Chicken Burrito Casserole – Easy One-Pan Meal for Busy Nights

There’s nothing quite like the flavors of a warm, cheesy, and hearty burrito, but let’s be honest—rolling individual burritos for a crowd can be a bit of a hassle. That’s where this Chicken Burrito Casserole comes in. It’s all the deliciousness of a burrito, baked together in one easy, hands-off dish. The best part? It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying yet nutritious meal for the whole family.

This dish is simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual gatherings. The layers of shredded chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, melty cheese, and zesty fajita seasoning create a combination that is both comforting and full of bold flavors.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, vegetarian or loaded with extra protein, this casserole can be tailored to fit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and pantry staples. Serve it with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa, and you have a meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for an effortless, one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal work, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is a must-try. It’s easy, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, making it a new go-to favorite in our kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

1. It’s a One-Dish Wonder

Nobody loves washing a sink full of dishes after dinner. This casserole is made in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time significantly. Simply mix, bake, and serve—no need for multiple pans or complicated steps.

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who loves make-ahead meals, this casserole is ideal. It can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge, and baked when you’re ready. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.

3. Family-Friendly and Customizable

This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its cheesy, savory, and mildly spiced flavors. If you want a little heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap out the chicken for extra beans or tofu.

4. Nutritious and Balanced

This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and beans, fiber from the brown rice, and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil. You get a well-balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

5. Packed with Bold Tex-Mex Flavors

Between the fajita seasoning, roasted chilies, black beans, and melted cheese, every bite of this casserole is bursting with bold, delicious flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the goodness of a burrito—without the hassle of rolling each one.

Health Benefits

1. High in Protein for Muscle Support

With lean shredded chicken and black beans, this dish provides an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Protein also helps keep you full longer, reducing unnecessary snacking.

2. Rich in Fiber for Digestion

The brown rice and black beans in this casserole are packed with fiber, which supports healthy digestion and can help with weight management by keeping you full for longer periods.

3. Loaded with Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Bell peppers add a boost of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Black beans contribute iron and magnesium, while chicken provides B vitamins that support energy production.

4. A Great Source of Healthy Fats

Olive oil and cheese contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, which help support heart health and brain function.

5. Naturally Gluten-Free and Can Be Made Dairy-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when made with brown rice. For a dairy-free version, simply swap the cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 65-70 minutes
• Total Time: 80-85 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 420 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fats: 12g

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or white rice)
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 can (14 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken breasts)
• 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or preferred cheese)

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa (red or salsa verde)
• Chopped cilantro
• Green onions
• Black olives
• Diced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
• Fresh lime juice

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer

In the baking dish, combine onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 3: Make the Broth Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rice layer in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Beans

Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the dish. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or cilantro, and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas on the side.
• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.
• Add a scoop of refried beans or roasted vegetables as a side dish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverage: A cold glass of lime-infused sparkling water or a chilled agua fresca.
• Side Dish: Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled fajita-style veggies.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave for 3-4 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Type of Rice

One of the biggest mistakes in this recipe is using a type of rice that doesn’t cook properly in the allotted time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so if you substitute one for the other, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. If using white rice, reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.

2. Not Covering the Dish Properly

For the rice to cook evenly, it needs steam. Covering the casserole dish tightly with foil is essential. If the foil is loose, too much moisture will escape, resulting in undercooked rice and dry chicken. If your dish is coming out too dry, check that your foil is sealed properly before baking.

3. Adding Too Much Liquid

While it’s important to have enough broth to cook the rice, adding too much liquid can leave your casserole soupy and mushy. Stick to the recommended ratio of liquid to rice and avoid adding extra broth unless necessary. If your casserole is still wet after cooking, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

4. Overcooking the Chicken

Since the chicken is already cooked before going into the casserole, it can dry out if baked too long. Make sure to stir everything well before baking so the chicken stays moist and absorbs the flavors without overcooking.

5. Skipping the Resting Time

After baking, letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes helps everything set, making it easier to serve. If you scoop it out too soon, it may fall apart, and the textures won’t have time to come together properly.

6. Not Adding Enough Seasoning

Rice and beans can absorb a lot of flavor, so seasoning is key. If you don’t use enough fajita seasoning or forget to add salt, the casserole may taste bland. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before baking.

7. Overloading on Cheese Too Early

Adding cheese too soon can result in it getting overly browned or dry before the casserole is fully cooked. For the best results, sprinkle cheese on in the last 5-10 minutes of baking so it melts perfectly.

Pro Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

One of the easiest ways to save time is by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken from scratch. It adds great flavor and makes this recipe even more effortless.

2. Make It Spicier If You Love Heat

If you enjoy a little extra kick, there are several ways to make this casserole spicier. Add chopped jalapeños to the rice mixture, increase the cayenne pepper, or drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.

3. Cook the Rice Separately for a Faster Version

If you’re short on time, you can pre-cook the rice and then mix it with the other ingredients before baking. This reduces the baking time to about 25-30 minutes since you won’t need to wait for the rice to absorb the liquid.

4. Let the Cheese Get Slightly Golden

For an irresistible cheesy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This creates a lightly golden, bubbly cheese layer that adds both flavor and texture.

5. Add Fresh Toppings for a Flavor Boost

This casserole is already packed with flavor, but adding fresh toppings makes it even better. Try chopped cilantro, diced avocado, green onions, or fresh lime juice to brighten up the dish.

6. Use a Non-Stick Baking Dish

To prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom, use a non-stick or well-greased baking dish. If using a glass or ceramic dish, lightly coat it with oil or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.

7. Make It in Advance for Easy Meal Prep

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven. This is perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the Chicken Burrito Casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, and bake as directed.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

3. Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven.

4. What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This casserole pairs well with a side salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas for a more traditional burrito-style experience.

5. Can I Use a Different Protein?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp. If making a vegetarian version, extra beans, lentils, or tofu work great as substitutes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is the ultimate combination of bold Tex-Mex flavors, cheesy goodness, and wholesome ingredients, all packed into an easy-to-make, one-pan meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish that’s sure to please the entire family, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Not only is it hearty and satisfying, but it’s also highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level, switch up the protein, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers, saving both time and money in the kitchen.

If you haven’t tried this Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe yet, now is the perfect time! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a warm, comforting, and delicious meal that everyone will love.

I’d love to hear what you think! If you make this Chicken Burrito Casserole, be sure to leave a comment and rating below. Share your version on social media and tag me so I can see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!

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