If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors, comforting textures, and a little fiesta to your weeknight dinner, this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and gooey cheese all layered with soft tortillas and a kick of spices, making each bite a delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for satisfying leftovers, this casserole is a deliciously simple way to enjoy all the best of a chicken burrito in one easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the key to creating a casserole that is bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each element—from the creamy sour cream to the spicy salsa—plays an important role in making this dish stand out.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this protein forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Either white or brown rice works well to add bulk and soak up the delicious flavors.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans: Drained and rinsed for creaminess and a boost of fiber.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels: Drained to add a natural sweetness and pop of color.
- 1 cup salsa: Choose your favorite brand or make it fresh for that bright, tangy zip.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds moisture and a gentle heat that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: The magic blend of spices that pulls all the southwestern flavors together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings luscious creaminess to balance the spices perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Use Mexican blend or cheddar for that irresistible cheesy melt.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Cut into quarters, these create the layered structure of the casserole.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your casserole bakes evenly, ready to become a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. This mixture is bursting with bold flavors and textures that promise to satisfy with every layer.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and begin by placing a layer of tortilla quarters on the bottom. Spread half of the vibrant chicken and rice mixture over this base, then dollop and evenly spread sour cream on top. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese for that melty, savory touch.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Simply add another layer of tortilla pieces, followed by the remaining chicken and rice mixture, then more sour cream, and finish with a top layer of shredded cheese. These layers ensure every serving is rich and well-balanced.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let your casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps it set nicely and enhances the flavors. Grab your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, or extra salsa to customize each plate and add a fresh touch.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime brighten the casserole with fresh, herbaceous notes. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños can add creaminess or a little heat to suit your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe with simple sides such as a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or even tortilla chips makes for a festive and complete meal that’s both comforting and fun!
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with a big spoon so guests can help themselves. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into colorful bowls and top with vibrant garnishes to make it look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Chicken Burrito Casserole with foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making easy lunches or dinners a cinch.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a stress-free meal any night of the week.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Adding a few extra minutes uncovered helps the cheese regain its delightful melty texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly in this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily skip the chicken and add extra beans, veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What type of cheese is best for melting?
Mexican blend cheeses or sharp cheddar melt beautifully and add rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How spicy is this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe?
The heat level depends mainly on your choice of salsa and taco seasoning. You can adjust spices to your preference by selecting mild or hot varieties or adding fresh jalapeños for more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings—it combines ease, flavor, and comfort in one irresistible dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how simple and satisfying this layered casserole can be. It’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all seasoned with taco spices and layered between flour tortillas, sour cream, and melted cheese. Baked to bubbly golden perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy the classic burrito flavors in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded or diced
- 1 cup cooked rice – white or brown
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans – drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels – drained
- 1 cup salsa – your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies – undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning – for added flavor
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream – for creaminess
- 2 cups shredded cheese – Mexican blend or cheddar
- 4 large flour tortillas – cut into quarters
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and seasoned.
- Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of the tortilla pieces at the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the chicken and rice mixture evenly over the tortillas. Add a layer of sour cream on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers: Add another layer of tortilla pieces, followed by the remaining chicken and rice mixture. Top with the remaining sour cream and shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or extra salsa for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either white or brown rice based on your preference for texture and nutrition.
- For a spicier casserole, choose a hot salsa and add some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Adding fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro as garnish enhances the bright flavors.
