful filling, serving them as finger foods for a party. You can also serve them open-faced, topped with extra cheese and baked briefly for a casserole-style Buffalo chicken delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover burritos tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains freshness and flavor for easy grab-and-go meals.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap each burrito in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your burritos in a skillet over medium heat to regain that crispy exterior and melty inside, or use the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded cheddar and Mexican cheese blend are perfect for meltiness and flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for extra spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best result.
How spicy is this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe?
The spiciness primarily depends on your buffalo wing sauce choice. If you prefer less heat, opt for a mild sauce, or if you’re a spice lover, go for a hotter variety. The sour cream garnish also helps mellow the heat nicely.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, and use your favorite buffalo sauce to coat the veggies. The cheese and other ingredients will still deliver that satisfying cheesy buffalo flavor.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas work best here because they are larger and more pliable, making wrapping easier. Corn tortillas tend to be smaller and more fragile, but if you prefer them, consider warming them thoroughly before assembling to prevent cracking.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The buffalo chicken filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just assemble and toast the burritos when you’re ready to eat for a quick, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dish packed with bold flavor, ooey-gooey cheese, and just the right amount of heat, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe is your new go-to. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for any day you want a little kick at the dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how fast these disappear!
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burritos combine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce with melted cheddar and Mexican cheese blends, rice, black beans, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and pan-seared to a golden crisp. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
Wraps
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix thoroughly until the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce, ensuring every bite has that spicy buffalo flavor.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Add shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican cheese blend, cooked rice, black beans, diced red onion, and diced green bell pepper to the buffalo chicken mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the filling.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken filling into the center of the tortilla, making sure to leave space at the edges for folding.
- Roll Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then starting from the bottom, tightly roll it up to enclose the filling fully. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all burritos are formed.
- Pan-Sear Burritos: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the burritos seam-side down into the skillet to seal them and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step crisps the tortillas to a golden brown and melts the cheeses inside for gooey goodness.
- Rest Burritos: Remove the burritos from the skillet and let them cool slightly on a plate for a few minutes, which helps the filling set and avoids burning when eating.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy buffalo chicken burritos warm, accompanied by sour cream for dipping and topped with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo wing sauce or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with cooked jackfruit or tofu and omit buffalo wing sauce if desired.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary preferences.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated; reheat in a skillet or oven to re-crisp.
- Butter can be substituted with oil or cooking spray for a lighter option.
