Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of a classic burrito in a baked, family-friendly format.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, savory beans, and a hint of spices, all layered with soft tortillas. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—ingredients can easily be swapped or adjusted to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the perfect mix of comfort food and convenience! It has all the flavors of a classic burrito—juicy chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and bold Mexican spices—baked into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish.
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is a great weeknight dinner or meal prep option. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the next day, this casserole is a total winner!
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Description
A topping of gooey melted cheese and a drizzle of salsa or sour cream makes it irresistible. Quick to prepare, it saves time without compromising on flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
Whether served with a fresh salad, guacamole, or a side of rice, this casserole is a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any season. Its vibrant colors and layers make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole combines shredded chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and a zesty enchilada sauce, all baked together into a creamy, flavorful dish.
It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with Mexican flavors, making it the perfect easy dinner for busy nights. Serve with sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for a meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, enchilada sauce, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Spread half of the tortilla strips on the bottom of the baking dish.
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Add half of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
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Bake the Casserole:
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Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream, salsa, or avocado!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
- Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
- Make It Spicy
- Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Add Extra Flavor
- Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for more texture and taste.
- Swap the Tortillas
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or leave them out for a low-carb version.
- Make It a Freezer Meal
- Assemble the casserole and freeze it uncooked for up to 3 months.
- To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- Pair with the Right Sides
- Serve with a fresh salad, tortilla chips, guacamole, or Mexican street corn.
Variations
There are numerous ways to tweak this casserole to fit your preferences. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different protein profile, or go vegetarian by using extra beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu. You can also mix in corn, bell peppers, or olives to add texture and flavor. For a healthier take, use whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cheese.
For extra richness, add a layer of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream between the tortilla layers. Topping with fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado right before serving adds freshness and color.
Storage
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole stores exceptionally well. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in the freezer.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Leftover portions can also be repurposed into burrito bowls or quesadillas for a quick lunch. This makes the casserole not only convenient for dinner but also a time-saving option for future meals.
Conclution:
In conclusion, the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that brings together the bold, comforting elements of Tex-Mex cuisine in a single, hearty bake.
With its tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, creamy beans, layers of melty cheese, and warm tortillas, this casserole delivers all the satisfaction of a burrito without the need for individual rolling or extra prep.
It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual dinners, family gatherings, or meal-prep Sundays, offering a crowd-pleasing combination of taste, texture, and convenience.
What makes this casserole truly shine is its adaptability. You can easily tailor the recipe to suit your taste—swap in ground beef or turkey, use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, or spice it up with jalapeños, green chilies, or a splash of hot sauce.
It also freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a reliable option for leftovers or make-ahead meals that hold up well throughout the week.
Plus, it pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, or crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole, rounding out a balanced, satisfying meal for any occasion.
Not only is this dish budget-friendly and easy to assemble with pantry staples, but it also brings people together over a warm, flavorful plate of comfort. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for a potluck, or just craving something hearty and cheesy, the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole earns its place as a staple comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or ease.
With minimal effort and maximum reward, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again—because great meals don’t have to be complicated to be memorable, delicious, and satisfying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and bake it directly from frozen.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa adds more fiber and nutrients while keeping the same delicious flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
