This High Protein Breakfast Burrito changed my entire morning routine – and honestly, it might change yours too. I created this recipe during one of those chaotic weeks when my teenagers were complaining about being hungry an hour after breakfast, and I was tired of the usual cereal-and-crash cycle.

Last Tuesday morning, I was scrambling to get everyone fed before school when I realized I had leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner and a carton of eggs staring at me. Instead of making the same old scrambled eggs, I decided to throw everything into a tortilla with some black beans and cheese. The result? My 16-year-old actually asked for the recipe – which never happens with my cooking. This burrito packs an incredible 41 grams of protein and keeps everyone satisfied until lunch with no mid-morning snack attacks required. The best part is you can prep the filling ahead of time and just assemble in the morning. This one’s a keeper!

Ingredients for High-Protein Breakfast Burrito

I always prep my ingredients the night before because mornings with teenagers are pure chaos. For tortillas, I swear by Mission Carb Balance – they’re sturdy enough to hold all this filling without falling apart.

1 large whole wheat tortilla
3 large eggs
1/4 cup egg whites – I recommend buying the carton for convenience and extra protein
1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed – I usually use canned for quick prep
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons salsa – my preference is Pace Medium for the perfect kick
1/4 cup diced bell pepper
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil – in my experience, this prevents sticking better than cooking spray
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend using a nonstick skillet for this recipe – it makes cleanup so much easier and prevents the eggs from sticking.

Step 1: Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers and moves freely around the pan, you’ll know it’s ready.

Step 2: Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onions become translucent. Don’t rush this step – properly cooked vegetables make all the difference.

Step 3: Add the shredded chicken breast to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let those spices bloom and create amazing flavor.

Step 4: While the chicken mixture cooks, crack your eggs into a separate bowl, add the egg whites, and whisk until completely combined. Pro tip: room temperature eggs scramble more evenly.

Step 5: Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of your skillet. Pour the egg mixture into the empty space and let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to set.

Step 6: Gently scramble the eggs with a spatula until they’re set but still slightly wet – they’ll finish cooking from residual heat. Then stir them into the chicken mixture. Add the black beans and cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 7: Warm your tortilla in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds – this makes rolling so much easier. Lay it flat and spoon the filling down the center, leaving 2 inches on each side.

Step 8: Let the filling cool for 2-3 minutes before assembling to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy. Top with salsa and fresh cilantro, then fold the bottom edge up over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly away from you.

What to Serve with High-Protein Breakfast Burrito

These sides complement the savory, protein-packed flavors while adding fresh textures and nutrients to round out your morning meal.

Fresh Avocado Slices: The creamy richness perfectly balances the spiced filling while adding heart-healthy fats and fiber to keep you satisfied longer.

Hash Brown Patties: Crispy potatoes provide the perfect textural contrast to the soft burrito filling and add satisfying carbs for sustained energy. For a fun twist, try serving with my crispy hash brown waffles for an elevated breakfast experience.

Mixed Berry Bowl: Fresh berries offer natural sweetness and antioxidants that brighten up the savory flavors while providing vitamin C and fiber. You can also try my high-protein mango raspberry chia seed pudding for a protein-packed berry alternative that pairs beautifully with breakfast burritos.

Greek Yogurt with Honey: This creamy side adds even more protein to your meal while providing probiotics and a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm spices. For variety, consider my fluffy high-protein Greek yogurt pancakes as another delicious way to incorporate Greek yogurt into your breakfast spread.

Sliced Fresh Fruit: Orange or apple slices provide natural sweetness and crunch that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy burrito. If you’re looking for more substantial breakfast options, my high-protein breakfast bowls offer another protein-rich morning meal that pairs well with fresh fruit.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store wrapped burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individually for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping them in foil first, then placing in freezer bags for best quality.

For reheating, microwave refrigerated burritos for 1-2 minutes or frozen ones for 2-3 minutes. Pro tip: wrap in a damp paper towel to prevent the tortilla from drying out. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for crispier results.

These burritos are incredibly versatile – try swapping the chicken for turkey, adding different vegetables, or using your favorite hot sauce instead of salsa. I usually make a double batch on Sunday for grab-and-go breakfasts all week. If your burrito tears while rolling, it’s overfilled – remove some filling and try again. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

This High-Protein Breakfast Burrito proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or complicated. With 41 grams of protein and incredible flavor, it’s become our family’s new morning favorite. Give this recipe a try and watch how it transforms your breakfast routine – your taste buds and your energy levels will thank you!