Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole: Family-Approved Delight
There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas. The Chicken Burrito Casserole is one of those dishes that always brings a smile to my face. It combines the flavors of a classic burrito into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.
What I love most about this Chicken Burrito Casserole is how easy it is to throw together. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a wholesome dinner that’s packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of veggies. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple preparation: This casserole comes together in one pan, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
– Healthy ingredients: Packed with chicken, beans, and veggies, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
– Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and reheat throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
– Kid-approved: The cheesy goodness makes it a hit with children and adults alike!
– Customizable: Adjust the spices and toppings to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful Chicken Burrito Casserole, you’ll need some fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh Produce
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, minced
Pantry Staples
– 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
– 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
Protein & Dairy
– 450g cooked chicken, shredded (6 cups or 3 chicken breasts)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 150 grams Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated
Garnishes
– Cilantro, to serve
– Green onion, to serve
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
– Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
– Add more veggies: Toss in zucchini, spinach, or any leftover veggies you have in your fridge for extra nutrition.
– Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or use dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
– Spice it up: Add diced green chiles or extra jalapeños for additional heat if you love bold flavors.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you don’t already have cooked chicken on hand, now’s the time to bake your chicken breasts. Place them in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re fully cooked. Once done, let them cool slightly before shredding them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large baking dish (I used a 9 x 13 inch), combine the diced onion, bell pepper, minced jalapeño, dry rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This step builds the flavorful base of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Broth
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your casserole.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the broth mixture over your rice and vegetable blend in the baking dish. Stir well so all ingredients are combined evenly. Ensuring everything is well mixed helps each bite be flavorful!
Step 5: Add Proteins and Corn
Next up! Add in your shredded chicken along with rinsed black beans and corn kernels into the baking dish. Give it all one final stir until everything is incorporated; this ensures every spoonful has deliciousness in it!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50–60 minutes until all liquid is absorbed—this step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together!
Step 7: Cheese Time
Once baked perfectly remove from oven and take off the foil gently sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Final Melt
Return the baking dish back into the oven uncovered for another final bake of about 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden—this creates that irresistible gooey topping.
Step 9: Serve It Up
After removing from oven let cool slightly before serving! Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions as desired for an added burst of flavor.
Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious Chicken Burrito Casserole!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole
Making a delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole is straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your dish to the next level. Here are some handy suggestions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
– Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, this recipe is a perfect way to repurpose it and save time.
– Don’t skip the foil: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil while baking helps trap steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
– Customize your spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or chili powder to suit your taste. If you’re cooking for kids, consider reducing these ingredients for a milder dish.
– Experiment with cheeses: While Monterey Jack or Havarti work beautifully, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor.
– Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking will help it set up nicely, making serving easier and enhancing the flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole
Serving your Chicken Burrito Casserole can be as fun as making it! With a few simple touches, you can create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Garnishes
– Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness to every serving.
– Sliced green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and make for an attractive topping.
– Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the dish perfectly and adds healthy fats.
Side Dishes
– Simple green salad: A light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
– Guacamole and tortilla chips: This classic pairing is always a hit and adds an enjoyable crunch.
– Mexican street corn salad: The sweetness of corn with a zesty dressing pairs well with the savory casserole.
– Refried beans: A scoop of creamy refried beans adds another layer of flavor and makes for a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– For easy serving, consider portioning individual servings into smaller containers.
Freezing
– To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
– Label your container with the date so you know when it was made!
Reheating
– To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 25-30 minutes).
– If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed thoroughly.
FAQs
Have questions about this Chicken Burrito Casserole? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help clarify things.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll need approximately 4 cups of broth and might want to bake it longer than specified.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken?
No problem! You can bake raw chicken breasts at 400°F for about 25 minutes until cooked through. Shred them afterward before adding them to your casserole mixture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Burrito Casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free (like spices).
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about trying this Chicken Burrito Casserole as I am! It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough for any night of the week or meal prep session. Gather your ingredients, enjoy the cooking process, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!
Chicken Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake chicken breasts for about 25 minutes until fully cooked, then shred.
- In a large baking dish, combine diced onion, bell pepper, minced jalapeño, dry rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture over the rice and vegetable blend in the baking dish. Stir well to combine.
- Add shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, and corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir until everything is incorporated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 50–60 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return to the oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions as desired.
