If your family loves Mexican food, whip together this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole for an easy, low-prep dinner! This dish tastes just like your favorite burritos but is made in one big casserole dish with simple ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, and it’s loaded with protein for a satisfying and healthy meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient Meal Prep: This casserole comes together quickly without complicated steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with spices and fresh ingredients, this dish brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is or top with your favorite garnishes like salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flair.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness of this casserole makes it appealing to kids and adults alike!
- Perfect Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day; it reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This size is perfect for holding all the ingredients while ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Use these to combine your ingredients without making a mess in your main cooking area.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Canned Goods
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
- 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies
Chicken & Broth
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the finely diced onion, diced bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir everything together until combined.
Step 2: Mix the Broth
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish. Stir everything well to ensure that the rice mixture is fully coated.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Beans
Now add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn into the baking dish. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for about 65-70 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Cheese Topping
Once done baking, remove the foil from the dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Monterey Jack cheese on top of the casserole.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, or avocado if desired. Enjoy your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Serving your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate this dish.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Sour Cream: Creamy sour cream balances the spices and enriches every bite.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado provides a creamy texture that complements the casserole perfectly.
Pair with Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa brightens up the dish and adds crunch.
- Guacamole: This creamy dip pairs wonderfully with the hearty casserole.
- Mild Salsa Verde: A light, tangy sauce that enhances the Mexican flavors.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A colorful salad that brings sweetness and crunch to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
To ensure your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Precooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the fajita seasoning and cayenne pepper for your family’s taste.
- Cook Rice Thoroughly: Make sure your rice is well-cooked for an optimal texture in the casserole.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced zucchini or spinach for more nutrients and variety.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice complements the casserole’s ingredients beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness that matches well with Mexican flavors.
- Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with guacamole make for a fun appetizer or side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrients to balance the meal.
- Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad provides freshness and is packed with protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:
Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right flavor and texture. Always use a measuring cup or scale to ensure precision.
Not preheating the oven: Preheating is vital for even cooking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your casserole may not cook through properly. Always preheat for at least 10-15 minutes.
Using dried beans instead of canned: Dried beans require more time to cook and may not soften in the casserole. Opt for canned beans that are drained and rinsed for best results.
Skipping the foil cover: Covering the dish with foil helps retain moisture during baking, preventing a dry casserole. Don’t skip this step unless you want a crusty top!
Overloading with cheese: While cheese adds flavor, too much can make the dish greasy and heavy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole:
Can I make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for chicken in this casserole?
You can use shredded beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.
How can I customize my Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or swap out cheeses based on your preference.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients but may require additional cooking time.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile and simple to prepare. With its comforting flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it your own—your family will love it!
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for Mexican food lovers. This one-pan meal combines tender shredded chicken, bell peppers, and black beans with flavorful spices, all baked to perfection under a layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this easy casserole is not only gluten-free but also packed with protein and nutrients. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can serve a delicious meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
- 1 can low-sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can mild green chilies
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large baking dish, combine diced onion, bell pepper, rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if desired).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well blended.
- Pour the broth mixture over the rice mixture in the baking dish and stir to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in shredded chicken, black beans, and corn until well combined.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 65-70 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving; garnish as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
