The Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco John's features tender, marinated grilled chicken, seasoned rice, fresh lettuce, shredded cheese, and zesty salsa, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla for a flavorful and satisfying handheld meal.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Rice cooker or pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese shredder (if shredding cheese from block)
- Salsa container or bowl
- Tortilla warmer or microwave
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
Ensure the chicken breast is boneless and skinless for even grilling and easy marination with olive oil and spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use long-grain white rice cooked with salt for fluffy, flavorful rice that complements the seasoned chicken. Fresh, shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese add crisp texture and creaminess, while zesty salsa brings a tangy zest to the burrito. Warm the large flour tortillas properly to make them pliable and easier to wrap without tearing. Your homemade Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco John's copycat menu will deliver the same tender, flavorful experience as the original.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts with marinade mixture.
- Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In rice cooker or pot, add rice, 2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cook rice according to package instructions until tender.
- Shred lettuce and cheddar cheese (if not pre-shredded).
- Warm tortillas in tortilla warmer or microwave.
- On each tortilla, layer rice, grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
- Fold in sides of tortilla, then roll up tightly into a burrito.
- Serve immediately on tray or plate.
Substitution
The Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco John's copycat menu offers a blend of smoky, marinated grilled chicken paired with seasoned rice, crisp lettuce, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy salsa wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. You can substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs for juicier meat or use rotisserie chicken for convenience without compromising flavor. If fresh salsa is unavailable, store-bought salsa verde or pico de gallo can be used as alternatives to maintain the zesty element of the burrito. A microwave or skillet can warm tortillas if a tortilla warmer is not on hand, ensuring the wrap remains pliable and warm. When shredding cheese, pre-shredded cheddar cheese provides a quick option but lacks the freshness and meltability of freshly grated cheese.
Tips
Make sure your grill reaches medium-high heat before cooking chicken to ensure even grilling and avoid undercooking. Rinsing the rice well before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice for your burrito. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps retain its juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Warm your tortillas thoroughly to prevent cracking when wrapping your burrito and for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Nutritions
The Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco John's provides a balanced source of protein from 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. Your meal includes complex carbohydrates from 1 cup of long-grain white rice, supplying energy, while the fresh lettuce adds dietary fiber and vitamins like vitamin A and K. The shredded cheddar cheese contributes calcium and fat, and the salsa provides antioxidants and flavor without extra calories. This combination creates a nutrient-rich handheld meal that supports your daily nutritional needs.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken burritos wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Refrigerate your burritos within two hours of preparation and consume them within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat burritos in a microwave or oven until heated through before enjoying your meal again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seasoned grilled shrimp or steak strips to vary the protein. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans and grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini instead of chicken. Replace long-grain white rice with cilantro-lime rice or cauliflower rice for added flavor or a low-carb alternative. Warm the tortillas on a cast-iron skillet to add a slight char and enhance the texture before assembling your burrito.
Allergies
Your Grilled Chicken Burrito contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas. Those with allergies to garlic or onion should also be cautious, as garlic powder and onion powder are used in the chicken seasoning. Cross-contamination with other allergens may occur in preparation, so it's important to check with Taco John's if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Grilled Chicken Burrito from Taco John's restaurant is popular for its perfectly seasoned, tender grilled chicken combined with fresh ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla. Its balanced flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout option for burrito lovers seeking a wholesome yet indulgent meal. You will appreciate the authentic taste and customizable nature of this burrito, making it an ideal candidate for a delicious copycat recipe. Recreating this menu item at home allows you to enjoy the same restaurant-quality flavor while controlling ingredients and portion sizes.