This Recipe is part of our Picky Eater Reset

Why It’s Included

By Week 3, children have already practiced seeing, touching, smelling, and choosing ingredients across multiple meals.

Tonight’s burrito bar introduces a slightly more complex meal while maintaining the same core principle: every ingredient remains visible, separate, and optional.

Burritos are excellent food-confidence builders because children can participate at many different levels. Some may choose only tortilla, chicken, and cheese. Others may begin experimenting with vegetables, beans, or toppings.

The goal tonight isn’t to build the perfect burrito.

The goal is helping children become comfortable making decisions about food while continuing to explore new ingredients.

Servings 4 Servings

Prep Time 15 Minutes

Cook Time 15 Minutes

Total Time 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

0.5x

1x

2x

4x

Burrito Base

•   4 large flour tortillas

Protein

•   1.5 lbs cooked shredded chicken

Safe Fillings

•   1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
•   1 cup cooked white rice

Stretch Foods

•   1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
•   1 cup shredded lettuce
•   1 cup diced tomatoes

Optional Explorer Fillings

•   1/2 cup corn kernels
•   1/2 avocado
•   1/4 cup mild salsa

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

Place every ingredient into its own bowl. Keep all ingredients separate and visible. Arrange buffet-style on the table. Children should be able to clearly see every ingredient available.

Step 2: Warm the Chicken

Heat shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Place on a serving platter and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.

Step 4: Create the Burrito Bar

Arrange tortillas, chicken, rice, cheese, vegetables, and toppings buffet-style.

Remember: Children do not need to use every ingredient. The goal is participation and exposure.

Step 5: Build the Burritos

Allow each family member to create their own burrito.

Some children may choose:

Tortilla

Chicken

Cheese

Others may add vegetables and toppings. Both choices are successful outcomes.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately. Leave extra fillings available for continued exploration.

Parent Coaching Corner

Tonight is about independence.

Avoid:

❌ “You need vegetables.”

❌ “Put some beans in there.”

❌ “Just try one bite.”

Instead say:

✅ “Tell me about your burrito.”

✅ “Which ingredient looks interesting?”

✅ “What would you call your burrito if it was sold in a restaurant?”

Children build food confidence when they feel ownership over their choices.