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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a protective base layer of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the baking dish to prevent potential adherence.
- 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.
- Crown the assembled casserole with the remaining cheese, distributing evenly across the surface for comprehensive coverage.
- 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.
- Remove the protective foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden-tinged topping.
- Extract the casserole from the oven and permit a brief 5-minute resting period to stabilize the internal structure.
- Embellish with vibrant garnishes such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- 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