government shutdown burritos

government shutdown burritos is a easy Mexican‑American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tim Laielli on YouTube.

Prep: 16 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $16.30 total, $2.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, diced into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 cans Black Beans (15‑oz cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar, shredded from a block)
  • 8 pieces Flour Tortillas (10‑inch, large size)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for cooking chicken and searing burritos)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to season chicken and rice)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup Salsa (optional, for topping)
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream (optional, for topping)
  • 1 piece Avocado (optional, sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the chicken into bite‑size pieces (about 1‑inch cubes) and set aside. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT7M

  2. Cook Rice

    Combine 1 cup rice with 2 cups water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Boiling then low simmer

  3. Cook Chicken

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper, and sauté 6‑7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium-high

  4. Warm Black Beans

    In a saucepan, combine the drained beans with ¼ cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Shred Cheese

    Using a grater, shred the block of cheese to yield 2 cups of shredded cheese.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Warm Tortillas

    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the pan for about 10 seconds per side until pliable. Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Assemble Burritos

    Lay a warm tortilla flat. Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese, add ¼ cup cooked rice, 2‑3 tbsp black beans, and ¼ cup cooked chicken. Top with optional salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices. Fold the sides and roll tightly.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Sear Burritos

    Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled burritos seam‑side down, press gently with a spatula, and sear 2 minutes per side until golden and the cheese inside is melted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
12g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: High-Protein, Balanced-Macros, Freezer-Friendly, Can be made Gluten-Free with corn tortillas, Can be made Dairy-Free with vegan cheese

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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government shutdown burritos

Recipe by Tim Laielli

High‑protein chicken and black bean burritos that are budget‑friendly, easy to make, and perfect for meal‑prep. Warm tortillas, melt cheese, then layer rice, beans, seasoned chicken, and your favorite toppings before searing for a handheld feast.

EasyMexican‑AmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.30
Total cost
$2.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook Rice
  • Cook Chicken
  • Assemble Burritos
  • Sear Burritos

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and black bean burritos in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

Burritos originated in northern Mexico as a simple way to wrap beans, rice, and meat in a flour tortilla for a portable meal. In the United States, especially in the Southwest, they evolved to include a wider variety of proteins like chicken and toppings, becoming a staple of fast‑casual Mexican‑American dining.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and black bean burritos in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

In California, burritos often feature grilled chicken, black beans, and fresh avocado, while Texas‑style versions may add smoky chipotle sauce and cheddar cheese. In the border states, you’ll find spicier salsas and sometimes a layer of refried beans instead of whole black beans.

cultural
Q

How is a chicken and black bean burrito traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?

A

It is typically served hot, with the cheese melted inside, accompanied by salsa, sour cream, and fresh lime wedges. Families often pair it with a side of chips and guacamole or a simple green salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chicken and black bean burritos associated with in Mexican‑American culture?

A

Burritos are popular for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, and family weeknight meals. They’re also a go‑to dish for potlucks because they can be made in bulk and frozen for later use.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken and black bean burritos special in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

The combination of lean chicken protein, fiber‑rich black beans, and a starchy rice base provides balanced macros in a handheld format. The searing step adds a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist, setting it apart from simply rolled burritos.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken and black bean burritos versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditionally the burrito uses flour tortillas, shredded cheese, black beans, white rice, and grilled chicken. Substitutes include corn tortillas for gluten‑free, brown rice for added fiber, or tofu for a vegetarian version, while still preserving the core flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican‑American dishes pair well with chicken and black bean burritos?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh pico de gallo salad, guacamole with tortilla chips, or a simple lime‑dressed cabbage slaw for crunch and acidity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and black bean burritos?

A

Common errors include overfilling the tortilla, not warming the tortilla enough (causing tears), overcooking the chicken (dryness), and skipping the final sear, which leaves the cheese unmelted and the burrito less sturdy.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken and black bean burrito recipe sear the assembled burrito instead of just heating it?

A

Searing creates a crispy outer layer that locks the filling together, prevents the burrito from falling apart, and melts the cheese inside, giving a satisfying texture contrast that a simple microwave reheating would not achieve.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tim Laielli specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tim Laielli focuses on budget‑friendly, high‑protein meals for families, emphasizing quick preparation, macro‑balanced nutrition, and practical cooking hacks for everyday home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tim Laielli's approach to Mexican‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Tim Laielli emphasizes macro‑balanced, cost‑effective recipes that can be batch‑cooked and frozen, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet presentation or elaborate techniques. His style is straightforward, with clear tips for maintaining shape and flavor during freezing and reheating.

channel

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