Chicken Burrito Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, beans, cheese, and all your favorite burrito toppings, all baked into a hearty casserole. It’s the perfect blend of Mexican flavors with the convenience of a casserole, making it an ideal meal for a busy weeknight or casual gathering. This dish is flavorful, cheesy, and packed with all the deliciousness of a burrito, without the need for rolling anything!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is an absolute winner for anyone who loves the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with tender chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, and a layer of gooey melted cheese. The combination of flavors and textures from the tender chicken to the soft rice and beans, topped with crispy cheese makes it a comfort food everyone will love. It’s a one-dish wonder that brings all the familiar flavors of a burrito into a simple, baked casserole!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, sour cream, and salsa. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with tortilla strips.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Add another layer of tortilla strips, followed by the remaining chicken mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions (if desired) and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or grilled vegetables for a different flavor.
- Rice: Try using Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice for an extra burst of flavor in your casserole.
- Toppings: Customize your casserole with sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro after baking for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Spice Level: Add a bit of diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to kick up the heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Cheese: Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor, or opt for a sharp cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken) is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, but keep in mind that corn tortillas may be a bit firmer and less pliable than flour tortillas.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day or two ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, to make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini), or even some extra cheese.
What can I serve with Chicken Burrito Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or even some tortilla chips and salsa.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack would all be great substitutes or additions to the Mexican cheese blend.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice if preferred, but brown rice adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chicken mixture to make it even more filling and nutritious.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Burrito Casserole. Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.
How do I reheat frozen casserole?
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
Chicken Burrito Casserole is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, offering all the delicious elements of a burrito in one easy-to-make, comforting casserole. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this casserole will not disappoint. It’s customizable, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your household!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole, Mexican, Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
Description
Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, and cheese, all baked together to create a hearty meal. This casserole is packed with all the bold, zesty flavors of a burrito, but without the need for rolling anything! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, sour cream, and salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with tortilla strips.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
- Add another layer of tortilla strips, followed by the remaining chicken mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot.
Notes
For a different flavor, try using Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice.
You can swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option such as grilled vegetables or extra beans.
Customize the toppings with sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
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