Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something cozy, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this Chicken Burrito Casserole will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine all the best parts of your favorite burritos—tender shredded chicken, earthy spices, creamy beans, sweet pops of corn, and gooey melted cheese—layered together in one easy, family-friendly dish. This is comfort food at its finest, full of bright flavors and inviting aromas that make every bite impossible to resist. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner, this casserole makes weeknight meals more fun (and a whole lot more delicious).
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Chicken Burrito Casserole is how it uses a few simple ingredients that come together for major impact. Each element in this recipe brings something unique—whether it’s a pop of color, a kick of heat, a creamy texture, or that all-important boost of savory goodness.
- Red Onion: Adds a sweet sharpness and a little crunch to every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings color, juiciness, and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- Jalapeño: A touch of fresh heat; remove the seeds if you want it milder, or leave them for a spicy edge.
- Dry Long-Grain White Rice: The hearty base—choose basmati or jasmine for extra fragrance and fluffy texture.
- Chili Powder: The main flavor booster bringing smoky depth and a gentle kick.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a mellow garlicky background that lingers in the best way.
- Cumin: Essential for that earthy, burrito-shop aroma and taste.
- Oregano: Just a pinch to add herbal brightness.
- Sea Salt: Makes every other ingredient sing—don’t skimp!
- Corn Kernels (Frozen): Little bursts of sweetness that also contribute texture.
- Black Beans (Canned): Creamy protein that bulks up the casserole beautifully.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: The star of the show—rotisserie or oven-baked both work perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the rice with savory flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps blend the broth and tomato paste together while adding richness.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tangy flavor and a hint of color; a little goes a long way.
- Monterey Jack or Havarti Cheese (Grated): Melts into creamy puddles, making the whole casserole irresistibly gooey.
- Cilantro & Green Onion: Fresh, herby garnishes that add a pop of color and brightness to every slice.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Set your oven to 400°F and let it get nice and hot. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, simply pop the chicken breasts onto a baking sheet, season lightly, and bake for about 25 minutes. Once done and cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into irresistibly juicy little pieces. This step is your first taste of just how easy the whole recipe will be!
Step 2: Assemble the Veggie and Rice Base
Grab your trusty 9 x 13 inch baking dish and add in the red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Stir everything together right in the dish. This hands-on moment lets you see all those colorful veggies and aromatic spices mingling, promising great flavor ahead.
Step 3: Whisk the Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine your chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil. Whisk until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and the mixture looks evenly blended—this will ensure no tomatoey lumps and make sure the flavors meld together beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish
Pour the tangy, savory broth mixture over the rice and veggie mixture in your baking dish. Give it a good stir to make sure every grain gets a little love from that broth. This is the secret to perfectly seasoned rice later!
Step 5: Add the Chicken, Beans, and Corn
Now, stir in your shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels. Mix thoroughly so all the tasty bits are distributed evenly—this ensures you get the good stuff in every bite of Chicken Burrito Casserole.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover your dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all that flavorful liquid. Don’t peek early—the steam helps cook everything to tender, aromatic perfection.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
When the casserole is bubbling and the rice is just right, take off the foil and sprinkle the grated cheese all over the top. This magical layer will melt down into the casserole and create those beautiful golden cheese bubbles everyone loves.
Step 8: Final Melt and Brown
Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become gooey and just a little bit golden on the edges. This is when you know it’s ready to steal the show!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. Just before serving, sprinkle plenty of fresh cilantro and sliced green onion on top. Not only does this add a burst of color, but it brings a fresh, herby lift to every bite of Chicken Burrito Casserole.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole
Garnishes
Chicken Burrito Casserole shines with bright, zesty garnishes. A shower of chopped cilantro and green onions is a must, but don’t stop there—add a dollop of sour cream, a few slices of creamy avocado, or a spoonful of your favorite salsa for an even bigger flavor party. A squeeze of lime over the top ties it all together.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, but a couple of simple sides can make your meal feel extra special. Try a fresh Mexican slaw, warm tortilla chips with guacamole, or a summery cucumber and tomato salad. Even a bowl of tangy pickled vegetables can add an exciting contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknights, scoop out generous squares and serve straight from the dish. For parties, cut the Chicken Burrito Casserole into small bites and serve with mini forks or inside taco shells for a fun twist. Leftovers? Pile them into warm tortillas for easy burrito wraps or use as a filling for stuffed peppers the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the casserole completely, then transfer leftovers into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully, making it a true winner for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
Chicken Burrito Casserole is a freezer champion! Wrap portions tightly in foil or store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the fridge, then bake or microwave until heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until warm all the way through (about 20 minutes). Quick lunch? A minute or two in the microwave does the trick. If it looks a little dry, splash a tablespoon of chicken broth over before reheating to revive that juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of freshly cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. Simply shred the meat and use it as directed for a truly easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for extra beans or try sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian while maintaining all that robust flavor.
Can I prep Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover tightly, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What if I want it spicier or milder?
For extra heat, use a spicier chili powder or leave in more of the jalapeño seeds. For a milder version, use less jalapeño or omit it entirely. The beauty of Chicken Burrito Casserole is how customizable it is!
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but brown rice needs a longer baking time and a bit more broth. Add an extra half cup of broth and be prepared to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking that the rice is fully tender before adding the cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is the kind of dish you’ll reach for again and again—so easy, endlessly comforting, and always satisfying. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want a cozy meal that makes everyone at the table smile. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star in your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines all the delicious elements of a burrito in a comforting casserole form. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mix:
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
Rice and Seasonings:
- 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
- 14oz can black beans, strained and rinsed
- 450g cooked chicken, shredded (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
To Serve:
- Cilantro
- Green onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. If using uncooked chicken, bake the chicken breasts in the oven for 25 minutes, then shred.
- Prepare Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine vegetable mix, rice, and seasonings.
- Mix Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour broth mixture into the baking dish, add chicken, black beans, and corn, and mix well.
- Bake: Cover dish with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and green onion before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Burrito Casserole, Burrito Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Chicken Casserole
