Name: Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 large flour tortillas; 1 can refried beans; 1 cup Mexican rice; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced white onion; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp hot sauce

⏱ Prep: 15 mins 🔥 Cook: 20 mins ⏰ Total: 35 mins 👥 Serves: 4

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My husband is obsessed with Del Taco, which means I have eaten more Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burritos in my kitchen than I can reasonably count at this point.

After one too many late-night drive-through runs, I finally decided to figure out what makes their chicken burrito so craveable and impossible to stop eating. Turns out it comes down to a few very specific things — the seasoning on the chicken, the quality of the refried beans, and not skimping on any of it.

My husband ate two of these the first time I made them and then looked at me like I had done something unfair. Better than the original is a big claim but I am letting him make it.

Keep reading because once you make these at home, the drive-through is going to feel like a lot of unnecessary effort.

How to Make the Perfect Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito at Home

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes just like the original with seasoned chicken and that classic Del Taco flavor blend
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and heat level preferences
Perfect for meal prep – make a batch and wrap individually for quick weeknight dinners

💚 If you love copycat Del Taco recipes, you’ll also love this Copycat Del Taco Beer Battered Fish Tacos.

What You’ll Need

boneless skinless chicken thighs — cut into bite-sized pieces
cayenne pepper — optional, for heat
flour tortillas — 10-inch
refried beans — 15 oz, warmed
Mexican rice — cooked and cooled slightly
diced tomatoes — drained
fresh cilantro — chopped
hot sauce — optional

Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito ingredients

Before You Start Cooking

A few things that make this recipe work:

► Don’t overfill the burritos – less filling makes them easier to roll and less likely to tear
► Let the rice cool slightly before assembling so it doesn’t make the tortilla soggy
► Drain excess liquid from tomatoes and other wet ingredients to prevent soggy burritos

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Instead of	Try This	When To Swap
chicken thighs	chicken breast or ground chicken	Adjust cooking time accordingly for different cuts.
refried beans	black beans or pinto beans	Use whole beans for more texture and freshness.
cheddar cheese	Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese	These melt better and have a milder flavor.
flour tortillas	whole wheat or spinach tortillas	Great for adding extra nutrition and color.
Mexican rice	cilantro lime rice or plain white rice	Use whatever rice you have on hand.
sour cream	Greek yogurt or crema	Greek yogurt adds protein while crema is more authentic.

How To Make Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito

Season the chicken

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss the chicken pieces with this seasoning blend until evenly coated.

Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito - step 1

Cook the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito - step 2

Warm the tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and pliable.

Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito - step 3

Assemble the burritos

Lay each tortilla flat and spread about 1/3 cup refried beans down the center, leaving 2 inches on each side. Layer with rice, seasoned chicken, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.

Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito - step 4

Roll the burritos

Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in both sides. Roll tightly from bottom to top, keeping the filling contained. Wrap in foil if desired.

Optional sear

For extra crispiness, heat the same skillet over medium heat and place burritos seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and repeat.

Pro Tips For The Best Results

Sear the seam side down first — It seals the burrito shut so it holds together without foil.
Use chicken thighs over breast — Thighs stay juicy at high heat and pick up the seasoning better.
Spread beans edge to edge on bottom — It acts as a moisture barrier so the tortilla stays intact.

For the best taste, use this (this Copycat Del Taco Secret Sauce adds the perfect finishing touch) Copycat Del Taco Secret Sauce.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using cold tortillas that crack when rolling — Always warm tortillas before assembling to make them pliable and prevent tearing
Adding too much liquid from wet ingredients — Drain tomatoes, onions, and other wet toppings thoroughly before adding to prevent soggy burritos
Overstuffing the burritos — Use about 3/4 cup total filling per burrito to ensure they roll properly and stay closed
Not seasoning the chicken enough — Be generous with the spice blend and let it cook with the chicken for maximum flavor development

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Season and cook the chicken up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator — reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back that slightly crispy edge.

The Mexican rice and refried beans can both be made 2 days in advance and stored separately in the fridge, making burrito assembly a 10-minute job on busy nights.

To freeze fully assembled burritos, wrap each one tightly in foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag — they keep well for up to 3 months and reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes.

If you are meal prepping for the week, store wet ingredients like diced tomatoes and sour cream separately and add them fresh at serving time so the tortilla stays intact and nothing gets soggy.

What To Serve With Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito

Serve with crispy tortilla chips and fresh guacamole for a complete Mexican meal
Add a side of Mexican street corn for extra indulgence and authentic flavors
Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness
Serve with pickled jalapeños and extra hot sauce for those who like more heat

Delicious Variations To Try

Smothered Del Taco Style — Roll the burritos as directed, then pour warmed enchilada sauce over the top and finish with a generous layer of shredded Mexican blend cheese melted under the broiler for two minutes. Serve with a fork instead of hand-held.
Crispy Chicken Burrito — Swap the sautéed chicken thighs for thin-sliced chicken breast breaded in seasoned panko and pan-fried until golden before assembling — same seasonings, completely different crunch in every bite.
Burrito Bowl — Skip the tortilla entirely and layer all the same fillings over a bowl of Mexican rice — seasoned chicken, refried beans, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream — for a lighter version that still hits every flavor note of the original.

For a different protein twist, try this Sunday Stash Chicken Burrito Bowl with the same seasoned chicken but served bowl-style instead of wrapped.

More Copycat Recipes

Love this recipe? Here are a few more of my favorites you will want to try:

Copycat Del Taco Secret Sauce | The perfect creamy tangy sauce that tastes exactly like Del Taco’s signature condiment! Ready in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!

Copycat Del Taco Beer Battered Fish Tacos | Crispy beer-battered fish with authentic Del Taco flavors in every bite! These homemade fish tacos rival the restaurant original!

Copycat Chilis Honey Chipotle Chicken | Sweet and spicy honey chipotle chicken that tastes just like Chili’s famous dish! Perfect grilled chicken ready in under 30 minutes!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Glazed Meatloaf | Comfort food meatloaf with that signature Cracker Barrel glaze everyone loves! Easy weeknight dinner that tastes like the restaurant classic!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy. If using breast, cook just until done to avoid drying out.

How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?

Drain all wet ingredients well, let hot ingredients cool slightly, and don’t overfill the burritos.

Can I freeze these burritos?

Absolutely! Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen burritos?

Remove foil, wrap in damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Yes, assemble and wrap in foil. Store in fridge for 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

What type of rice works best?

Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice work great, but plain white or brown rice will work too.

How do I prevent the tortilla from tearing?

Warm the tortillas first and don’t overfill. Leave 2 inches on each side when adding filling.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Lettuce, bell peppers, or jalapeños work well. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture first.

Ready To Make Copycat Del Taco Chicken Burrito?

This copycat Del Taco chicken burrito brings all those familiar fast-food flavors right into your kitchen, where you can customize every bite to your liking. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving that specific taste memory, these burritos deliver every time.

Rachel

Hey, I’m Rachel — Orlando mom, home cook, and believer that the best meals are simple, nourishing, and made with love. At The Sunday Table is my little corner of the internet where comfort food meets real life.