If you’re craving a comforting, vibrant meal that brings together bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s a one-dish wonder packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, colorful veggies, and a touch of spice that perfectly captures the essence of a classic burrito without the hassle of rolling. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole hits all the right notes—delicious, satisfying, and super easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe are simple pantry staples that shine when combined. Each element adds its own layer of flavor, texture, or color, creating a beautifully balanced dish that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth; helps build the flavor base.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a mild fruity crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice): The hearty grain that absorbs all the savory goodness during baking.
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning: Infuses the casserole with that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a kick of heat for those who like things spicy.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of corn add texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides protein, fiber, and a creamy contrast.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the rice and ties everything together.
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies: Adds a gentle smoky heat and a subtle tang.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps blend the ingredients and adds a silky richness.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re opting for a bit of heat. This mixture forms the tasty, colorful foundation for the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil. This flavorful liquid will soak into the rice and vegetables, ensuring every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Pour this mixture evenly over your dry ingredients and stir gently to combine everything.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn
Now, fold in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels. This step adds heartiness, protein, and natural sweetness while making sure the casserole has that perfect texture balance.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Seal your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam so the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those fantastic flavors. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once the timer’s up, let the casserole rest on your counter for about 5 minutes while still covered. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your serving with a dollop of sour cream or creamy guacamole to add coolness against the warm spices. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and shredded cheese will add freshness and an irresistible gooey finish that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of zesty pico de gallo to lighten up the plate. Crunchy tortilla chips are a fun addition too, for scooping and adding texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. Or, layer it with additional cheese and bake a few extra minutes for a golden, bubbly top that’s sure to impress every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using an oven, cover with foil to retain moisture, heating at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes depending on the portion size.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice works perfectly and will cook a little faster, so keep an eye on the texture. The flavor and overall feel of the Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe remain delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, simply swap out the shredded chicken for extra beans, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms to keep the casserole hearty and satisfying without meat.
Can I add cheese inside the casserole?
Definitely! Mixing in shredded cheese before baking adds a creamy richness. You can also sprinkle some on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty golden crust.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
No worries! You can make a quick blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of oregano—this homemade mix works just as well.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s mild by default, thanks to the mild green chilies and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or using a hotter chili variety if you like things fiery.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and ease to any meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a hearty, comforting dish, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Dive in and enjoy every bite—you’ll be glad you did!
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Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender shredded chicken, brown rice, black beans, vegetables, and southwestern spices. Baked to perfection, this casserole offers a comforting blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect family dinner option that is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Grains & Legumes
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
Proteins
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Liquids & Oils
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Condiments
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready 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 cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat. This forms the base of your casserole.
- Mix liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the rice and vegetable mix and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add proteins & veggies: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels, ensuring everything is evenly distributed within the dish for balanced flavor and texture.
- Cover & bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, resulting in a fully cooked, cohesive casserole.
- Rest & serve: Once baked, let the casserole sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set. Serve warm, optionally adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Using parboiled brown rice ensures a fluffy texture and reduces the risk of undercooked rice.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust the spice level according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- Feel free to add toppings such as avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or shredded cheese when serving.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute with extra beans or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
