Looking for a delicious and easy meal to make for your family or friends? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole! Packed with flavorful ingredients and simple to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty spices creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Finely diced onion and red bell pepper add a savory base to the dish.
- Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or white rice) provides a wholesome grain element.
- Canned green chilies add a touch of heat and flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese gives a creamy, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the diced onion, bell pepper, rice, enchilada sauce, cayenne pepper, corn, black beans, shredded chicken, chicken broth, and green chilies.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables.
- To make this dish spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use homemade enchilada sauce for the best flavor.
- Cook the rice slightly underdone to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and a fresh green salad. Pair it with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts in this casserole. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. - Can I use different types of cheese?
Feel free to swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
Conclusion:
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious flavors and simple preparation. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines shredded chicken, black beans, rice, and corn, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long grain white rice)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen
- 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans drained and rinsed
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Vegetables and Rice: In a large skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add rice, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in corn, black beans, chicken, chicken broth, and green chilies.
- Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa before serving.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg