These green rice burritos are the ultimate weeknight dinner, boasting a vibrant, herbaceous rice center wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. They come together in under 45 minutes, making them a perfect solution for busy evenings. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and that distinctive cilantro-lime scented rice creates a truly irresistible and satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love.

I first fell for the magic of green rice on a trip through the Southwest, where its fresh, aromatic quality perfectly balanced the heartier components of a burrito. I knew immediately I had to create my own version for easy weeknight cooking. It has since become a cherished staple in my home, often served alongside a simple salad or a bowl of my hearty turkey taco soup for a complete feast. The process of blending the fresh herbs for the sauce feels like a small, fragrant ritual that makes the entire kitchen smell incredible.

What You Need for Perfect Green Rice Burritos

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Green Rice Burritos

Make delicious green rice burritos with cilantro rice, seasoned chicken, black beans, and avocado. Perfect for lunch or dinner in 45 minutes.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings 4 burritos

Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

• medium saucepan
• blender or food processor
• large skillet
• mixing bowl
• knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

Green Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken and Assembly

• 2 tablespoons extra-light olive oil
• 1 pound boneless chicken pieces, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
• Sour cream for serving
• Salsa for serving

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
• While the rice cooks, make the green sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, green onions, jalapeño, and garlic. Blend until a smooth, vibrant green paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with the cumin, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
• Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir the blended green sauce into the hot rice until it is fully incorporated and the rice is uniformly pale green.
• Warm the tortillas by wrapping the stack in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 to 45 seconds, or by heating them one at a time in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable.
• To assemble each burrito, place a warm tortilla on a work surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the green rice down the center, leaving a 2-inch border at the ends. Top with a portion of the cooked chicken, a sprinkle of cheese, a spoonful of black beans, and a few avocado slices.
• Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly away from you to form a secure burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
• Serve the burritos immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side. For a crisper exterior, you can warm the assembled burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Notes

For a crisper exterior, you can warm the assembled burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Keyword burritos, chicken, cilantro, green rice

My Favorite Ways to Customize This

• Spicy Black Bean Version: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with an extra can of black beans and a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Chicken Burrito: Amp up the comfort by adding a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheese for extra meltiness.
• Breakfast Green Burrito: Fill them with scrambled eggs, the green rice, and crispy potatoes for a fantastic morning meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Burrito Results

• Warm Your Tortillas: Always warm tortillas before assembling to make them pliable and prevent cracking when you roll them.
• Don’t Overfill: Use about 1/2 cup of the green rice mixture per burrito to ensure you can fold it tightly without spillage.
• Get a Golden Sear: For a crispy exterior, cook the assembled burritos in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. This technique also works wonderfully for my sheet pan quesadillas.
• Let the Rice Rest: After cooking, let the rice stand covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy.

How to Store and Reheat Your Burritos

• Store: Keep leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the components separately if possible for best texture.
• Freeze: Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. They make for an incredibly easy future meal.
• Reheat: For a crispy shell, reheat frozen or refrigerated burritos in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer for about 10 minutes.
• Make Ahead Tip: The green rice and cooked chicken can be prepared 2 days in advance, making assembly on a busy night a total breeze, much like prepping for make ahead chicken enchiladas.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Tasty Dishes You’ll Love

• Easy Chicken Tacos
• Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
• Crunchwrap Casserole Recipe
• Chicken Avocado Melt

Why This Green Rice Burrito Recipe Works

With its vibrant, herbaceous rice and perfectly seasoned filling, these green rice burritos are a guaranteed hit for any night of the week. They are straightforward enough for a quick family dinner yet impressive enough for casual entertaining. I hope this recipe brings as much fresh, delicious joy to your table as it has to mine.