Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s a crowd-pleaser and fuss-free, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is a staple in my kitchen — it’s bursting with flavor, packed with protein and fiber, and best of all, it comes together with minimal prep and cleanup. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become your go-to weeknight favorite, just like it did for me!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe uses ingredients that combine textures and flavors to create a balanced meal. The layers of spices, proteins, and veggies work so well together and it’s easy to grab everything at the store — plus, you’ll appreciate how forgiving and flexible this recipe is.

• Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when baking in the casserole.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings vibrant color and a bit of crunch to the dish.
• Long-grain Brown Rice: Using parboiled rice cuts down cooking time and ensures the rice absorbs broth flavors nicely without getting mushy.
• Fajita Seasoning: Infuses a warm, smoky, southwest vibe — I love making my own, but store-bought works perfectly too.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Great if you want a little kick; add carefully for your preferred spice level.
• Corn Kernels: Frozen corn adds sweetness and bursts of texture throughout the casserole.
• Black Beans: Give you extra protein and fiber, and balance out the savory flavors nicely.
• Shredded Chicken: The star protein that makes this dish hearty — rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory moisture that cooks the rice and melds everything together.
• Mild Green Chilies: Provide subtle heat and a classic southwestern flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Enriches the casserole with a slight tang and deep, tomatoey goodness.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend and enhance the seasonings and moisture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness without overpowering the tastes beneath.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe depending on the mood and pantry. It’s so versatile and forgiving, you’re totally free to swap ingredients or go bold on seasonings — just remember to keep an eye on liquid levels if you add anything extra juicy!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap black beans for pinto beans or add diced jalapeños for a spicier kick—my family loves that extra heat! Feel free to use white rice or quinoa too for a different texture.
• Dietary Modifications: If you want a lower-carb version, try cauliflower rice instead of brown rice; just reduce the baking time accordingly since it cooks faster.
• Seasonal Switch-Up: In summer, fresh corn kernels are a treat instead of frozen, and I sometimes sprinkle fresh diced tomatoes on top before serving for brightness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Veggies and Rice

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and toss in your diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. I like to mix these dry ingredients first—it helps distribute the spices evenly so every bite bursts with flavor. Give it all a gentle stir to combine.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Broth Mixture

In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until everything’s well combined and smooth. This mixture will gently cook the rice and meld all the ingredients together. If you’re using homemade broth, this is the moment to shine!

Step 3: Add the Broth and Protein

Pour your broth mixture into the baking dish and stir it into the rice and veggies so everything gets coated. Then add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels, stirring again until everything is evenly distributed. Making sure the ingredients are nicely mixed is key to even cooking.

Step 4: Bake Covered and Then Cheese It Up

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes — the biggest sign it’s ready is that all the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender. When your timer goes off, pull the foil back, sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese across the top evenly, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. It’s such a satisfying moment!

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the cheese is bubbly and the casserole’s out of the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to settle, making it easier to serve. I love topping mine with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, and a drizzle of salsa — it adds freshness and a little zing that balances the rich cheese and spices perfectly.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for a fresh green onion and cilantro sprinkle—makes the dish pop. Avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream add creaminess that you don’t want to miss. And salsa on the side? Heck yes, it brings this casserole to life!

Side Dishes

Rice casseroles can be a meal on their own, but I like pairing this with a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette to brighten things up or some crispy tortilla chips for a crunch factor. Roasted veggies like zucchini or Mexican street corn salad are also delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with cheese and freshly chopped cilantro. Another fun idea is layering it in a trifle dish for a party, with alternating layers of cheese, chicken, and beans peeking through—super fun and colorful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple and the casserole still tastes just like freshly baked, especially if you add a little extra cheese on top before warming it up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven; this also helps keep that melted cheesy topping nice and gooey.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works fine—just cover it so it doesn’t dry out, and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe has truly become one of my family’s favorite meals because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a recipe that always brings everyone back for seconds!

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