Chicken Burritos With Cheese and Black Bean Salsa

I remember the first time I had a truly great burrito. It wasn’t in a fancy restaurant, but at a small, sun-drenched food truck in San Diego. The warmth of the tortilla, the satisfying heft in my hands, and the explosion of flavors – savory chicken, creamy cheese, and a zesty salsa that tingled on my tongue – it was pure magic. I’ve been chasing that perfect burrito ever since, and this recipe comes pretty darn close, especially when you’re short on time and craving a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Dietary Type: None Specified

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) boneless chicken breast halves, flattened, grilled, and cut in strips
• 1/3 cup Newman’s Own Bombolina pasta sauce
• 2/3 cup canned black beans, drained
• 1/4 cup medium-hot salsa
• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Equipment Needed

• Small bowls
• Baking dish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, gently toss the chicken strips with the Newman’s Own Bombolina pasta sauce. Allow this mixture to marinate for about 10 minutes. The pasta sauce adds a unique tang and helps keep the chicken moist during baking.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the black bean salsa. In another small bowl, combine the drained black beans and the medium-hot salsa. Mix well, ensuring the salsa coats all the beans.

3. Now it’s time to assemble the burritos. Place half of the marinated chicken on one half of a large flour tortilla.

4. Spread half of the black bean salsa evenly over the chicken.

5. Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken and salsa mixture.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the second tortilla, using the remaining chicken, salsa, and cheese.

7. Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a tightly sealed burrito. Place the rolled burritos, seam side down, in a baking dish. This prevents them from unrolling during baking.

8. Bake the burritos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are lightly browned.

9. Remove the burritos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

10. Top each burrito with a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chicken Preparation: To ensure even cooking, flatten the chicken breasts before grilling. You can use a meat mallet or simply place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with a rolling pin. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Pasta Sauce Alternative: If you don’t have Newman’s Own Bombolina pasta sauce on hand, you can use your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce. A spicy marinara or even a roasted red pepper sauce would work well.
• Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a pepper jack for added spice.
• Tortilla Warmth: Warm the tortillas slightly before filling them to make them more pliable and easier to roll. You can do this by microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them in a dry skillet. This prevents the tortilla from cracking.
• Pre-Assembly: You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You might need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if the burritos are cold from the fridge.
• Crispy Tortilla: For a crispier tortilla, brush the outside of the burritos with a little melted butter or oil before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Chicken Burritos immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melted. They are perfect on their own or alongside a simple green salad. You can also add some extra salsa, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice.

Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For best results, avoid storing them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the tortillas and fillings may change.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	770.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	32%
Total Fat	27.8 g	42%
Saturated Fat	11.2 g	55%
Cholesterol	103.7 mg	34%
Sodium	1623.5 mg	67%
Total Carbohydrate	80.2 g	26%
Dietary Fiber	10.7 g	42%
Sugars	7.5 g	30%
Protein	48 g	96%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the black bean salsa for an extra spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas and increase the amount of chicken and cheese to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn and add them to the burrito filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Guacamole: Spread a layer of guacamole on the tortilla before adding the other fillings for a creamy, flavorful addition.
• Fresh Herbs: Add some chopped cilantro or parsley to the black bean salsa for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a great way to save time. Just make sure to shred it before tossing it with the pasta sauce.

Q: Can I make these burritos ahead of time and freeze them?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the tortillas might change. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and thaw them completely before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have Newman’s Own Bombolina pasta sauce?
A: Any tomato-based pasta sauce will work. You can even use a jarred salsa or a homemade tomato sauce.

Q: How can I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to drain the black beans well before mixing them with the salsa. Also, avoid overfilling the burritos, as this can cause them to leak and become soggy.

Q: Can I grill the burritos instead of baking them?
A: Yes! Grilling the burritos will give them a nice smoky flavor and crispy exterior. Just be sure to watch them carefully to prevent them from burning.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Burritos with Cheese and Black Bean Salsa are a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and customize them to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch on the go, these burritos are sure to hit the spot. Give them a try, share your own variations, and enjoy every delicious bite! They pair wonderfully with a crisp Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita.