Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy, and zesty elements with tender shredded chicken all layered between soft tortillas, baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying dinner that leaves everyone asking for seconds, this casserole hits all the right notes and feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious casserole. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so irresistible.

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Provides the hearty protein base that makes the casserole filling and flavorful.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and moisture to keep every bite luscious.
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Brings in tangy tomato flavor paired with a mild kick of heat and peppers.
  • 1 cup sour cream: Contributes a subtle tang and smooth texture that balances the spices.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with bold, savory Mexican-inspired spices.
  • 6 large flour tortillas, cut into quarters: The delicious layers that hold everything together with soft, tender structure.
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
  • 1/2 cup black beans (optional): Adds earthy flavor and extra protein if you want a heartier bite.
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional): Offers sweet bursts of freshness and beautiful golden color to the dish.
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Adds a bright, herbal finish that lifts the casserole’s flavors.

How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your casserole doesn’t stick and can be easily served later on. This simple preparation sets the foundation for an effortless baking process.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, sour cream, and the taco seasoning packet. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture bursting with flavor. This sauce is the heart of the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe, ensuring every layer is moist and full of zest.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Begin by spreading a thin layer of your sauce mixture over the bottom of the baking dish. Then add a layer of tortilla quarters, followed by a third of the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn (if using). Top this with sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Keep building your layers in this order until all your ingredients are used up. Make sure to finish off with a final layer of sauce and cheese — because the gooey melted cheese on top is one of the best parts of this casserole experience.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Melted

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This step lets the casserole heat through and melds the flavors together. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. This final bake gives the casserole that irresistible golden crust that will have everyone lined up at the table.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, serve the casserole warm. It’s when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the flavors are at their peak that this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe truly shines.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a wonderful burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness, perfectly balancing the rich, creamy layers. You can also add dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado or guacamole, and a spoonful of salsa to personalize each serving and boost the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with fresh sides like a crisp green salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or a zesty corn and black bean salad adds a refreshing contrast. These sides provide added textures and lighten up the meal while complementing the bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You could also layer the casserole ingredients in a clear glass dish to show off its vibrant layers, making this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for casual family dinners or when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so you might find it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this casserole later, you can freeze it either before baking or after it’s fully cooked and cooled. When freezing uncooked casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and store it for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or frozen portions, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For quick reheats, microwave on medium power in shorter intervals to avoid drying out the dish. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a bit of sour cream after reheating can refresh the flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy, flavorful meat to your casserole, making this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe even quicker to assemble without sacrificing taste.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soups, try making a homemade creamy sauce with chicken broth, flour, and milk or cream. This will keep the casserole moist and flavorful while allowing you to control the ingredients.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra beans, veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, or even tofu to keep the protein and texture balance. The taco seasoning and other ingredients still create a delicious flavor base.

Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While you can try corn tortillas, flour tortillas work best in this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe because they stay softer and more pliable after baking, making the layers hold together nicely.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. If you like it spicier, add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, opt for a mild taco seasoning packet and use tomatoes without green chilies.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a cozy dish that everyone will love. I hope you give it a try soon — it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!

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Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican cheeses layered between soft flour tortillas, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for a deliciously satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 6 large flour tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix everything until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortilla quarters over the sauce, then add one-third of the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn if using. Spoon sauce over the layer and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.
  4. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  6. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Shredded cooked chicken can be from rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breasts.
  • For added spice, add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Optional black beans and corn add texture and nutrition but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Make sure to cover the casserole during the first part of baking to keep it moist.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

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