Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on classic burritos, you’ve got to try this Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe. It’s basically a festive, cheesy, and totally satisfying spin on dinner that’s perfect for family nights or game day gatherings. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together, and I’ve got some handy tips to help you nail it without any fuss. Trust me, once I made this the first time, it quickly became one of my go-to recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
- Interactive & Fun: Rolling the burritos into a ring makes it great for sharing and impresses guests.
- Flavor-Packed: The combo of seasoned chicken, refried beans, and melty cheeses hits all the right spots.
- Simple to Make: Uses easy ingredients you probably have and comes together in just about 35 minutes.
- Customizable: You can switch up fillings or cheeses to make it exactly to your taste—or what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe plays an important role — from the soft tortillas that cradle all the goodness to the cheeses that add creamy, melty magic, and that flavorful chicken filling. Here’s why I love each component and some tips on picking the best.

- Soft Taco Size Flour Tortillas: Opt for fresh, pliable tortillas so they don’t crack when you roll them into cones; room temperature ones work best.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Using shredded chicken makes filling easy and ensures every bite is tender—leftover roast chicken works wonders here!
- Taco Seasoning Packet: The secret to that classic Mexican flavor without the hassle of blending spices yourself. Add a splash of water to make it juicy.
- Refried Beans: I recommend having extra because they’re so good either inside the burrito bundles or served on the side for dipping.
- Shredded Cheese (Mexican Blend): Provides the classic melty richness and a bit of tang—choose whatever you love, but a mix usually tastes better.
- Shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese: This cheese adds a special creamy, gooey finish when baked on top, giving that irresistible golden crust.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe is how flexible it is. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily swap ingredients or add in extras to suit your taste buds or whatever you have in your fridge.
- Variation: I often add diced bell peppers or corn to the chicken mix for a little crunch and color. It adds freshness without complicating prep.
- Protein Swap: If you’re not into chicken, ground beef or turkey seasoned the same way works just as well, making this recipe super adaptable.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up on beans, rice, and veggies instead—still absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Filling
First off, get your cooked shredded chicken ready—if you’re using store-bought rotisserie or leftovers, shred it up and toss with the taco seasoning and a little water as per the packet instructions. This keeps it juicy and full of flavor. While that simmers, heat your refried beans so they’re easy to scoop and spread.
Step 2: Rolling the Burrito Bundles
Cut each flour tortilla in half—this makes the perfect size for a single bite or two when rolled. On your cutting board, place a scoop of beans, a good spoonful of seasoned chicken, and a sprinkle of Mexican blend cheese right in the center of each tortilla half. Then roll them tightly into cones—this is the fun part! Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste amazing.
Step 3: Arranging the Ring
Spray a pie dish with nonstick spray and place a small bowl in the center. Arrange 12 of your burrito bundles standing up around the bowl, sprinkle half the queso cheese on top, then add the remaining 8 bundles on top like a second layer. Finish off by sprinkling the rest of the queso cheese all over. Remove the bowl carefully before baking.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. While things are in the oven, I love to whip up fresh guacamole or a tangy salsa—perfect for dipping those cheesy bundles. When it’s out, serve immediately and watch how quickly this disappears!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Soft Tortillas are Key: Warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave for 15 seconds before cutting to prevent cracking while rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Enough filling to be satisfying, but not so much that the bundles won’t hold their shape when baked.
- Extra Beans on the Side: I always make a bit extra refried beans to serve alongside—great for dipping and adds heartiness.
- Use a Bowl to Shape Ring: It really helps keep the ring tidy and makes removing the center effortless after baking.
How to Serve Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple toppings that pack a punch, like a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions right on top or on the side. Sometimes I add thinly sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the flavor even more—that combo is unbeatable.
Side Dishes
This Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing salad—think a crunchy cabbage slaw with lime dressing—or a simple bowl of Mexican rice. I also love serving it alongside chips and salsa for even more dipping fun!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve served these rings on a large cutting board with small bowls of guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo arranged around it so everyone can dig in buffet-style. I’ve also used colorful plates and festive napkins for a Southwestern vibe that really makes the meal special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burrito bundles go into a ziplock bag or airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully—even better if you add a little sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating.
Freezing
While I usually make this fresh, you can freeze individual burrito bundles before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly and the outside crisps up a bit. Microwaving works too when you’re in a hurry, but the oven method brings back that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
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Can I make the Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burrito bundles earlier in the day or even the day before. Just keep them refrigerated before baking. This makes it an excellent option for busy days or for entertaining without the last-minute rush.
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What other cheeses can I use for this recipe?
Besides the Mexican blend and queso quesadilla cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are great substitutes. Mixing a couple of these can add different layers of flavor and meltiness.
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Is this recipe good for kids?
Definitely! The cheesy, mild chicken filling usually goes over big with kids. You can skip any spicy seasonings to keep it kid-friendly and serve it with a side of mild salsa or guacamole.
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Can I make a vegetarian Burrito Ring?
Yes, by replacing the chicken with extra beans, sautéed veggies, or even a rice and bean mixture, you can easily make a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, delicious, and just different enough to be fun. I love how it brings people together, inviting everyone to grab a cheesy little bundle and dig in. If you love easy, flavorful meals that feel a little special, this one should definitely be on your list to try soon—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Burrito Ring with Chicken and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A fun and delicious crowd-pleaser, the Burrito Ring features seasoned shredded chicken, refried beans, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas arranged in a ring shape and baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or family dinners, this recipe combines classic Mexican flavors into a stunning presentation that’s easy to share and serve.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 soft taco size flour tortillas
- 4-5 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1-2 cans refried beans
- Mexican blend shredded cheese, as preferred
- 8 ounce bag shredded queso quesadilla cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when your burrito ring is assembled.
- Prepare Chicken: Mix cooked shredded chicken with the taco seasoning packet, adding a bit of water as needed to blend the flavors and moisten the chicken.
- Heat Beans: Warm the refried beans until soft and spreadable, ready for assembly.
- Cut Tortillas: Cut each tortilla in half to create halves suitable for rolling into cones.
- Fill and Roll Tortillas: On each tortilla half, place a scoop of refried beans, a portion of the seasoned chicken, and some Mexican blend cheese in the center. Roll into a cone shape, sealing the edges to form burrito bundles.
- Prepare Pie Dish: Spray a pie dish with nonstick cooking spray and place a small bowl in the center to help with shaping the ring.
- Arrange Burrito Bundles: Place 12 burrito bundles standing up around the small bowl in the pie dish to form the first ring layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded queso quesadilla cheese over the arranged bundles for extra cheesiness.
- Add Second Layer: Arrange the remaining 8 burrito bundles on top of the first layer in the ring formation.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded queso quesadilla cheese over the top layer.
- Remove Bowl and Bake: Carefully remove the small bowl from the center of the dish to create the ring hole, then bake the burrito ring in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bundles are warm.
- Prepare Dips: While baking, prepare guacamole, salsa, or a favorite secret sauce for dipping.
- Serve: Remove the burrito ring from the oven and serve immediately, optionally offering extra chicken or beans on the side.
Notes
- Store leftovers in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator; reheat in the microwave for quick enjoyment.
- You can vary the cheese types based on personal preference, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Make extra refried beans to serve on the side in case guests want more.
- Ensure tortillas are soft and pliable to avoid cracking when rolling.
- Use nonstick spray to prevent sticking in the pie dish for easy serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg

