Chicken Burrito Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, let me introduce you to my beloved Chicken Burrito Casserole. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it also brings together wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. It’s an easy one-pan meal that makes clean-up a breeze and is sure to become a staple in your home.

What I adore about this casserole is how versatile it is. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or feeding a crowd, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it fills you up without weighing you down—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal effort, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly: This delicious dish pleases even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for everyone at the dining table.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Chicken Burrito Casserole is a breeze! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome staples likely already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (adjust based on spice preference)
• 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 about 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
• Fresh cilantro, to serve
• Green onion, to serve

Variations

One of the best parts about this Chicken Burrito Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken if you’d like a change from traditional chicken.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some diced serrano peppers or sprinkle in extra chili flakes.
• Go dairy-free: Omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative to make it suitable for different diets.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, simply bake your chicken breasts in the oven for about 25 minutes until fully cooked. Once they’re ready, place them on a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Rice

In a large baking dish (I recommend using a 9 x 13 inch one), add your diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir everything together well! This step helps release those wonderful flavors before they hit the oven.

Step 3: Mix Up Your Broth Mixture

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine your chicken broth with tomato paste and olive oil. Whisk until it’s smooth and well blended. This mixture will keep your casserole moist while infusing every bite with delicious flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything in Your Baking Dish

Pour the broth mixture over your rice mixture in the baking dish and give it another good stir until everything is nicely combined. Then add in your shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. A final stir should ensure all those wonderful components are evenly mixed together.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until all of that lovely liquid is absorbed by the rice—this is where all those flavors start coming together!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After baking time is up, carefully remove the aluminum foil (watch out for steam!). Sprinkle grated cheese over the top of your casserole before returning it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Once done baking, pull out your masterpiece from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and green onions as desired for that extra pop of freshness!

Now you have a delightful Chicken Burrito Casserole ready to share with friends or enjoy throughout the week! Bon appétit!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole

Creating the perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole is easier than you think! Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping veggies and measuring out spices beforehand can save you time and help the cooking process flow smoothly, making weeknight dinners less stressful.

• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, feel free to use it in this recipe. It not only reduces prep time but also adds a burst of flavor!

• Adjust spice levels to taste: If you prefer a milder dish, consider reducing the amount of jalapeño or chili powder. Conversely, if you like a kick, add more spices to suit your palate.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps all the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

• Experiment with different cheeses: While Monterey Jack and Havarti are great choices, trying other cheeses like pepper jack for heat or cheddar for sharpness can personalize the dish to your liking.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serving Chicken Burrito Casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this flavorful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Adding chopped cilantro right before serving gives a fresh touch that brightens up the casserole.
• Diced green onions: Sprinkle some finely chopped green onions on top for an extra crunch and mild onion flavor.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the casserole and adds a healthy fat component.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A side of creamy guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips offers a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This buttery corn dish coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder brings a sweet and savory element that pairs beautifully with your burrito casserole.
• Salsa Verde or Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor experience when served alongside the casserole.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole with these simple serving ideas that will impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool down completely.
• Cut into portions and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making your Chicken Burrito Casserole:

Can I use other types of beans in Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Absolutely! While black beans are traditional, feel free to substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

How can I make Chicken Burrito Casserole spicier?

If you like a kick of heat, add more minced jalapeños or toss in some diced serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving!

Is this Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! This casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free certified ingredients.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Definitely! You can add zucchini, corn, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I serve Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Serve it warm straight from the oven, topped with fresh cilantro and green onions. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or tortilla chips!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Chicken Burrito Casserole as enjoyable as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a hearty dish full of flavor that brings everyone together. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, this recipe has got you covered. Have fun making it and savor every bite!