18 Minute Burrito

A weeknight friendly burrito.

3-4 burritos

Time: 18 mins

Ethan ChlebowskiBy Ethan Chlebowski
Photography by Ethan Chlebowski

In order to make an above-average chicken burrito in 18 minutes, you need a quality flour tortilla layered with a mix of fats, acids, and fresh accouterments that provide contrast in taste and texture. And please don't add rice, it's just unnecessary filler.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Pollo asado

    • chicken thighs
      , boneless
      3-41 lb / 450 g
    • mayonnaise
      2 spoonfuls30 g
    • garlic
      , microplaned
      2 cloves
    • lime zest
      , microplaned
      1/2 lime
    • lime juice
      1/2 lime
    • salt
      a sprinkle5 g
    • chili powder
      a sprinkle
    • dried oregano
      a sprinkle
    • black pepper
      a sprinkle
  • Spicy pinto beans

    • pinto beans
      , drained
      400 g14 oz can
    • jalapeños
      , minced
      1
    • cooking oil
      a drizzle
    • cumin seeds
      a sprinkle
    • salt
      to taste
  • Accoutrements

    • large 12" flour tortillas
    • sour cream
    • lettuce
      , thinly sliced
    • tomatoes
      , diced
    • pickled onions
    • queso fresco
    • hot sauce
    • cilantro

Method

Step 1: Season & sear the chicken

Set a cast-iron pan over medium to preheat.

Meanwhile, mix the mayo and spices into a bowl. Add the chicken and slather the on the exterior, making sure the thighs are well coated.

Add the chicken to the pan and on each side until well . Cook the thighs until their internal temp is at least 176°F/80°C. Remove from the pan, slice into thin strips, and set aside.

Step 2: Bloom aromatics & saute the beans

Drizzle oil into a pan over medium-low heat.

Add diced jalapeño and cumin seeds and until just fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the drained pintos beans and for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas

Use a large pan to warm the tortillas until pliable. This will ensure they don’t break during rolling. Meanwhile, gather or prep any remaining toppings.

Step 4: Assemble the burritos

To assemble a burrito, take a warm tortillas and spread a thin layer of sour cream on the bottom which will act as a glue and moisture barrier for the toppings. Then make sure to position the remaining toppings in a line on the upper third of the burrito.

First, hit it with a layer of the seasoned beans followed by some hot sauce. Next a generous helping of the chicken then a sprinkle of queso fresco, the diced tomatoes minced cilantro, some shredded lettuce, and the pickled onions.

Repeat with remaining burritos. You should have enough chicken and beans to make 3-4 burritos total.

LET'S COOK!

FAQ

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