Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, topped with a flavorful sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. These burritos are perfect for a family dinner, easy meal prep, or a satisfying weeknight meal that’s loaded with bold, cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry staples
- Loaded with juicy chicken, beans, and cheese
- Smothered in a rich sauce for extra flavor
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with various fillings and toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- Flour tortillas
- Refried beans or black beans
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Green chili sauce or red enchilada sauce
- Sour cream (optional, for creaminess in the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Stir in refried beans or black beans and mix thoroughly.
- Lay out a tortilla, spread a layer of the chicken mixture in the center, and sprinkle with cheese. Roll tightly into a burrito.
- Place burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour green chili sauce or enchilada sauce over the burritos, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Sprinkle extra cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 burritos
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Burritos: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Creamy Chicken Burritos: Stir sour cream or cream cheese into the filling for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or extra beans.
- BBQ Chicken Burritos: Use shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce instead of chili sauce for a smoky twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Freeze individually wrapped burritos for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just shred and season it before adding to the burritos.
What’s the best sauce for smothered burritos?
Green chili sauce, red enchilada sauce, or even salsa verde works well for smothering.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are not recommended for baking burritos as they tend to crack, but you can use them for smaller enchilada-style rolls.
How do I keep the burritos from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow the tortillas to crisp up slightly.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the burritos ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
What’s a good side dish for smothered burritos?
Serve with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Can I use shredded beef instead of chicken?
Yes, shredded beef works just as well and adds a richer, heartier flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces slightly, or mix in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add rice to the filling?
Yes, cooked rice adds extra bulk and texture to the burritos.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy flavor.
Conclusion
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, flavorful, and packed with deliciously seasoned chicken and beans. They’re easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights. Serve with your favorite sides and dive into a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are loaded with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a flavorful sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce, these burritos are perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve with rice, beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 500 g (1 lb) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for a heartier filling)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
For the Smothered Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or fresh roasted chilies)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add cooked rice (if using) and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat.
2. Make the smothered sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this forms a roux).
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and thickened.
- Add diced green chilies, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the burritos:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place a portion of the chicken mixture and some cheese into the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up the burritos, folding in the edges to secure the filling, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Smother and bake:
- Pour the creamy green chili sauce evenly over the burritos.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Use whole-wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.