Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
If your family loves Mexican food, whip together this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole for an easy, low-prep dinner! It tastes like your favorite burritos yet can be made in one big casserole dish with simple ingredients. Plus, it’s loaded with protein for a satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This casserole takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a great option for busy evenings.
- Flavorful and Filling: With the combination of spices and shredded chicken, each bite is bursting with flavor.
- One-Dish Wonder: Prepare all ingredients in a single baking dish to minimize cleanup and maximize enjoyment.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain or topped with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado for extra flair.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this casserole is a healthier option for your dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation. Having the right equipment can make all the difference.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for evenly cooking the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole while providing enough space for all ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients well before baking. They help prevent messes on your countertop.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to balanced flavors in your casserole.
- Whisk: Useful for blending liquids smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
Spices
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 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
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Combine Vegetables and Rice
In a 9×13 inch baking dish:
1. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne if using.
2. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Broth Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup:
1. Whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine All Mixtures
Pour the broth mixture over the rice mixture in the baking dish:
1. Stir to ensure everything is combined evenly.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans
Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn:
1. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Once done baking:
1. Remove from oven and take off the foil.
2. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return to oven:
1. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven:
1. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Top with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, or avocado if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Serving your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can elevate the meal experience for you and your family. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.
Toppings
- Fresh Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole complements the burrito flavors perfectly.
- Salsa – Top with salsa for an extra kick and vibrant color.
Accompaniments
- Green Salad – A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the casserole.
- Mexican Rice – Serve with a side of Mexican rice for an authentic touch.
- Cornbread – A slice of cornbread makes for a comforting side.
Beverages
- Margaritas – Pair this dish with refreshing margaritas for a festive feel.
- Lemonade – A glass of lemonade is perfect to balance the savory flavors.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
To ensure your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cooked Chicken – Using pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time and enhances texture.
- Adjust Spice Level – Modify the fajita seasoning to suit your taste; less for milder flavors, more for heat.
- Check Liquid Levels – Ensure there is enough broth to cook the rice thoroughly throughout baking.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can make the meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add a fun crunch.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans are a traditional Mexican side that complements the casserole well.
- Grilled Vegetables – A mix of seasonal grilled veggies adds color and nutrition.
- Spanish Rice – Flavored rice complements the burrito casserole beautifully and is easy to prepare alongside it.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory main dish.
- Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice as a healthy alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough fajita seasoning can make your casserole bland. Always measure out the seasoning for the best flavor.
- Not cooking the rice properly: If you don’t use parboiled rice or similar, it might not cook through in the casserole. Choose the right type of rice for best results.
- Ignoring layering: If you simply dump all ingredients together without mixing, it can lead to uneven cooking. Be sure to combine ingredients well before baking.
- Overcrowding the dish: Using too small a baking dish can cause overflow and uneven cooking. Make sure your dish is large enough for all ingredients.
- Forgetting to cover: Baking without foil can result in a dry casserole. Always cover your dish during the initial baking stage to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole:
Can I use different proteins in this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute shredded beef or turkey if you prefer.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! As long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, it’s safe.
How do I customize my Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a simple side salad.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to match your taste preferences. Give it a try for dinner tonight, and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, a comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This hearty casserole combines shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and spices with rice, all baked to perfection in a single pan. With minimal prep time and a deliciously satisfying outcome, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, or your choice of salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this nutritious dish that’s loaded with protein and fiber while keeping cleanup to a minimum!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 14 oz can low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz can mild green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine diced onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil.
- Pour the broth mixture over the rice mixture and stir to combine.
- Add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn; mix thoroughly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil and sprinkle cheese on top; bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
