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

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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.