If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that packs all the vibrant flavors of a favorite Mexican-inspired dish, then this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of colorful veggies and spices all baked together into a warm, satisfying casserole—a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that bring fantastic texture, rich flavor, and beautiful color to the table. Each component has a purpose, working harmoniously to create that perfect balance between smoky, savory, and slightly spicy.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during baking.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a mild, juicy crunch.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice: Provides a nutty flavor with a batch of healthy whole grains; white rice works great too.
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning: Infuses the dish with smoky, zesty notes that tease the taste buds.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just the right kick of heat without overpowering.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of corn complement the spices beautifully.
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed: A hearty dose of protein and fiber, lending creaminess.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that makes this casserole filling and satisfying.
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and layers in savory flavor.
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies: Adds subtle heat plus a tangy complexity.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps meld all ingredients and adds a silky richness.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking your casserole. This temperature is perfect for cooking the rice perfectly while melding all those wonderful flavors together.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the finely diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. This blend creates the flavorful base for the casserole, making sure each bite bursts with vibrant, well-rounded tastes.
Step 3: Mix the Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil. Pour this savory mixture over the rice and veggie blend in the baking dish, then stir everything until evenly combined. This step ensures the rice will have just the right amount of moisture and that the chilies infuse their subtle heat throughout.
Step 4: Add Proteins and Veggies
Now stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn. These ingredients add substance, protein, and texture to the casserole, making sure it’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam inside, then bake for 65 to 70 minutes. The rice will cook through perfectly and absorb all those delicious flavors, while the vegetables become tender and the chicken stays moist and juicy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes, keeping it covered. This resting period helps everything settle beautifully, making it easier to serve up neat portions without losing any of that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider topping your Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe with fresh, bright garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. These toppings not only add layers of flavor but also bring cooling contrasts to the warm, spiced casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is robust enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette or a tangy tomato salsa. Corn chips or warm flour tortillas can also make the meal feel festive and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming dinner party vibe or layer it in a beautiful enamel baking dish to keep everyone cozy around the table. You can even spoon it into tacos or stuff it inside bell peppers for a fun twist that kids and adults alike will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole actually tastes great the next day as the flavors continue melding overnight, making it excellent for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it retains all its flavorful charm without drying out.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Cover it during reheating to lock in steam and prevent the casserole from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While parboiled long-grain brown rice is recommended for its texture and health benefits, you can substitute with long-grain white rice or even basmati. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the rice you choose.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the shredded chicken for extra beans, diced tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein. Adding more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms also works great to bulk up the casserole.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply pop it into the oven and bake as directed.
What can I add to make the casserole spicier?
To amp up the heat, add extra cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the broth mixture. Just be sure to adjust amounts according to your heat preference to keep it enjoyable for everyone.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe yields approximately 8 generously sized servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers for the week.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience all wrapped into one beautiful pan of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for busy days, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try; I promise it’ll warm your heart and your taste buds!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender shredded chicken, brown rice, black beans, vegetables, and a blend of fajita seasoning and green chilies. Baked to perfection in the oven, it offers a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex inspired dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Proteins
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Liquids & Others
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine dry 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 so the flavors meld before adding liquids.
- Mix liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil together. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice and vegetable mixture, then stir gently to combine ensuring all dry ingredients are moistened.
- Add proteins & veggies: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, and frozen corn kernels until they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
- Cover & bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed fully.
- Rest & serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly before serving. Add your favorite toppings if desired, such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
Notes
- Using parboiled rice helps the grains cook evenly without becoming mushy, but white long-grain rice can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat or omit it for a milder dish.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
