If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that brings all the best Mexican-inspired flavors into one easy dish, look no further than this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe. It perfectly combines tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, spicy seasonings, and vibrant veggies baked into a cheesy, satisfying casserole that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight dinner that doubles as leftovers, this recipe has all the right elements for a home-cooked hug in a dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe uses straightforward, simple ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and a fantastic texture. Each component plays its part to ensure your casserole is rich, colorful, and perfectly balanced from the very first bite.
- Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when finely diced and baked.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice: Provides a chewy, nutty base; you can substitute long-grain white rice for a softer texture.
- Fajita seasoning: Packs in those classic Mexican spices that give the dish its signature warm, zesty notes.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick if you like your casserole with a little extra spice.
- Frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of juicy flavor and a pop of color throughout the casserole.
- Low-sodium black beans: Offer hearty protein and a creamy texture after baking.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while infusing gentle savory notes during baking.
- Mild green chilies: Bring subtle smoky spice without overwhelming heat.
- Olive oil: Helps meld the ingredients and adds a smooth richness.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the rice gets perfectly tender as it soaks up all the delicious broth and spices.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the finely diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. This creates the flavorful foundation of your casserole, infusing every bite with aromatic spices and fresh veggie goodness.
Step 3: Mix in the Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the rice and vegetable blend, then stir everything gently to combine. This step ensures the rice will absorb all those tasty flavors as it bakes.
Step 4: Add Proteins and Veggies
Next, fold in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels. Mixing these ingredients evenly is key for consistent bites packed with protein, fiber, sweetness, and that comforting heartiness this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is known for.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, which traps moisture and allows the rice to cook perfectly while melding all the flavors together. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, creating a cohesive, delicious casserole.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor meld. You can add your favorite toppings now or serve it as is for a pure and hearty experience.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A few clever garnishes can take your Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe to the next level. Try a dollop of sour cream or creamy guacamole for richness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for brightness, or some shredded cheese for extra gooey indulgence. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a fresh zing that balances the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides to complement its bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a simple Mexican corn salad. Warm tortillas or a side of black beans can round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a gathering, try serving this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or bake it in smaller portions for personal servings. Layering it with extra cheese or topping with crushed tortilla chips right before serving adds texture and a delightful crunch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Burrito Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It holds up beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or a quick reheat during busy weekdays.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, portion leftovers into microwave-safe dishes and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! White rice will cook faster and yield a softer texture. Just check for doneness a little earlier during baking to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the shredded chicken and add extra beans, diced veggies, or even a meat substitute. Adjust seasoning as needed to keep the bold flavors intact.
How spicy is this casserole with the fajita seasoning and cayenne pepper?
The heat level is generally mild but flavorful. You can control the spice by leaving out the cayenne pepper or adding more if you like a kick.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal planning super convenient.
What toppings do you recommend for extra flavor and texture?
Some popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch, too.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, filled with exciting flavors and textures in every bite. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort food — so go ahead and give it a whirl in your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
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Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender shredded chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and colorful vegetables, all seasoned with fajita spices and baked to perfection. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, it infuses classic Tex-Mex flavors with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Protein
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Liquids & Others
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Mix liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice and vegetable mixture in the baking dish and stir gently to combine.
- Add proteins & veggies: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels until all ingredients are well distributed throughout the dish.
- Cover & bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest & serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving. Add any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Using parboiled brown rice ensures the rice cooks properly and the casserole is not soggy.
- For added heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Consider topping with avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure fajita seasoning does not contain gluten additives.
