Looking for a quick and delicious dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a burrito into a simple, bake-and-serve dish. Packed with chicken, beans, cheese, and all your favorite burrito ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, black beans, and cooked rice. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla strips, followed by another layer of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken or rice.
- Substitutions: Swap out black beans for pinto beans or use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is hearty and satisfying. One serving (based on 8 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves Tex-Mex flavors but doesn’t have time to roll individual burritos. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual get-togethers. Try this recipe today and bring the fiesta to your dinner table!
Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Serving Tips
- Garnishes: Add a fresh touch to your casserole by garnishing it with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. This will enhance the flavors and give your dish an extra pop of color.
- Pair it with Sides: Serve your casserole alongside a fresh green salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice for a complete meal. You can also add a side of tortilla chips for an added crunch.
- Make it a Family Meal: This casserole is perfect for family-style serving. Let everyone scoop their own portions, and don’t forget to provide extra toppings so everyone can customize their plate.
- Spicy Option: For those who like a little extra heat, offer a side of salsa or hot sauce, allowing each guest to spice up their serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken burrito casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Reheating: For best results when reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out. If it seems too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to moisten it.
- Individual Portions: If you want to make meal prep easier, slice the casserole into individual portions before storing. This makes it simple to grab a quick serving during the week.
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork. For a vegetarian version, try using a mix of beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini in place of the meat.
3. Is this casserole spicy?
The recipe as written has a mild flavor, but you can make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste!
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! After it has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot.
PrintEasy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This chicken burrito casserole combines all your favorite burrito flavors—chicken, rice, beans, and cheese—layered into one dish and baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 3 cups (450g) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups (200g) cooked white or Mexican rice
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240ml) salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
- 1 can (10 oz / 280g) enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 6 large flour tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Extra sour cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, salsa, enchilada sauce, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chili powder, and cumin. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
3. Layer the Casserole:
- Spread a small amount of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place a tortilla on top, spread a layer of the chicken mixture over it, and repeat until all the tortillas and filling are used, ending with a layer of the filling on top.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute black beans with pinto beans or refried beans for a different flavor.
- Use leftover shredded beef or pork instead of chicken for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.