Quick & Zesty Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

A comforting chicken burrito casserole blends hearty flavors that dance across your plate with surprising ease.

Mexican-inspired ingredients come together in a delightful medley that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Each layer tells a story of spice and comfort, melding tender chicken with zesty seasonings.

Creamy textures and bold chilies create a stunning symphony of taste that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this delicious and simple to prepare.

Cheese melts into golden rivers, binding tortillas and protein into one irresistible dish.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing meal that promises satisfaction in every forkful.

Chicken Burrito Casserole for a Weeknight Win

• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, cheese, and beans, this casserole offers a balanced meal that everyone from picky eaters to adults will enjoy with its familiar, comforting flavors.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for ground beef, adding different veggies, or using alternative toppings like jalapeños or avocado to match your family's taste preferences.
• Prep this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an excellent option for planned dinners or unexpected guests, with minimal last-minute preparation required.

Ingredients That Make Chicken Burrito Casserole a Hit

• Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that provides protein and fills the core of the casserole, preferably from leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Rice: Cooked white or brown rice that helps bind the casserole and adds bulk, best when slightly cooled.
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that create layers and structure, corn tortillas can be an alternative for gluten-free option.

• Salsa: Fresh or jarred salsa that brings moisture and additional flavor complexity, choose medium heat for balanced taste.
• Enchilada Sauce: Rich sauce that adds depth and traditional Mexican flavor, red or green sauce works well.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that makes the filling smooth and adds tangy richness.
• Chili Powder: Spice blend that provides warmth and traditional Mexican seasoning.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that enhances overall flavor profile and complements other seasonings.

• Shredded Cheese: Melting cheese that creates golden, crispy top layer, cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnish that adds bright, fresh flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh topping that provides color and light acidity.

How to Layer and Bake Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Turn oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Enchilada sauce
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin

Stir until ingredients dance together perfectly.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Spread a thin layer of filling on baking dish bottom to prevent sticking.

Place tortilla as first foundation.

Top tortilla with generous chicken mixture.

Repeat layering process until all tortillas and filling are used.

Finish with final layer of filling on top.

Step 4: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle remaining cheese across casserole surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let casserole rest 5 minutes after removing from oven.

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Extra sour cream

Slice and serve while warm.

Tips for Perfect Layers and Bold Flavor

• Customize Your Casserole: Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein to suit different dietary preferences.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Line the baking dish with a thin layer of sauce to keep tortillas crisp and prevent sticking during baking.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the overall taste profile and create more depth.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners super easy.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.

How to Keep Chicken Burrito Casserole Fresh After Baking

• Store leftover chicken burrito casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Sides and Sauces That Go with Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Perfect Pairings for Chicken Burrito Casserole
• Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of triple sec to cut through the casserole's richness and complement its Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Whip up a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño to add freshness and crunch beside the hearty casserole.
• Whisk ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, cooling sauce that balances the dish's spicy undertones.
• Crack open a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to refresh the palate and echo the casserole's vibrant southwestern spirit.

Burrito Casserole Variants with Extra Kick

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu, mixed roasted vegetables, or three types of beans like kidney, pinto, and black beans for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, ensuring all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and layer with zucchini strips instead of tortillas, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious southwestern flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and sprinkle extra cayenne pepper for heat lovers seeking a fiery meal option.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chicken burrito casserole brings zesty flavors dancing across your dinner plate. Layers of tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and melted cheese create a comforting meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Carbohydrate Ingredients:

• 3 cups (450g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups (200g) cooked white or Mexican rice
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauces and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 280g) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Guacamole
• Extra sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light protective layer to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, harmonize shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, salsa, enchilada sauce, sour cream, a portion of cheese, chili powder, and cumin into a cohesive and flavorful filling, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
3. Create a protective base layer of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the baking dish to prevent potential adherence.
4. Construct the casserole by strategically layering tortillas and the prepared filling, alternating methodically until all ingredients are incorporated, with the final layer being the savory filling mixture.
5. Crown the assembled casserole with the remaining cheese, distributing evenly across the surface for comprehensive coverage.
6. Encase the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20 minutes, creating a sealed environment for flavor development.
7. Remove the protective foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden-tinged topping.
8. Extract the casserole from the oven and permit a brief 5-minute resting period to stabilize the internal structure.
9. Embellish with vibrant garnishes such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
10. Slice into portions and serve while maintaining optimal warmth and textural integrity.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot salsa, catering to different heat preferences.
• Swap chicken for black beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners super convenient.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg