Chicken Burrito Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings the whole family together, you’ve found it with this Chicken Burrito Casserole! This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and nutritious ingredients, making it an instant favorite at any dinner table. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back family gathering, this casserole hits the spot every time.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. You can have everything prepped and in the oven in no time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Trust me; once you try this Chicken Burrito Casserole, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious meal that requires minimal fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this hearty casserole full of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Just store leftovers in the fridge for easy reheating.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, beans, and veggies for a balanced meal.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and melted cheese makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Chicken Burrito Casserole, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create layers of flavor that everyone will love.

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 (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

One of the best things about this Chicken Burrito Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or shredded tofu for a different twist. Both options are delicious!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Change the cheese: Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or some diced green chiles.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, don’t worry! Just pop those chicken breasts in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re fully cooked. Once they’ve cooled down slightly, shred them using two forks.

Step 2: Combine Veggies and Spices

In a large baking dish (around 9 x 13 inches works great), toss together the diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute all those wonderful flavors throughout your casserole.

Step 3: Mix Broth and Tomato Paste

In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil until well blended. This mixture is key as it adds moisture to the casserole while infusing rich flavors into the rice.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour your broth mixture over the rice and veggie mix in the baking dish. Stir everything together until well combined—this is where all those flavors start mingling!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans

Next up! Gently fold in your shredded chicken, black beans, and corn into the baking dish. Give it one last stir so that every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout—this ensures each bite will be just as tasty as the last!

Step 6: Bake It Up

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until all of that delicious liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

Step 7: Cheese It!

When it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and take off that foil. Now comes my favorite part—sprinkling grated cheese over top! Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until that cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 8: Serve It Up

After removing from the oven (and letting it cool slightly), serve your Chicken Burrito Casserole topped with fresh cilantro and green onions if desired. Enjoy every mouthful of this comforting dish with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole

Creating the perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole can be a breeze with just a few handy tips!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping and measuring your veggies, rice, and spices beforehand streamlines the cooking process, making it quicker and more enjoyable.
• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, this recipe becomes even faster to prepare—just shred it and mix it in!
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to modify the amount of jalapeño or chili powder based on your preference for heat. This makes the dish customizable for everyone at your table.
• Double the recipe for meal prep: This casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for later use. Doubling the recipe means you’ll have delicious meals ready to go for busy days!
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative) before serving for extra creaminess that complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Presenting your Chicken Burrito Casserole can turn an everyday meal into something special! Here are some ideas for making it visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze fresh lime juice over their portions, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, offer sliced jalapeños as an optional garnish.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime juice, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and spices that pairs perfectly with the casserole’s flavors.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole not only adds richness but also complements the spices in your casserole beautifully. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping!
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of the casserole while adding freshness to your meal.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime come together to create a zesty salsa that brightens up each bite of casserole.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chicken Burrito Casserole will not only taste amazing but will look inviting on your table too! Enjoy sharing this wholesome dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights or make a double batch to enjoy later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your delicious casserole.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions for easy reheating later.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can uncover it in the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a Chicken Burrito Casserole that might help you!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust accordingly!

What toppings go well with Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Consider topping your casserole with diced avocado, fresh salsa, or sour cream! A sprinkle of lime juice adds a zesty flavor as well.

Is Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does Chicken Burrito Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Chicken Burrito Casserole can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this Chicken Burrito Casserole vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for a hearty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Burrito Casserole! It’s not only packed with flavor and nutrition but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your results—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!