If you are craving a dish that combines bold Mexican flavors with cozy comfort food vibes, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty rice, vibrant veggies, and just the right amount of spice, all baked to cheesy, bubbling perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner that is as simple as it is delicious, this casserole delivers an impressive meal without any fuss or fancy techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of taste and texture. Each element plays a starring role, from the smoky fajita seasoning to the creamy Monterey Jack cheese melting atop the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor that softens beautifully during baking.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of bright color and a subtle crunch that compliments the tender ingredients.
- Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice: Provides hearty bulk and nutty flavor, but you can also use long-grain white rice for a softer texture.
- Fajita seasoning: A blend of smoky and spicy notes that infuse the dish with classic Mexican flair.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, but adds a gentle kick of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of yellow that brighten the casserole.
- Black beans: Protein-packed and fiber-rich, they make the casserole extra filling and comforting.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Tender and juicy, it’s the heart of this dish, giving it substance and savoriness.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Melts the flavors together while keeping the dish moist and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- Mild green chilies: Adds a subtle tang and mild heat, perfectly balanced within the casserole.
- Olive oil: Used to enhance richness and tie all the components together.
- Tomato paste: Offers deep, concentrated tomato flavor that rounds out the dish’s savory profile.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese melts heavenly on top, making each serving irresistible.
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you’re ready to bake, the heat is perfect for cooking everything evenly. While the oven’s warming up, finely dice the onion and red bell pepper to prepare the fresh vegetable foundation for the casserole.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients in your baking dish
In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper. Mixing these dry and fresh ingredients here sets the stage for flavors to meld later, making it simple to stir in the wet components.
Step 3: Whisk the broth mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil. This flavorful liquid blend not only cooks the rice inside the casserole but also infuses the dish with rich, vibrant notes that make this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe so special.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Pour the broth mixture evenly over the rice and veggie base. Add the frozen corn, drained black beans, and shredded cooked chicken to the dish. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir so all ingredients are well combined, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Bake covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake for about 65 to 70 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook through, absorb the flavorful broth, and all those wonderful ingredients will come together into one deliciously cohesive dish.
Step 6: Add the cheese topping
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that makes this casserole downright irresistible.
Step 7: Let it rest before serving
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before digging in. This resting period helps everything set up a bit for cleaner servings and lets those rich flavors further develop, making your first bite even more satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your casserole with fresh, vibrant toppings to brighten the plate and add texture contrasts. Think chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These simple additions lift the flavors and provide that fresh element that balances the warmth and richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving with a simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a side of crunchy tortilla chips. Both options bring refreshing crunch and complement the Mexican-inspired flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with all the garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plates. Or, for meal prep, portion it into individual containers topped with cheese and garnish, then simply reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve after sitting overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful and much quicker to enjoy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully for a make-ahead meal option. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes, or microwave individual servings for convenience. You can add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh-melted finish.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes! Long-grain white rice works just as well in this recipe and will yield a softer texture. Adjust baking time if needed, as white rice may cook a bit faster than brown.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
You can easily make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This homemade blend keeps the dish full of flavor without any pre-packaged seasoning.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for extra beans or cooked vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version that still delivers great flavor and texture.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level is mild by default but can be adjusted by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper and choosing between mild or hot green chilies. It’s easy to tailor the spice to suit your family’s preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it fresh the next day. Just add a little extra baking time if it comes straight from the cold fridge to the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It requires minimal effort but delivers layers of flavor and comfort every single time. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight family dinners or casual get-togethers, this casserole promises happy taste buds and full bellies. Give it a try—and get ready to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful spices baked with rice and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a wholesome, hearty, and delicious one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering the comforting flavors of a classic burrito in a casserole form.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or substitute long-grain white rice)
Protein
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the finely diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper to create the flavorful vegetable and rice base.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil creating a flavorful liquid that will cook the rice and integrate all ingredients.
- Combine All Ingredients: Pour the broth mixture over the rice and vegetable base, then add the frozen corn kernels, drained black beans, and shredded cooked chicken. Stir gently to combine all components evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Using parboiled brown rice helps ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well.
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- You can substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or a plant-based protein for a different variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, verify that the fajita seasoning is gluten-free or use a homemade blend without gluten-containing ingredients.
