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
Scale
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.
