Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion!
Ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is your ticket to flavor town! This one-pan wonder packs all the deliciousness of a burrito but in a cozy casserole format. It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-rich, making it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights. Trust me; you won’t want to miss out on this.
Why Make This Recipe?
Why should you whip up this delightful dish? Here are a few reasons:
- Easy Cleanup: One pan to wash? Yes, please! This casserole simplifies your dinner routine while still satisfying those hunger pangs.
- Family Friendly: Kids, adults, even picky eaters will devour this. Who doesn’t want to please the whole crew at once?
- Affordable Comfort Food: Filled with budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank and brings joy to your dinner table.
Seriously, your family will be begging for seconds! 🍽️
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
- 1 (14-ounce) can low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
Time to get cooking! Here’s how you can create this delicious casserole in a few easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne (if using) and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir until everything is combined.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the dish and mix well.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top.
- Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, and top with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado if desired.
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole (Overview)
Making this burrito casserole is a breeze! Start by preparing your ingredients and sautéing the onion and bell pepper. Then, mix everything in a single baking dish and let the oven do its magic. Pro tip: Don’t forget to cover it with foil! This helps steam the rice perfectly. Once it’s golden and bubbly, dig in! 😋
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
When serving up this tasty dish, you want to make it pop! Try adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that vibrant green color, and serve with crispy tortilla chips for an extra crunch. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around—just watch as they make their way to the table! Pair it with a side of cooling guacamole or zesty salsa for added flavor.
How to Store Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Did you make extras? Great choice! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights. For reheating, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just don’t blame me if you want to dive in right away!
Tips to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Time it right: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving — it thickens up beautifully.
- Ingredient swaps: Use cooked quinoa instead of rice for added protein or throw in some bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Texture tip: If you like a little heat, don’t skip the cayenne; it adds a delightful kick!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Make it vegan-friendly by swapping chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Add some diced zucchini and replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative for a totally different flavor profile. Who says casseroles can’t be fun?
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use water, but a good broth really enhances the flavor. Go for low-sodium if you can!
How can I repurpose leftovers?
Try using leftovers in tacos, or make a burrito bowl with extra toppings. So versatile, right? 😄
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne (if using) and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir until everything is combined.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the dish and mix well.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top.
- Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, and top with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado if desired.
