Chicken Burrito Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that brings everyone together, my Chicken Burrito Casserole is just the ticket! This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also filled with wholesome ingredients that make it a favorite for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s an easy one-dish meal that satisfies both the body and soul. Plus, who doesn’t love the comforting combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese?

The best part? You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just about an hour, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, even picky eaters will love digging into this dish.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is not just tasty; it’s nutritious too!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet wholesome, bringing all the essential flavors together. Let’s gather what we need for our delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole!

• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 cup dry long-grain white rice, basmati or jasmine
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
• 14oz can black beans, strained and rinsed
• 450g cooked chicken, shredded (6 cups or about 3 chicken breasts)
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 150 grams Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated
• Cilantro, to serve
• Green onion, to serve

Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken Burrito Casserole is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try shredded turkey or even diced vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
• Change up the beans: If black beans aren’t your favorite, kidney beans or pinto beans work beautifully too!
• Add more veggies: Sneak in some zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients. They blend right in!
• Spice it up: If you love heat, toss in some extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick!

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that our casserole cooks evenly. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, simply bake chicken breasts in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re fully cooked. Once done, shred them using two forks—this makes them perfectly bite-sized for our casserole.

Step 2: Mix Your Base Ingredients

In a large baking dish (I used a trusty 9 x 13 inch one), combine diced red onion, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, dry rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Stir everything well to ensure the spices coat the veggies evenly. This step lays down a flavor-packed base.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness to our casserole. Pour it over your rice mixture in the baking dish and give everything another good stir.

Step 4: Add Your Protein and Veggies

Now it’s time to fold in the shredded chicken along with black beans and corn into the baking dish. Give it one final stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 50–60 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed. The aroma will fill your kitchen as it cooks!

Step 6: Cheese Time!

Once cooked through, take out your casserole from the oven and remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle grated cheese generously on top—because who doesn’t love gooey melted cheese? Return it to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

After removing from the oven (and letting cool slightly!), serve hot with fresh cilantro and green onions sprinkled on top. Enjoy every delicious bite of this Chicken Burrito Casserole—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole

Making a delicious chicken burrito casserole is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you create the perfect dish every time.

• Use leftover chicken: If you have rotisserie chicken or leftovers from another meal, it saves time and adds extra flavor to your casserole.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or spinach. This not only enhances the nutrition but also allows you to use what you have on hand.
• Adjust heat levels: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the jalapeño or replace it with a bell pepper. Conversely, if you love heat, consider adding diced green chilies or spicy salsa!
• Experiment with cheese: While Monterey Jack and Havarti are great choices, try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble everything in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It can also be frozen for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serving your chicken burrito casserole can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of either adds creaminess and balances the spice of the dish.
• Fresh lime wedges: Squeezing lime over each serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty twist.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the hearty casserole, providing a rich texture that enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: This classic pairing offers crunch and creaminess, making it an excellent side that everyone loves.
• Mexican street corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese creates a delightful side that echoes the flavors of Mexico.
• Black bean salsa: This vibrant mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice not only adds color but also brings an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

Enjoy your delicious chicken burrito casserole with these serving suggestions for a complete dining experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool down completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with aluminum foil until hot, approximately 20-30 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Can I make Chicken Burrito Casserole without chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute with a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

How do I adjust the spice level in Chicken Burrito Casserole?

You can easily modify the spice by adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili powder, depending on your preference. Just taste as you go!

What can I serve with Chicken Burrito Casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, avocado slices, or even some tortilla chips for crunch!

How long does Chicken Burrito Casserole last?

When stored properly, this dish will last in the fridge for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Burrito Casserole as much as I do! It’s not only hearty and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!