If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together without any fuss, then you are going to love this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant veggies, hearty brown rice, and that irresistible melty cheese topping, making it a one-dish wonder that brings all your favorite burrito flavors to the table without the hassle of wrapping. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole delivers warmth and flavor in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a balanced and flavorful meal. From the aromatic veggies to the protein-packed chicken and zesty seasonings, every element combines beautifully to give you that authentic burrito taste with a homemade touch.
- Finely diced onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that melts into the casserole as it cooks.
- Diced red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness for freshness.
- Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice: Provides a nutty texture and hearty bite that holds up well in baking.
- Fajita seasoning: Bursts with bold, smoky spices that infuse every morsel.
- Frozen corn kernels: Add a crisp sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
- Low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed): Deliver protein, fiber, and creaminess.
- Shredded chicken: The star protein that keeps this dish satisfying and filling.
- Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist while enhancing savory depth.
- Mild green chilies (canned): Introduce gentle heat and a subtle tangy flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld flavors together.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts gorgeously on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prep your baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which gets your oven perfectly hot for baking the casserole. Meanwhile, grab a baking dish where everything will come together beautifully – this casserole needs room to cook the rice and meld the flavors.
Step 2: Combine veggies, rice, and seasoning
In your baking dish, stir together the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked brown rice, and fajita seasoning. This mix will form a flavorful base where the rice soaks up all those lovely aromas and spices during baking.
Step 3: Whisk broth mixture and add it in
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil to create a savory, slightly spicy liquid. Pour this over your rice and veggies, ensuring that every grain is primed to cook up tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add chicken, beans, and corn
Now stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels until everything is evenly combined. Each addition boosts texture and makes this casserole hearty and wholesome—just like your favorite burrito, but way easier.
Step 5: Bake covered until rice is tender
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture inside. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes so the rice cooks through and absorbs all the delicious broth, making every bite tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Step 6: Add cheese and finish baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles into a golden, irresistible crust.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Once out of the oven, let your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes so it sets slightly—this makes serving easier and enhances the flavors as they settle together. Get ready for happy forks and smiling faces!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this casserole from simple to spectacular. Try topping with fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, and a wedge of lime. These bright additions add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with light and refreshing sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Mexican-style street corn, or a simple tomato salsa complement the dish perfectly without overpowering it. For a heartier spread, black beans or Spanish rice would also be fantastic.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress on game day or family dinner? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or scoop it onto big plates and offer a toppings bar so everyone can customize with jalapeños, chopped onions, or hot sauce—a fun way to enjoy the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days ahead without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual servings, just cover loosely and heat in 1-2 minute increments to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice will cook a bit faster and have a softer texture. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking rice tenderness about 10 minutes earlier.
Is shredded rotisserie chicken a good substitute?
Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds delicious flavor and saves time. Just make sure to shred it finely for even distribution.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Definitely. Swap the mild green chilies for medium or hot ones, or add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
What can I do if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
No problem! Mix your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to mimic that smoky, zesty flavor.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch in advance, refrigerate or freeze portions, and enjoy homemade burrito flavors anytime during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe has all the heartiness and zest of your favorite burrito, yet is wonderfully simple to prepare and share. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. So heat up your oven, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that tastes like a warm hug in every bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, hearty one-dish meal that combines seasoned chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and peppers, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it bakes in the oven until the rice is tender and the cheese bubbly, delivering classic Mexican-inspired flavors in a simple casserole format.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice
- 1 can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
Protein
- 5 cups shredded chicken
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 can mild green chilies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dairy
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a baking dish, mix the diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked brown rice, and fajita seasoning thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Prepare liquid mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil. This mixture will hydrate and flavor the rice as it bakes.
- Mix protein and beans: Add shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir everything together carefully to combine all the ingredients.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65 to 70 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and cook through while the flavors meld together.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Using parboiled brown rice helps ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well in the casserole.
- For extra heat, substitute the mild green chilies with medium or hot varieties.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead; simply cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add extras like chopped cilantro or diced avocado when serving for added freshness.
