Burrito Especial from Rubio's features a warm flour tortilla filled with seasoned grilled chicken, Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh salsa, and melted cheese, offering a flavorful and satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and tangy tastes wrapped in a soft, hearty wrap.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Microwave or oven (for melting cheese)
- Serving plate or platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked Spanish rice
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans
- 1 cup fresh salsa (pico de gallo)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Pay close attention to the quality and freshness of your chicken breast as it significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your Burrito Especial from Rubio's. Using homemade Spanish rice and refried beans can elevate your dish by providing a richer taste and better consistency. Fresh salsa, such as pico de gallo, adds a necessary tang and brightness to balance the smoky grilled chicken and melted cheddar cheese. Proper seasoning with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder ensures a well-rounded, authentic taste profile. Your Burrito Especial from Rubio's copycat menu will be a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped in a warm, hearty flour tortilla.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breast with the spice mixture.
- Grill chicken until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into thin strips.
- Warm the refried beans in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.
- Heat Spanish rice until warm.
- Warm flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet until pliable.
- Lay a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Layer on each tortilla: refried beans, Spanish rice, grilled chicken strips, fresh salsa, and shredded cheese.
- Fold in the sides and then roll up the burrito tightly.
- Place assembled burritos on a microwave-safe plate or oven tray.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top, if desired.
- Microwave or bake until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately on a plate or platter.
Substitution
Burrito Especial from Rubio's is a popular copycat recipe that replicates a warm flour tortilla loaded with seasoned grilled chicken, Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. If you don't have access to a grill, a grill pan or skillet can be used to achieve a similar charred flavor on the chicken breast. Should fresh salsa be unavailable, substitute it with store-bought salsa or a blend of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to maintain the tangy freshness. Refried beans can be replaced with black beans or pinto beans mashed and seasoned to preference. Ensure your tortilla is warmed properly either in a microwave or on a skillet for a soft, pliable wrap that holds all the flavorful ingredients securely.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness and improve flavor. Warm the flour tortillas properly to make them pliable, preventing cracks when folding your burrito. When layering ingredients like refried beans and rice, avoid overstuffing to ensure the burrito rolls tightly and holds together. You can melt extra cheese on top in the microwave or oven to add a gooey finish that enhances the dish's richness.
Nutritions
Your Burrito Especial from Rubio's offers a balanced combination of protein from seasoned grilled chicken, complex carbohydrates from Spanish rice and flour tortillas, and fiber from refried beans and fresh salsa. The dish provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from fresh salsa and calcium from melted cheddar cheese. Healthy fats are contributed by olive oil used in seasoning the chicken, adding heart-friendly nutrients. This flavorful meal supports your energy needs while delivering a rich nutrient profile in every bite.
Storage
To store your Burrito Especial, wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. Place the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen and reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seasoned grilled shrimp or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos to the fresh salsa or mix a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce into the refried beans. Instead of Spanish rice, try cilantro-lime rice for a fresher, zesty flavor profile. When assembling, you may want to lightly toast the burrito in a skillet to create a crispy exterior before melting the cheese.
Allergies
The Burrito Especial from Rubio's contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The refried beans and spices like chili powder and cumin could also cause allergic reactions or digestive discomfort in some individuals. Be sure to check the ingredient list carefully to ensure this meal aligns with your dietary needs and allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Rubio's Burrito Especial menu is highly praised for its authentic blend of fresh grilled seafood, zesty Mexican flavors, and warm, handmade tortillas that deliver an unforgettable taste experience. Customers appreciate the balanced combination of succulent shrimp, seasoned vegetables, and signature house-made sauces that create a unique and satisfying meal. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this flavorful dish using high-quality, wholesome ingredients, ensuring every bite matches the beloved original. Your effort to replicate this menu item brings the joy of Rubio's signature culinary style right to your own kitchen.