If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, spice, and wholesome goodness all in one, this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a hearty, cheesy bake filled with tender shredded chicken, vibrant veggies, and the perfect blend of spices that celebrate classic burrito flavors in a convenient casserole form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for tasty leftovers, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between bold taste and satisfying comfort food vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of texture, color, and flavor that make this casserole so special. Each item plays a part in delivering that familiar southwestern flair with a wholesome twist.
- Red onion: Adds a mild sweetness and crunch that enhances the overall depth.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a burst of vibrant color and natural sweetness to the dish.
- Jalapeño: Packs just the right level of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors, giving the casserole its hearty base.
- Chili powder: Provides a smoky warmth that defines the southwestern profile.
- Garlic powder: Offers an aromatic foundation enhancing every bite.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity that makes this recipe memorable.
- Oregano: Lends an herbaceous hint for balance and freshness.
- Sea salt: Elevates all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Corn kernels: Bring sweetness and texture contrast with their pop.
- Black beans: Introduce protein and a creamy bite, complementing the chicken.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein providing tender, savory goodness throughout.
- Chicken broth: Infuses moisture and richness, helping the rice cook to perfection.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps marry flavors smoothly.
- Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated umami punch and a touch of acidity.
- Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, irresistible finish.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready to perfectly cook your casserole. While it heats up, dice your red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. These fresh ingredients will add both flavor and color to your casserole, setting the stage for all the goodness to come.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
Next, take a large baking dish and combine the diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeño, dry rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. This mix of spices with fresh vegetables creates the vibrant base that lets the familiar flavors of a burrito shine through in casserole form.
Step 3: Whisk the Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, and tomato paste until smooth. This flavorful liquid will soak into the rice and veggies, helping everything cook evenly while infusing moisture and a rich, tangy depth to the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Pour the broth mixture over your rice and veggie base in the baking dish, giving everything a gentle stir to combine thoroughly. This ensures each grain of rice and piece of veggie gets coated, locking in all those fantastic flavors from your spices and tomato paste.
Step 5: Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn
Now fold in your shredded cooked chicken, black beans, and corn kernels. These ingredients bring wholesome protein, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness, turning this into a satisfying, well-rounded meal all baked together effortlessly.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully, absorbing all the flavorful broth, while the vegetables soften and meld into that irresistible casserole harmony.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
After removing the foil, sprinkle the top with your choice of Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, creating a golden, gooey topping that’s pure comfort heaven.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe even further, consider toppings that add freshness and contrast. A dollop of sour cream, a scattering of chopped cilantro, or some sliced avocado brings creaminess and a pop of color. For a little zing, freshly squeezed lime juice or pico de gallo works beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of tortilla chips and salsa adds texture and a refreshing balance. If you’re feeling ambitious, a side of refried beans or Mexican street corn complements the casserole’s bold flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish and let everyone dig in with their favorite toppings. Alternatively, spoon the casserole into warm tortillas for an easy taco night makeover. It also works great layered in bowls with extra cheese and guacamole for a hearty, customizable burrito “bowl” experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain flavor and moisture, making it easy to grab something delicious when you’re short on time.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months, offering a perfect ready-to-bake meal for busy days ahead.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, but keep in mind the oven will help retain that perfect cheesy top layer and texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but keep in mind it will need a longer cooking time and more broth to become tender. Adjust the liquid accordingly or consider pre-cooking the brown rice before assembling.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken, or can I use diced chicken?
Shredded chicken blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a comforting texture throughout. However, diced chicken works just as well if you prefer chunkier bites or want more noticeable pieces of meat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with extra beans, grilled vegetables, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Make sure to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the flavors balanced.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The jalapeño and chili powder add moderate heat, but you have full control. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño to reduce spice or eliminate it altogether for a milder version. You can also adjust chili powder amounts to suit your taste.
What cheese works best for melting on top?
Monterey Jack and Havarti are fantastic choices thanks to their creamy melt and mild flavor that doesn’t overpower. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend will also work if you want a sharper or spicier finish.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe will become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation. Its ease, comforting flavors, and vibrant ingredients come together so naturally that every bite feels like a warm hug. Give it a try for your next meal—you’ll be glad you did, and chances are it’ll make repeat appearances at your table for many weeks to come.
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, spices, rice, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it absorbs rich chicken broth and tomato paste, creating a comforting Mexican-inspired casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Others
- 1 cup dry long-grain white rice
- 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 450g cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 grams Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Combine Vegetables and Spices: In a large baking dish, mix the diced red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, dry long-grain white rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, and tomato paste until smooth and well combined, ensuring the tomato paste is fully dissolved.
- Mix Broth and Rice: Pour the broth mixture over the rice and vegetable mixture in the baking dish and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, black beans, and corn kernels thoroughly to incorporate all components into the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese evenly on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor.
- Using pre-cooked chicken reduces total preparation time.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Black beans can be swapped with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
