This Chicken Burrito Casserole brings together all your favorite burrito ingredients into one easy, oven-baked dish. With shredded chicken, rice, beans, veggies, and melty cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
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Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
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Customizable with your favorite burrito toppings
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Family-friendly and filling
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Freezer-friendly for busy weeknights
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Finely diced onion
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Red bell pepper, diced
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Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or substitute with long-grain white rice)
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Fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
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Cayenne pepper (optional)
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Frozen corn kernels
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Low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
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Shredded cooked chicken
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Reduced-sodium chicken broth
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Mild green chilies
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Olive oil
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Tomato paste
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Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.
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Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish. Add the corn, black beans, and shredded chicken, stirring everything together evenly.
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Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 65-70 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is fully absorbed.
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Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Swap chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different twist
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Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more beans or sautéed veggies
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Use your favorite shredded cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend
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Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy chilies to turn up the heat
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Mix in diced tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
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Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
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Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through
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Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to prevent drying out
FAQs
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper, hot green chilies, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
This recipe is designed for uncooked rice to absorb the flavors while baking. Using pre-cooked rice may alter the texture and cooking time.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few minutes to the cooking time if cold from the fridge.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Top with sour cream, salsa, avocado, chopped cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure the fajita seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute the black beans?
Yes, use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or slow-cooked chicken all work great.
How do I know the casserole is done?
The rice should be tender, and all the liquid should be absorbed. The top should be golden and bubbly after adding the cheese.
Can I use different veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all make great additions.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with a fresh green salad, tortilla chips, or a side of guacamole and salsa.
Conclusion
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with bold burrito flavors baked into one delicious dish. Whether you're feeding a crowd or planning ahead for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
