Craving vibrant Mexican flavors without the fuss? This incredible chicken burrito casserole brings all your favorite tastes into one hearty, easy-to-make dish. It’s a fantastic, high-protein meal that’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner or your weekly meal prep, it quickly becomes a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Casserole
This isn’t just any dinner; it’s a celebration of convenience and flavor, making this chicken burrito casserole a true standout.
Additionally, the inclusion of black beans adds significant nutritional value to your meal, providing impressive health benefits. Find out more about the impressive health benefits of black beans.
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Minimize cleanup with a single baking dish for all the magic.
- Packed with Bold Flavors: Enjoy a rich blend of authentic Mexican spices and ingredients in every bite.
- High in Protein, Satisfyingly Filling: Shredded chicken and beans make this a truly robust and fulfilling meal.
- Customizable with Favorite Toppings: Personalize each serving with your preferred fresh additions.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe easily serves many, perfect for gatherings or large families.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible chicken burrito casserole:
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Casserole Base
- 1/2 cup white onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 green chilies (deseeded and chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned/frozen)
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans (drained/rinsed)
- 5 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Green onion (chopped)
- Avocado (chopped)
- Salsa (mild or spicy)
Notes & Substitutions
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat; for a smokier note, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder. Any color bell pepper works, and yellow or red onions are great substitutes for white. For grains, quinoa or white rice are fine; adjust liquid and cook time accordingly. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Boost the spice with fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you don’t have tomato paste, use double the amount of tomato sauce and reduce the broth slightly. Pinto or kidney beans make excellent alternatives. Cooked turkey or tofu can replace chicken. For cheese, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella are delicious options.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools for this simple chicken burrito casserole.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Get ready to assemble your delicious chicken burrito casserole with these easy steps.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together all the seasoning ingredients thoroughly.
- Prep Baking Dish: Add the chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked brown rice, and the mixed seasoning into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the low sodium chicken broth, chopped green chilies, olive oil, and tomato paste. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the prepared liquid mixture from the large bowl directly into the baking dish with the rice and vegetables. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Now, stir in the corn kernels, drained and rinsed black beans, and the shredded cooked chicken. Ensure they are distributed evenly throughout the dish for consistent flavor.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the brown rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Discard the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Final Bake: Return the uncovered dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken burrito casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop. Top individual servings with fresh cilantro, green onion, chopped avocado, and your favorite salsa.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Roast your bell peppers and onions briefly before adding them to the dish for a deeper, more caramelized flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Mexican cheese blends for varied texture and taste. For even cooking, ensure all ingredients are distributed uniformly in the baking dish. To prevent your casserole from drying out, keep the dish tightly covered during the initial bake so the rice absorbs moisture properly. If it seems too dry after cooking, you can stir in a splash of warm broth.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
Prep Ahead: You can easily assemble this chicken burrito casserole (without adding the cheese) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. Add the cheese right before baking.
Freezing: Let the cooked casserole cool completely. For best results, freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Enhance your chicken burrito casserole experience with these delicious accompaniments.
Classic Sides
- Serve with creamy guacamole, cool sour cream, or fresh pico de gallo.
- Offer lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish to each bite.
- Alongside, consider warm tortilla chips for scooping up every last bit.
Salad Pairings
- A vibrant Mexican street corn salad makes a fantastic fresh companion.
- A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Texture: For a richer, creamier casserole, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt before the final bake.
- Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by using vegetable broth and substituting the chicken with extra black beans, firm tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Nutrition Information
This hearty chicken burrito casserole offers a balanced and filling meal. For insights into maintaining a healthy diet, consider official guidelines on healthy eating.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 521 kcal |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken in this chicken burrito casserole?
Yes, dice raw chicken into small pieces and add it directly to the casserole dish. Ensure it is fully cooked through by the end of the baking time.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely, white rice works well. Adjust the cooking time, as white rice cooks faster, and you may need slightly less liquid.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole without the cheese, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Add cheese just before baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight portions for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
What if my casserole is too dry or soggy?
For dryness, ensure the dish is sealed well during baking. If soggy, you might have too much liquid; reduce the broth slightly next time.
Conclusion
This chicken burrito casserole delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. It’s a high-protein, satisfying meal that simplifies dinner time and pleases every palate. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish! Please leave your comments, ratings, and any creative variations you try!