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

Scale

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

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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