Chicken Burrito Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ve found it in this Chicken Burrito Casserole. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s not just delicious but also so easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings, where everyone can help themselves to a generous portion.

What makes this casserole special is its versatility and flavor. You can load it up with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Trust me; once you try this Chicken Burrito Casserole, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just one baking dish and simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and flavorful ingredients.
• Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies, this casserole is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Burrito Casserole features simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything we need!

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 how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or what your family loves.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even cooked quinoa for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or any other favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Adjust the spice: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper!

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, no worries! Just bake some chicken breasts for 25 minutes until they’re fully cooked before shredding them.

Step 2: Combine Your Veggies and Rice

In a large baking dish (a 9 x 13 inch works beautifully), combine the diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir everything together well! This step ensures that all those flavors meld together as they cook.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix together your chicken broth, tomato paste, and olive oil. Whisk until everything is nicely combined. This broth will keep your casserole moist and flavorful!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Pour the broth mixture over the rice and veggie blend in your baking dish. Give it a good stir so that everything is evenly distributed – this is key for even cooking.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans

Now it’s time to add in your shredded chicken along with the black beans and corn. Stir everything together one last time until well combined. You want every bite to be packed full of flavor!

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until all of that liquid has absorbed into the rice.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Once baked, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle grated cheese over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until that cheese is melted and slightly golden – yum!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Take out your casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions as desired for an extra pop of freshness.

Enjoy digging into this delightful Chicken Burrito Casserole! It’s sure to bring smiles all around at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burrito Casserole

Creating the perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole can be easy and fun with a few helpful tips!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chopping your vegetables and shredding the chicken in advance saves time on busy weeknights and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it! It adds flavor and cuts down on prep time.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of jalapeño or chili powder based on your family’s spice preference. This flexibility makes it enjoyable for everyone at the table.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Monterey Jack or Havarti are fantastic choices, consider trying pepper jack for an extra kick or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want a different flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop, making it even more delicious when baked!

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serving your Chicken Burrito Casserole is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds freshness and brightness that complements the dish beautifully.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy balance to the spices and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that’s rich in healthy fats. It pairs perfectly with the casserole’s robust flavors.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with sweet corn, lime, cilantro, and feta cheese; it brings a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the casserole.
• Simple Green Salad: A mix of leafy greens tossed with olive oil and lemon juice adds a light touch to round out your meal.
• Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer or side that complements the main dish wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chicken Burrito Casserole will not only taste incredible but also look inviting on any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is not just delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a hearty meal ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label it with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Can I use other types of meat in the Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses shredded chicken, you can substitute it with cooked turkey or even plant-based proteins like lentils for a vegetarian version.

How can I spice up my Chicken Burrito Casserole?

If you’re looking for extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes, black olives, or even a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce before baking. Adjust the spices according to your taste for extra heat!

Can I make Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for making ahead. You can prepare it and store it in the fridge or freezer as instructed above.

What sides pair well with Chicken Burrito Casserole?

This casserole goes wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some guacamole and tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Chicken Burrito Casserole as I am! It’s not only packed full of wholesome ingredients but also offers convenience for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Enjoy making this cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Happy cooking!