Name: Chicken Burrito Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 150g Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated; Cilantro, to serve; Green onion, to serve

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If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings the whole family together, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is just what you need! It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights or a fun family gathering. I love how easy it is to throw together; you can have it in the oven in no time. Plus, once it’s baked, the warm aroma fills your kitchen and makes everyone feel at home.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile—perfect for customizing to fit your taste. Whether you’re serving it on a busy Tuesday or at a festive gathering, this casserole will surely please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this dish started!
Family-friendly: Everyone loves burritos, and this casserole version makes it easy to serve.
Meal-prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and reheat for effortless dinners throughout the week.
Flavor-packed: With spices like chili powder and cumin, every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Nutrient-rich: Full of protein, fiber, and veggies to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Chicken Burrito Casserole are simple and wholesome. Most of them are pantry staples or fresh veggies you can easily grab from your local store. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delightful meal!

For the 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 (about 6 cups or 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

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is wonderfully flexible! You can make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Here are some ideas:

Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey, beef, or even a meat substitute for a different twist!
Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for extra nutrition.
Change up the beans: Try pinto beans or kidney beans if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapeños or some diced green chilies for an extra kick.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, simply pop those chicken breasts into the oven for about 25 minutes until fully cooked. This step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and turns out perfectly!

Step 2: Combine Your Veggies and Rice

In a large baking dish (I love using a 9 x 13 inch), combine your diced onion, bell pepper, minced jalapeño, dry rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Stir everything together well! This mix forms the flavorful base of your casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Broth

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. This mixture not only adds moisture but also enhances all those lovely flavors we’re building.

Step 4: Combine Everything in One Dish

Pour that broth mixture over your rice and veggie blend in the baking dish. Give it all a good stir! This step ensures that every grain of rice gets coated in that delicious broth.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans

Now it’s time to fold in your shredded chicken along with black beans and corn. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed; this is where all those fantastic textures come together!

Step 6: Bake It Up

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until all liquid is absorbed—this is when all those wonderful flavors meld into one glorious dish!

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Once done baking, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle grated cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and slightly golden—this cheesy layer adds such a delightful finish!

Step 8: Serve with Fresh Toppings

After removing from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and chopped green onions on top as desired. These fresh herbs add brightness that perfectly complements the rich flavors of your Chicken Burrito Casserole!

Enjoy every hearty bite of this amazing dish with family and friends; I know they will love it as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole

Getting the most out of your Chicken Burrito Casserole is easy with a few simple tips!

Prep Ahead: Consider chopping your vegetables and shredding your chicken beforehand. This not only saves time during meal prep but also enhances the flavors as they blend together while marinating in the fridge.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the chili powder or omit the jalapeños entirely. Customizing spice levels allows everyone at the table to enjoy this dish!
Experiment with Cheese: While Monterey Jack and Havarti are delicious options, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have leftover casserole, transform it into a filling for burritos or quesadillas. Just wrap it in tortillas, top with some cheese, and grill them until crispy – yum!
Store Properly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serving your Chicken Burrito Casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and dining experience.

Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro: Chopping some fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color that complements the casserole beautifully.
Sour Cream Alternative: A dollop of dairy-free sour cream or yogurt provides creaminess that balances out the spiciness of the dish.
Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over each serving brightens up all the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

Side Dishes

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado drizzled with olive oil offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible side that pairs perfectly with Mexican flavors.
Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with lime, chili powder, and vegan mayo creates a sweet and spicy side that complements your casserole wonderfully.
Spanish Rice: A flavorful side of Spanish rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices adds another layer of taste that enhances your meal.

With these tips, garnishes, and side ideas, your Chicken Burrito Casserole will not only be delicious but also visually stunning and satisfying! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is perfect for meal prep! It can be made in advance, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To keep it fresh, consider dividing it into smaller portions.

Freezing

Let the casserole cool down fully before freezing.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

To reheat from frozen, first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of beans in the Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

How can I customize my Chicken Burrito Casserole?

You can add your favorite veggies like zucchini or spinach. Additionally, try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist!

Is this Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and does not include any gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Burrito Casserole as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or looking for a simple weeknight dinner idea, this dish has you covered. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to share how it turns out!

Chicken Burrito Casserole

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Indulge in the comfort of a Chicken Burrito Casserole, a delightful dish that brings together savory flavors and wholesome ingredients for a meal your family will love. This easy-to-make casserole is loaded with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in fragrant spices and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for quick dinners. With its customizable nature, feel free to add your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own. Enjoy each hearty bite as the warm aroma fills your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale

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
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
150g Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated
Cilantro, to serve
Green onion, to serve

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large baking dish, mix diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. Pour over the rice mixture and stir well.
Fold in shredded chicken along with black beans and corn until evenly combined.
Cover with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Remove foil and sprinkle cheese on top; bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions.