The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Chipotle and Qdoba Burritos

How to Reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba Burrito

Chipotle and Qdoba burritos are known for their large tortillas and generous fillings, which often result in leftovers. If you want to enjoy your burrito the next day without compromising its flavor and texture, it’s important to know how to reheat it properly. In this article, we’ll explore five of the best ways to reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito, as well as tips for storing leftovers for optimal results.

Can You Reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba Burrito?

Before getting into the best reheating methods, it’s important to understand whether it’s safe to reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito at all. The safety of reheating depends on how well you handled and stored the burrito.
According to USDA guidelines, perishable items such as burritos should be refrigerated within two hours of being at room temperature, or within one hour if the ambient temperature is hot and humid. This quick chilling minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. To store your leftover burrito, wrap it in aluminum foil, place it in a plastic bag, and store it in an airtight container. This triple-wrapping technique helps retain the burrito’s moisture when stored in the refrigerator.
For optimal flavor and texture, it is recommended that any leftover burrito be reheated and consumed within two days. If you want to store it for a longer period of time, you can freeze the burrito by wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, placing it on a sheet pan, and then transferring it to a sealed bag. Frozen burritos will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Best ways to reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito

Chipotle and Qdoba burritos are filled with a variety of ingredients, each with different flavors and textures. When reheating these burritos, it is important to warm certain ingredients, such as meat, rice, and beans, while keeping other ingredients, such as lettuce and guacamole, cool. In addition, the tortilla should be heated without becoming overly crisp or dry.

Using the oven
Reheating a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito in the oven takes more time, but ensures even heating throughout the burrito. To prevent the tortilla from over-browning and the filling from drying out, wrap the rest of the burrito in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 250°F.
Remove any wrappers from the burrito.
If the burrito contains cold fillings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, or guacamole, open the burrito and remove them.
Loosely wrap the burrito in light aluminum foil, making sure to cover all exposed areas.
Place the wrapped burrito on an oven-safe baking sheet.
Place the burrito in the oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Once properly heated, remove the burrito from the oven and replace any cold ingredients that were previously removed.

Using the Microwave
Microwaving a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito is a quick and easy method, but it requires careful attention to prevent the burrito from drying out. To retain moisture and keep the tortilla soft, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel before microwaving.

Remove the wrapper from the burrito.
If the burrito contains cold fillings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, or guacamole, open the burrito and remove them.
Re-wrap the burrito.
Dampen a paper towel (it should not be dripping) and wrap it around the burrito to ensure complete coverage.
Place the wrapped burrito on a microwave-safe plate.
Set the microwave on high power.
For larger burritos, start with 45 seconds; for smaller burritos, 30 seconds should be sufficient.
Flip the burrito and heat for another 15-20 seconds.
Continue to heat the burrito until it reaches your desired temperature.
Once heated, remove the paper towel, open the burrito, and replace any previously removed cold ingredients.

Using the Stove
Reheating a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito on the stove is an effective method that takes less time than using an oven. If you don’t have access to an oven or microwave, this stovetop method can produce satisfactory results.

Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and add ½ teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
If possible, unfold the burrito and place it tortilla-side-down in the skillet. If not, leave it rolled up and place it gently in the pan.
If the burrito contains cold fillings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, orguacamole, open the burrito and remove them.
Cook the burrito for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is slightly crisp and the filling is heated through.
Once heated, remove the burrito from the skillet and replace any previously removed cold ingredients.
You can also heat the tortilla separately by placing it directly on the pan for a few seconds on each side.

Using the Grill
Reheating a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito on the grill adds a smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture to the tortilla. It’s a great option if you’re already firing up the grill for other foods.

Preheat the grill over medium heat.
Remove any wrappers from the burrito.
If the burrito contains cold fillings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, or guacamole, open the burrito and remove them.
Place the burrito directly on the grill.
Cook the burrito for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is slightly crisp and the filling is heated through.
Once heated, remove the burrito from the grill and replace any previously removed cold ingredients.

Using the air fryer
Reheating a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito in an air fryer creates a crispy tortilla while keeping the filling warm and flavorful. This method works best for those who prefer a crunchy texture.

Preheat the fryer to 350°F.
Remove any wrappers from the burrito.
If the burrito contains cold fillings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream, or guacamole, open the burrito and remove them.
Place the burrito in the basket of the air fryer.
Cook the burrito for about 6-8 minutes, or until the tortilla is crisp and the filling is heated through.
Once heated, remove the burrito from the fryer and replace any previously removed cold ingredients.

Conclusion

Reheating a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito is a simple process that can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including the oven, microwave, stove, grill, or air fryer. Each method offers its own advantages and considerations to ensure you enjoy your leftover burrito with the flavors and textures you desire.
Remember to handle and store your burrito properly to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Wrap the burrito tightly in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. For long-term storage, freezing is an option, but be sure to wrap the burrito securely to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating, be mindful of the different ingredients in the burrito and aim to warm the fillings while keeping the cold ingredients cool. By following the recommended reheating methods and taking care not to overheat or dry out the burrito, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal, even with leftovers.
Experiment with these reheating methods to find the one that works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to bring back the flavors and textures of your favorite Chipotle or Qdoba burrito, making each reheated meal just as delicious as the original.

FAQS

Can I heat up a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito?

Yes, you can reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito. However, proper handling, storage and reheating techniques are essential to ensure food safety and to maintain the flavor and texture of the burrito.

What is the best way to heat up a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito?

The best ways to reheat a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito are in the oven, microwave, stove, grill or air fryer. Each method has its advantages, but the oven and microwave are the most commonly used and recommended options.

How long can I keep a leftover Chipotle or Qdoba burrito?

It is recommended to consume a leftover Chipotle or Qdoba burrito within two days if stored in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is an option and frozen burritos can last up to three months in the freezer.

How should I store leftover Chipotle or Qdoba burritos?

To store a leftover Chipotle or Qdoba burrito, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, place in a plastic bag, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help retain the moisture in the burrito and prevent it from drying out.

Can I reheat a burrito with cold fillings such as lettuce and guacamole?

Yes, you can reheat a burrito with cold fillings such as lettuce and guacamole. However, it is recommended that you remove these ingredients before reheating and add them after the burrito is heated. This ensures that the cold fillings retain their freshness and texture.

Can I freeze a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito?

Yes, you can freeze a Chipotle or Qdoba burrito. To freeze, wrap the burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place it on a sheet pan to hold its shape, and transfer it to a sealed bag. Frozen burritos will keep in the freezer for up to three months.