Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole: A Family-Friendly Mexican Delight
If your family loves Mexican food, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a must-try! It’s a simple, one-dish meal that combines all the flavors of your favorite burritos into a hearty, protein-packed casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is gluten-free and customizable to suit your taste. Plus, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients like chicken, black beans, and brown rice for a nutritious and satisfying dinner
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or white rice)
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (14 oz) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can mild green chilies
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth.
- Mix Everything: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir to combine with the rice mixture. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, or avocado if desired.
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Customize It: Swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or pepper jack, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Rice Tip: Use parboiled rice for best results, as it cooks evenly and absorbs liquid well. If using regular rice, ensure it’s fully cooked before baking.
- Toppings Galore: Serve with fresh cilantro, avocado, salsa, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g