Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito Recipe : Overview
Taco Bell is a fast-food chain, founded in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California and is known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, and the shredded chicken burrito is one of their most popular dishes.This Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito recipe combines tender shredded chicken with savory seasonings, beans, rice, and cheese, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. The objective of this article is to provide you with a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and authentic Taco Bell-style shredded chicken burrito.
Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito : Health Benefits
While Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito is a delicious and satisfying meal, it is important to note that it is not necessarily a health food. However, there are some potential health benefits of the dish when prepared with certain ingredients:
- Protein: The shredded chicken in the burrito provides a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as promoting satiety.
- Fiber: The beans and vegetables in the burrito can provide a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the toppings used in the burrito, it can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. For example, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, while avocados are a good source of healthy fats and potassium.
- Portion Control: One of the benefits of making your own Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito is that you have control over the portion size and ingredients. By using smaller tortillas and limiting the amount of cheese and sour cream, you can make a healthier version of the dish.
However, it’s important to note that commercial fast food restaurants often use high amounts of salt, fat, and calories in their dishes, which can be harmful if consumed in excess. It’s recommended to enjoy the Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito in moderation and to balance it out with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
How to make Taco Bell Shredded Chicken Burrito
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito recipe.
Ingredients :
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 packet of Taco Bell seasoning mix
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 can of refried beans
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a fork or tongs to shred the chicken into small pieces.
3. Add the Taco Bell seasoning mix and water to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for a few minutes until the liquid has been absorbed and the chicken is well-seasoned.
4. In a separate pot, heat up the refried beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle.
6. Assemble the burritos by spreading a spoonful of refried beans onto each tortilla, followed by a scoop of rice and a generous helping of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle cheese on top of the chicken.
7. Roll up the burritos tightly, tucking in the ends as you go.
8. Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are slightly crispy.
9. Serve the burritos hot, with your desired toppings on top or on the side.
To prepare the chicken for the Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito recipe, follow these simple steps:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat up a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Once the chicken has cooled down, use two forks to shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix together a packet of Taco Bell seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water.
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the seasoning mix and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate in the seasoning mix for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Once you’ve prepared the burritos according to these steps, they’re ready to be baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly crispy. Bake the burritos in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes, then serve hot with your desired toppings on top or on the side.
Some cooking tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the shredded chicken. This type of chicken cooks quickly and is easy to shred with a fork.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking it. This will help bring out the flavor of the chicken and ensure it’s well-seasoned.
- Marinate the chicken in the Taco Bell seasoning mix for at least 15 minutes. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors of the seasoning and make it even more delicious.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to cook the chicken. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and make it easier to shred.
- Warm up the tortillas before filling them with the chicken and other ingredients. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Don’t overfill the burritos. If you put too much filling in the tortilla, it will be difficult to roll up and may fall apart while baking.
- Add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the chicken before rolling up the burritos. This will help hold the filling together and create a delicious cheesy center.
- Bake the burritos in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly crispy. This will give them a nice texture and make them even more delicious.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito every time!
Final Thoughts:
The Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can easily make at home. By using fresh ingredients and adding your own personal touches, you can make a healthier and more flavorful version of this classic fast food dish. While it may not be the healthiest meal option, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why not try making your own Taco Bell shredded chicken burrito at home? You can customize the ingredients to your liking and make it as healthy or indulgent as you want. With a little bit of preparation and some simple ingredients, you can enjoy this tasty meal in the comfort of your own home.
Don’t forget to check out my Oren’s Hummus recipe for another delicious dish!