One-Pan Chicken Burrito Casserole

Craving a Mexican feast without the fuss? This chicken burrito casserole recipe is the perfect solution! A hearty, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.

Packed with tender chicken, savory spices, and all your favorite burrito fillings, this casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Get ready to savor the taste of authentic Mexican flavors in every bite!

Baked Chicken Burrito Casserole

Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than this Baked Chicken Burrito Casserole! It’s a one-pan wonder that brings all the deliciousness of your favorite burritos, baked to perfection.

Whether you prefer a hearty burrito bowl or individual burritos, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Simply layer the flavorful rice, tender chicken, and your choice of toppings in a casserole dish and bake until golden brown.

The result? A satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with Mexican flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Simple and Quick: This one-pot wonder is a breeze to make, especially when using leftover rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Customizable: Feel free to tailor this recipe to your taste preferences. Use your favorite vegetables and protein to create a personalized dish.

Family-Friendly Flavor: Packed with bold Mexican flavors that aren’t too spicy, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Prep Ahead: Get a head start on dinner by assembling the casserole dish in the morning. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat for a hassle-free meal.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for a Flavorful Chicken Burrito Casserole

Base:

• Rice: Parboiled long-grain brown or white rice, uncooked
• Chicken Broth: Reduced-sodium chicken broth for a flavorful base

Veggies:

• Onion: Finely diced for a sweet, savory flavor
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced for a vibrant color and subtle sweetness
• Corn: Frozen corn kernels for a touch of sweetness
• Green Chilies: Canned green chilies for a spicy kick (adjust to your desired heat level)

Protein:

• Shredded Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts

Seasonings and Extras:

• Fajita Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade blend for authentic Mexican flavor
• Cayenne Pepper: For an optional extra kick of heat
• Black Beans: Drained and rinsed black beans for protein and fiber
• Olive Oil: To prevent sticking
• Tomato Paste: To add depth of flavor
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Shredded for a cheesy, gooey topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

nstructions for a Perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, and avocado for a burst of flavor.

Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Create the Liquid Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until fully combined.

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients in the baking dish and stir gently to combine.

Add the Toppings: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the baking dish. Stir to distribute evenly.

Bake, Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed.

Cheese it Up: Remove the dish from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle evenly with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Broil to Perfection: Return the dish to the oven and broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Tips and FAQs for the Perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole

Tips:

• Adjust Baking Time: The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of rice used. Keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the time as needed.
• Check for Moisture: If the casserole seems too soupy, let it bake for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
• Customize the Flavor: Use your favorite fajita seasoning or taco seasoning to personalize the flavor profile.
• Prep the Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken, boil chicken breasts, or bake them in the oven. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

FAQs:

• Is it Gluten-Free? Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.
• Can I Serve it as Burritos? Absolutely! Spoon the casserole mixture into large flour tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and roll them up.
• Fun Serving Idea: Serve the casserole with tortilla chips for a playful and interactive meal.

Storage Guidelines

For the Fridge:

• Store: Leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• Portion: For easy reheating, divide into meal-prep containers.
• Reheat: Microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serve: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

For the Freezer:

• Cool: Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Store: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Follow the reheating instructions for fridge storage.
• Serve: Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

What to Serve with Mexican Chicken Casserole

This hearty Mexican chicken casserole can be a meal on its own, but here are some delicious side dish ideas to complement it:

Light and Fresh:

• Tossed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• Cilantro Lime Slaw: A refreshing slaw with a tangy lime dressing.

Hearty and Flavorful:

• Refried Beans: A classic Mexican side dish that adds protein and fiber.
• Sauteed Vegetables: Sautéed peppers and onions, or other favorite vegetables, seasoned with fajita seasoning.
• Mexican Street Corn: A sweet and spicy corn dish that’s perfect for summer.

For a Complete Meal:

• Cornbread: A classic Southern side that pairs well with Mexican flavors.
• Rice and Beans: A simple and satisfying side dish.

Recipe Variations:

• Beef Burrito Casserole: Replace the chicken with ground beef for a hearty and flavorful twist.
• Vegetarian Burrito Casserole: Use your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu, tempeh, or lentils.
• Dairy-Free Burrito Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

No matter what you choose to serve with your Mexican chicken casserole, it’s sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.