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Picture this: it’s a hectic weeknight, and you’re craving the bold flavors of a burrito without all the fuss of wrapping and rolling. That’s where my Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole comes in—it’s like your favorite Mexican takeout turned into a comforting, one-pan wonder. I’ve made this recipe countless times for family dinners, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table. With tender chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a game-changer for busy home cooks like us.
What I love most is how it combines all the burrito essentials—rice, beans, corn, and chicken—into a bubbly baked dish that’s ready in under an hour. No one has to stand over the stove forever; just layer it up and let the oven do the magic. If you’re tired of the same old meals, trust me, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole will become your new go-to. I’m excited to share the details so you can whip it up tonight!
Key Takeaways:
- Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, combining burrito flavors in a simple bake.
- Prep and cook time totals just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
- The melty cheese and spicy layers create an irresistible Tex-Mex explosion in every bite.
- Use rotisserie chicken for even quicker assembly and juicier results.
- Leftovers store beautifully for up to four days, reheating like a dream.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Ultimate Weeknight Convenience: Let’s be honest, who has time for elaborate meals after a long day? This dish comes together in minutes with pantry staples, yet it feels like a restaurant special. You’ll wonder how something so simple can be so satisfying.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Kids and adults alike dig into the cheesy, hearty layers—it’s picky-eater proof without being bland. The mild spices let everyone customize their spice level. In my experience, it’s a hit at potlucks too!
Healthier Twist on Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, plus veggies like corn, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole keeps things balanced. It’s hearty but not heavy, and you can load up on fresh toppings for extra nutrition.
Endless Customization Potential: Whether you want it spicier or veggie-forward, tweaking is a breeze. I’ve experimented with add-ins, and it always turns out delicious. Now, you might be thinking it’s too good to be true—try it and see!
Essential Ingredients for Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie or boiled chicken breasts work best here, providing juicy, tender protein that soaks up all the flavors. I always go for about two cups to ensure every forkful has a good bite. It’s the backbone of the dish, keeping things satisfying without extra work. In this casserole, it blends seamlessly with the saucy layers for that authentic burrito feel.
Enchilada Sauce: This is the zesty red sauce that ties everything together, adding a smoky, tangy depth that’s pure Mexican magic. Opt for mild if you’re feeding spice-shy folks, or go bold with medium heat. A 15-ounce can is plenty, and it creates that gooey, enveloping base we all crave in comfort food.
Black Beans and Corn: Rinse and drain a can each for hearty texture and subtle sweetness—the beans add earthiness, while corn brings pops of color and crunch. They’re budget-friendly staples that boost fiber and make the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole more filling. Don’t skip them; they elevate the whole dish from good to unforgettable.
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Prep the Base Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish— this sets you up for easy serving later. Mix together the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and half the cheese in a large bowl until everything’s well coated and fragrant. The aromas alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen. Layer half this mixture evenly in the dish, then top with torn flour tortillas for that burrito-inspired structure in your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.
Add the Cheesy Topping
Now, sprinkle a generous layer of the remaining cheese over the tortillas—it should look like a blanket of golden promise. If you like a bit more kick, stir in some diced green chiles or cumin here for depth. The cheese melts into a bubbly crown as it bakes, pulling the flavors together beautifully. Watch the clock; it’ll be oven-ready in no time, filling your home with cozy scents.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the center is hot and gooey—test with a fork for doneness. Let it rest for five minutes post-bake to set up nicely. This step transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, shareable meal that’s the heart of the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole. For extra flair, broil for the last two minutes to brown the top irresistibly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 6 small flour tortillas, torn into pieces
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, avocado
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well.
- Spread half the mixture in the prepared dish. Layer with torn tortillas, then top with remaining mixture and 1 cup cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Chicken Choice Matters: Use rotisserie chicken for tenderness and flavor—it’s a time-saver that keeps the dish juicy.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix if you love heat; it builds layers without overwhelming.
Cheese Upgrade: Mix in Monterey Jack for extra meltiness—trust me, it takes the casserole to the next level.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it great for meal prep or family gatherings.
- It’s naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas instead of flour.
- The dish is high in protein, with over 25g per serving from chicken and beans.
- Baking at high heat ensures crispy edges without drying out the center.
How to Store Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Cool your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole completely before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring leftovers to an airtight container—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge first. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings until hot, adding a splash of water to revive the moisture.
Customizing Your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or beef for the chicken if that’s what you have on hand, or go vegetarian with extra beans and veggies like bell peppers. For a low-carb twist, skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead—it still captures that hearty vibe. Your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can even incorporate elements from our easy red enchilada sauce recipe for a from-scratch boost. Experimenting keeps things fresh and fun!
What to Serve with Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding crunch and freshness. Warm tortilla chips and guacamole make for an easy side, or try Mexican rice if you want more carbs. For drinks, margaritas or iced tea with a splash of lime complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget fresh salsa—it’s the ideal topper for that extra zing.
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
If your family loves Mexican food, whip together this chicken burrito casserole recipe for an easy, low-prep dinner! It tastes like your favourite burritos yet can be made in one big casserole dish with simple ingredients. Plus, it's loaded with protein for a satisfying and healthy meal! {Gluten-Free}
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 02 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 03 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice ((can also use long grain white rice))
- 04 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning ((homemade or store-bought))
- 05 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ((optional))
- 06 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
- 07 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans ((drained and rinsed))
- 08 5 cups shredded chicken
- 09 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 10 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies
- 11 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 13 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Add onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning and cayenne (if using) to a 9x13 inch baking dish and stir to combine.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste and olive oil until well combined.
Add the broth mixture to the baking dish and stir to combine with the rice mixture.
Add shredded chicken, black beans and corn to the baking dish. Give it an additional stir until well combined.
Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and then transfer to the oven to bake for 65-70 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Once complete, remove the baking dish from the oven, remove the aluminium foil, and sprinkle evenly with grated cheese.
Return the baking dish to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa and avocado, if desired.
Notes & Tips
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Can I make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered— just add five extra minutes to the bake time. This makes it perfect for busy evenings or holiday prep. I’ve done this often, and it tastes even better as flavors meld.
How long does Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for three to four days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture might soften, so freezing is better for longer. Always reheat to at least 165°F for safety.
Is Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole spicy?
Not inherently, as it uses mild enchilada sauce, but you control the heat with add-ins like jalapeños. It’s family-friendly mild by default. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but cook and shred it first to ensure even baking in your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole. Raw chicken could lead to uneven cooking times. For this recipe, pre-cooked is ideal for simplicity.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Mexican blend or cheddar works wonders for meltiness and flavor. I sometimes mix in pepper jack for subtle spice. Freshly shredded is always better than pre-shredded for superior results.
Can Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole be frozen?
Definitely—freeze unbaked or baked portions for up to three months, then bake or reheat from frozen with adjustments. It’s a lifesaver for meal prepping. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture in your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap flour tortillas for corn ones, and check your enchilada sauce label. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. It comes together just as deliciously this way.
Can I add rice if it’s not listed?
The recipe includes cooked rice as a base, but if you want more, stir in an extra cup—it bulks it up nicely. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to avoid sogginess. This tweak is great for heartier servings.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to creating a mouthwatering Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. From the quick prep to the flavorful bake, it’s all about simple joy in the kitchen. Give this recipe a whirl this week, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your twists! For more chicken inspiration, check out our chicken broccoli rice casserole or creamy white chicken chili.