Mexican cuisine brings a burst of vibrant flavors that can turn any meal into a fiesta. If your family shares a love for Mexican food, you’ll be thrilled to discover the best Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole. This delightful dish encapsulates everything you adore about burritos—savory chicken, hearty beans, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese—all baked together in a single, convenient casserole. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe not only saves you time in the kitchen but also offers an array of nutritional benefits. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a satisfying comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor while keeping things simple and stress-free.
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole lies in its versatility. It works fantastically as a family-friendly dish, catering to diverse palates without overwhelming spiciness. Additionally, it allows for customization, meaning you can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. One of the best parts? This wholesome casserole is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for everyone at the table. The preparation couldn’t be easier; combine the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic while you take a breather or help the kids with their homework. We can all agree that a delicious dinner, made with minimal effort, is something worth celebrating!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- One-dish wonder: Everything bakes together in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite protein or veggies for a personal touch.
- Family-approved: Mild Mexican-inspired flavors that cater to both kids and adults.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it earlier in the day and bake at dinnertime for ultimate convenience.
- Serve it your way: Enjoy straight from the dish or scoop into tortillas for quick homemade burritos.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen space effectively. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked. Gather a 9×13-inch baking dish, as this size is ideal for accommodating all the delicious ingredients without overflowing. You will also need measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements, a whisk for blending the liquids, and a large spoon or spatula for mixing.
To streamline the process, chop the onion and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, shred it into manageable pieces. Having everything prepped on your countertop will make the assembly stage efficient and enjoyable. Remember, a well-organized kitchen not only speeds up your cooking time but also makes the experience much more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- Rice – Parboiled long-grain brown rice or white rice, no pre-cooking required.
- Onion – Diced for flavor and aroma.
- Red bell pepper – Chopped for color and sweetness.
- Fajita seasoning – Choose homemade or store-bought for added flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – For an extra kick of heat, adjust to taste.
- Corn – Frozen kernels for a sweet crunch.
- Black beans – Rinsed and drained for a protein boost.
- Shredded chicken – Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked chicken works great.
- Chicken broth – Reduced-sodium for a flavorful base.
- Green chilies – Canned, mild for a Southwestern kick.
- Tomato paste – To enrich the sauce.
- Olive oil – For added moisture and flavor.
- Cheese – Shredded Monterey Jack for that delicious, melty topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as a hot oven will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and the rice absorbs the flavors beautifully. Meanwhile, in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, parboiled rice, and fajita seasoning. For an optional spicy twist, if you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to your mixture. This will create a flavorful bed for all the other delicious ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Liquid
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, canned green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil. This liquid mix will be the heart of your casserole, providing moisture and flavor. Once combined, pour this mixture over the rice and vegetable blend in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly coated—it’s essential for the flavors to meld during cooking.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Beans
Now it’s time to incorporate some protein! Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen corn, and rinsed black beans into the mixture. Make sure everything is well mixed, so each bite is packed with flavor. Cover the baking dish with foil to trap the steam and moisture, which will help the rice cook properly and fluff up.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 65–70 minutes. The key to a perfect casserole is allowing it sufficient time to absorb the liquid and allow the rice to become tender. Once the time is up, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the cheese is beautifully melted, allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes. This resting period helps it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. Serve your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole directly from the dish, topped with fresh cilantro, a dollop of salsa, creamy avocado, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling adventurous. Your family will love it!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the shredded chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegetables: Add in black olives, diced zucchini, or even chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or even taco seasoning to create your unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your rice is parboiled; otherwise, it may not cook properly, leaving you with crunchy bites.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or sour cream into the mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some crushed tortilla chips on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete Mexican meal.
- Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs just before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great way to speed up prep time.
- Feel free to mix the casserole ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can I make this burrito casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and leave it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check the seasoning and beans.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can replace chicken with any protein you prefer, such as ground beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The best Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility in a way that brings your family together for a delightful meal. It’s an ultimate comfort food that caters to various tastes, including customization options to ensure everyone enjoys their plate. By following the straightforward instructions laid out here, you can have a delicious dinner ready with minimal fuss. So, go ahead and add this recipe to your weekly rotation and don’t forget to share your culinary creations in the comments below. Your feedback is always valued, and we love to hear how your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole turned out!
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole brings together savory chicken, hearty beans, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese in a single, convenient dish that’s family-friendly and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- Rice – Parboiled long-grain brown rice or white rice, no pre-cooking required.
- Onion – Diced for flavor and aroma.
- Red bell pepper – Chopped for color and sweetness.
- Fajita seasoning – Choose homemade or store-bought for added flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – For an extra kick of heat, adjust to taste.
- Corn – Frozen kernels for a sweet crunch.
- Black beans – Rinsed and drained for a protein boost.
- Shredded chicken – Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked chicken works great.
- Chicken broth – Reduced-sodium for a flavorful base.
- Green chilies – Canned, mild for a Southwestern kick.
- Tomato paste – To enrich the sauce.
- Olive oil – For added moisture and flavor.
- Cheese – Shredded Monterey Jack for that delicious, melty topping.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and combine diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, parboiled rice, and fajita seasoning in a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Add optional cayenne pepper for heat.
- Whisk together chicken broth, canned green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil in a separate bowl, then pour over the rice and vegetable blend and stir gently.
- Incorporate shredded chicken, frozen corn, and rinsed black beans, mixing well. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 65–70 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes, then serve topped with fresh cilantro, salsa, avocado, or Greek yogurt.
Notes
Ensure your rice is parboiled; otherwise, it may not cook properly, leaving you with crunchy bites. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 30 g