Go Back
The Chicken Burrito Casserole is simple and packed with flavor. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar and Monterey Jack mix) - 8 large flour tortillas, cut in half - 1 cup salsa - 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish) - Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste For this dish, I like using shredded chicken. It blends well with the other ingredients. Black beans add texture and protein. Diced tomatoes with green chilies give a nice kick. Corn adds sweetness, while the rice makes it hearty. The taco seasoning brings everything together with bold flavors. Using two types of cheese makes the casserole creamy and cheesy. Flour tortillas hold it all together. Salsa adds moisture and a burst of flavor. Finally, don’t forget the sour cream and cilantro for the perfect finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cooked rice, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Pour a little salsa at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This step helps prevent sticking. - Start with the first layer of tortillas. Place them in the dish with the cut edges facing inwards. - Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas. Spread it evenly. - Place another layer of tortillas over the chicken mixture. Then, add the rest of the chicken mixture on top. - Finish with one last layer of tortillas. Spread the remaining salsa over this layer. - Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the salsa. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. - Once done, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps set the layers and makes serving easier. - To ensure tender chicken, use cooked chicken that is moist. Shred it well before mixing. - For proper seasoning, taste the chicken mixture as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. - Adjust the cheese for flavor by mixing Cheddar and Monterey Jack. This adds depth and creaminess. - Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro. This adds color and freshness to your dish. - Pair the casserole with a simple salad or tortilla chips. This adds crunch and balance to your meal. - For reheating leftovers, use the oven. Heat at 350°F until warm, about 15 minutes. - Avoid overcooking the cheese. It should melt and bubble, not burn or harden. - Layering improperly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to layer tortillas and chicken mixture evenly. - Using stale tortillas can ruin the texture. Always use fresh tortillas for the best results. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preference or add extra ingredients like jalapeños for a kick! Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or queso fresco, for unique flavor combinations. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using ground beef or turkey instead of chicken. If you want a plant-based option, black beans work well. For cheese, feel free to mix it up. Use pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Whole wheat tortillas are a great choice too. They add fiber and a nutty flavor. If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños to the chicken mix. They bring a nice crunch and spice. You can also amp up the salsa. Choose a spicier brand or add hot sauce for more zing. Just remember to taste as you go. You want to balance the heat with the other flavors. To make this dish vegetarian, just leave out the chicken. Load it up with more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This adds color and nutrition. You can also increase the beans for protein. This way, you still get a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. To keep your Chicken Burrito Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. To reheat frozen portions, remove them from the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat in the oven until hot, about 30 minutes. The Chicken Burrito Casserole stays fresh in the fridge for about four days. If you freeze it, it can last for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for any off smells or changes in texture. If it looks or smells strange, it's best to discard it. Enjoy your meals with peace of mind! Yes, you can make Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead. Start by cooking your chicken and other ingredients. Then, mix them in a bowl. Layer the casserole as per the recipe. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To make this casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortillas. Many brands offer excellent options. You should also check all canned goods, like beans and tomatoes, for gluten-free labels. This helps avoid cross-contamination. Clean your workspace and utensils well before cooking. This way, you keep everything safe and tasty. Yes, adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Sauté tougher veggies like bell peppers before adding them to the mix. For softer veggies like spinach, you can add them raw. Just mix them in with the other ingredients. This Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and tips for success. Remember to layer carefully and keep your cheese from overcooking. Feel free to add your twist with alternative ingredients or spice things up. Storage is easy with proper cooling. You can enjoy your leftovers without worry. Dive into this fun dish and share it with others. Happy cooking!

Chicken Burrito Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole combining chicken, beans, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 8 large flour tortillas, cut in half
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 0.5 cup sour cream (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cooked rice, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour a little salsa in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Layer the tortillas in the baking dish, with the cut edges facing inward, to cover the bottom.
  • Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Add another layer of tortillas on top, then add the remaining chicken mixture.
  • Top with the last layer of tortillas and spread the remaining salsa over the top.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the salsa.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve individual portions garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Keyword burrito, casserole, chicken, easy, family meal