Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavorful ingredients like shredded chicken, beans, and cheese, it delivers classic burrito tastes without the fuss of rolling tortillas.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
• 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 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 tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to mix evenly.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the broth mixture over the rice and vegetable mixture in the baking dish, stirring to blend everything together.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the dish, stirring once more until all ingredients are well distributed.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mixture.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Try adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before the cheese for extra crunch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely. You can substitute long-grain white rice in place of brown rice. The cooking time and liquid absorption are similar, so no adjustments are necessary.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining shredded chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and spices, it’s baked to perfection with melted Monterey Jack cheese on top. This comforting casserole captures classic burrito flavors with convenience and ease.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long grain white rice)
• 5 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
• 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings & Liquids

• 3 tablespoons homemade or store-bought fajita seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat and Combine Veggies and Rice: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the finely diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir these ingredients together so they are evenly combined.
2. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add Broth to Rice Mixture: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish with the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
4. Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir again to incorporate all ingredients evenly throughout the casserole base.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 65-70 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is fully cooked.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully remove the aluminum foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. For extra flavor and freshness, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, salsa, and avocado as desired.

Notes

• Use parboiled brown rice for better texture and quicker cooking but white rice can be substituted if preferred.
• If you like more spice, increase cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth mixture.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
• You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase beans or add sautéed vegetables.

Keywords: chicken burrito casserole, baked chicken casserole, easy burrito casserole, Mexican casserole, one dish chicken dinner