Hack your freezer: easy and delicious chicken burrito recipe for freezer meals
What To Know
- Simply thaw and heat a burrito for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Pack a frozen burrito for lunch and thaw it in the refrigerator or a cooler bag.
- Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who loves to meal prep, these burritos are a lifesaver.
Who doesn’t love a delicious and hearty chicken burrito? But what if you could enjoy that same burrito goodness anytime, even when you’re short on time? With our freezer-friendly chicken burrito recipe, you can now prepare and freeze these tasty burritos ahead of time, ensuring you always have a quick and satisfying meal at your fingertips.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Burritos: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas and roll them up tightly.
5. Wrap and Freeze: Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Heating Instructions
1. Thaw the Burritos: To thaw the burritos, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Heat the Burritos: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burritos on a baking sheet and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Burritos
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your burritos.
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect the taste and texture of your burritos.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas: Overfilling the tortillas will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to break apart.
- Wrap the burritos tightly: Tightly wrapping the burritos will prevent air from getting in and freezer burn from developing.
Meal Planning with Freezer Burritos
Chicken burrito freezer meals are an excellent way to simplify your meal planning. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your weekly routine:
- Quick and easy weeknight dinners: Simply thaw and heat a burrito for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Lunches on the go: Pack a frozen burrito for lunch and thaw it in the refrigerator or a cooler bag.
- Emergency meals: Keep a stash of frozen burritos in your freezer for those unexpected busy nights or power outages.
Freezing Burritos with Different Fillings
The basic recipe provided above can be easily adapted to accommodate different fillings. Here are some ideas:
- Beef Burritos: Substitute ground beef for the chicken.
- Vegetarian Burritos: Omit the chicken and add extra beans and vegetables.
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage to the filling.
- Spicy Burritos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Final Thoughts
With our freezer-friendly chicken burrito recipe, you can now enjoy delicious and convenient meals whenever you need them. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who loves to meal prep, these burritos are a lifesaver. So, get cooking and freeze some burrito bliss for future enjoyment!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I freeze burritos without cooking them first?
A: No, it is not recommended to freeze uncooked burritos. Cooking the burritos before freezing ensures that the ingredients are safe to eat and that the burritos will reheat evenly.
Q: How long can I store frozen burritos?
A: Properly wrapped and frozen burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I reheat frozen burritos in the microwave?
A: Yes, you can reheat frozen burritos in the microwave. However, it is important to thaw them slightly first to prevent cold spots. Place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to my burritos?
A: Yes, you can add any additional ingredients you like to your burritos. Some popular options include rice, guacamole, salsa, and Pico de Gallo.
Q: How do I prevent freezer burn on my burritos?
A: To prevent freezer burn, make sure to wrap the burritos tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can also use a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible from the bag.
