Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

Let me share with you my Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe that’s quickly become a household favorite around here. It’s one of those wow-factor comfort meals that somehow manages to be both super simple and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole hits all the right notes — hearty, cheesy, and full of Mexican-inspired flavors. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Flavorful Layers: The mix of seasoned chicken, veggies, and spices builds rich Mexican-inspired flavors without fuss.
  • Customizable Ingredients: You can swap beans, peppers, or cheeses to fit your tastes or pantry.
  • Perfectly Balanced: This casserole has protein, fiber-rich beans, and veggies all baked into a cozy dish that satisfies every craving.
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, Mexican-inspired casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner ideas, one-pan chicken casserole - A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a baked casserole made of multiple layers mixed together, showing shredded chicken pieces in light brown, black beans scattered throughout, small bright yellow corn kernels, red diced peppers, and bits of melted cheese that lightly covers the top layer. Chopped fresh green herbs and sliced green onions are sprinkled evenly across the surface, adding a vibrant green contrast to the warm colors of the casserole. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with some browned edges visible where the casserole touched the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is in the harmony of ingredients that come together effortlessly — wholesome grains, tender chicken, flavorful beans, and just the right kick from spices. Pro tip: grabbing good-quality chicken and seasoning makes all the difference!

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, Mexican-inspired casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner ideas, one-pan chicken casserole - Flat lay of finely diced white onion in a small white ceramic bowl, diced red bell pepper on a simple white plate, uncooked long-grain brown rice in a neat mound on a white ceramic dish, bright yellow corn kernels in a small white bowl, rinsed black beans in another small white bowl, shredded cooked chicken arranged in a small white dish, mild green chilies spooned into a small white bowl, smooth tomato paste dollop in a tiny white bowl, clear golden olive oil pooled in a small white bowl, shredded Monterey Jack cheese piled lightly on a plain white plate, a small heap of fajita seasoning powder neatly placed on a white dish, fresh sprigs of cilantro laid gently on a white plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth when diced finely and baked into the casserole.
  • Red bell pepper: Brightens the dish with color and a subtle crunch.
  • Parboiled long-grain brown rice: A hearty base that soaks up all the flavors, while parboiled ensures it cooks evenly during baking.
  • Fajita seasoning: This homemade or store-bought spice blend packs that bold southwestern flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle heat — optional if you prefer it milder.
  • Frozen corn kernels: Bring a touch of sweetness and texture without extra prep.
  • Low sodium black beans: Protein and fiber rich, they balance out the casserole perfectly.
  • Shredded chicken: The star protein — use roasted, poached, or leftover chicken for effortless prep.
  • Reduced sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth as everything cooks together.
  • Mild green chilies: Give a gentle smoky flavor without overwhelming heat.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor to enrich the sauce base.
  • Olive oil: Helps bring it all together with a touch of richness.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, golden finish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this casserole is — you can tweak it to make it your own. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with extra veggies, go for it! Personally, I sometimes swap in a smoky chipotle chili for a bolder flavor.

  • Variation: I’ve made it with shredded rotisserie chicken on busy weeknights, which saves so much time and still tastes homemade.
  • Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with extra beans and chopped zucchini or mushrooms for a meatless twist.
  • Cheese swaps: Pepper Jack or a Mexican blend adds a great kick if you want to change up the cheesy finish.
  • Spice level: Add jalapeños or extra cayenne if you like it hotter, or leave those out for a kid-friendly dish.

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

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Rice

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, dice your onion and red bell pepper nice and fine. Toss those into a 9×13 inch baking dish along with your uncooked parboiled brown rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly distributed — this helps the rice cook evenly and absorbs all those great flavors later on.

Step 2: Whisk the Broth Mixture

Next, grab a bowl or a large measuring cup and whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. This mixture is the key to keeping the rice moist and infusing the dish with a subtle tangy richness.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Dish

Pour that broth mixture right over the rice and veggies in the baking dish, then stir it all up. Now add your shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, and frozen corn kernels. Give it one last stir to make sure everything is spread out evenly — this helps the casserole cook uniformly and ensures you get a bit of every ingredient in each bite.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 65-70 minutes. When I made this with parboiled long grain brown rice, 70 minutes worked perfectly. Keep in mind ovens vary, so if your casserole still looks soupy when you peek, just give it a good stir and bake a bit longer.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Bake

Once the liquid is mostly absorbed, take off the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes. You want the cheese melted and just a little golden on top — that’s the best part! After removing from the oven, let it cool for at least 5–10 minutes; it helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

  • Use Parboiled Rice: It cooks better in the casserole than regular rice, giving you perfect texture every time.
  • Shred Chicken Warm: I find shredding warm (not hot) chicken makes it easier and results in tender, stringy pieces.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting it sit after baking lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid and firms up the casserole for easy slicing.
  • Watch Your Oven Temperature: Every oven bakes differently; if you notice the casserole browning too fast on top, tent it loosely with foil.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, Mexican-inspired casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner ideas, one-pan chicken casserole - A white plate holds a colorful mixture of shredded chicken mixed with black beans, bright yellow corn, and small red pepper pieces, all evenly mixed together. On top are scattered chunks of green avocado and sliced green onions, adding fresh color. In the middle of the pile, there is a dollop of white sour cream. Some small green herb bits are sprinkled over the dish and around the plate edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh cilantro and chopped green onions over this casserole just before serving — it’s like a fresh pop of herbal brightness to contrast the melty cheese and hearty filling. Salsa and sliced avocado are also a must on my plate here, adding creaminess and a tangy zip.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette or some smoky roasted sweet potatoes to round out the meal with contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprig of cilantro for a cute, shareable presentation. You can also serve it family-style straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own hearty portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well up to 3-4 days, and the flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches even better!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, the microwave works great for quick meals but watch out for uneven heating — stirring halfway through helps!

FAQs

  1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this casserole?

    Absolutely! You can swap in long-grain white rice if you prefer, but note that white rice may cook a bit faster, so start checking the casserole around 55-60 minutes to avoid overcooking.

  2. What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

    Pretty much any cooked shredded chicken will do — leftover roasted chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chicken breasts you poach or bake and then shred. I find rotisserie chicken especially convenient for a quick weeknight meal.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more beans and veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to bulk it up. You could also include plant-based chicken substitutes.

  4. How spicy is this casserole?

    It has a gentle warmth thanks to the fajita seasoning and optional cayenne. If you prefer spicier dishes, feel free to add jalapeño or chipotle peppers to up the heat.

  5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    You sure can! Assemble it a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when you’re ready. The flavors meld even better this way.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes I keep coming back to, especially when life gets busy but I still want something delicious and comforting. The best part? It feels like a labor of love without demanding hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try — I promise it’ll become a go-to in your rotation, delivering all the cozy, cheesy, flavor-packed vibes that make meals memorable.

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Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Salt
Print Recipe

Description

This easy chicken burrito casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish combining shredded chicken, rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese baked to perfection. It’s a convenient all-in-one meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, featuring a mild kick from fajita seasoning and optional cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen
  • 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies

Protein and Beans

  • 5 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans drained and rinsed

Grains

  • 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)

Liquids and Seasonings

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

Dairy

  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and combine base ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  2. Mix liquid ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined, creating a flavorful broth mixture.
  3. Combine with rice mixture: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish with the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Add proteins and beans: Add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir again until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 70 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender. If the casserole seems soupy, bake longer as needed, stirring gently to redistribute the liquid.
  6. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado if desired for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Baking time may vary between ovens; check casserole readiness at 70 minutes and extend if needed to absorb excess liquid.
  • Stir gently if casserole is still soupy before returning to the oven to ensure even cooking and liquid absorption.
  • Fajita seasoning can be homemade or substituted with store-bought fajita or taco seasoning.
  • If shredded chicken is not available, use a rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts by boiling or baking for about 25 minutes, then shred with two forks.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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