Chicken Burrito Casserole

Chicken Burrito Casserole brings all the vibrant, cheesy flavors of a Mexican burrito into one convenient and delicious casserole dish. Packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and easy to prepare, this casserole is a perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It’s gluten-free, hearty, and fully customizable with your favorite toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: A mix of smoky, spicy, and savory seasoning makes every bite irresistible.
• High in Protein: Shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese provide a filling, protein-rich meal.
• Quick Prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest.
• One Dish Meal: Includes protein, rice, beans, and veggies in one convenient dish.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seasoning

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Casserole

• ½ cup white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 green chilies, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen, drained if canned)
• 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped green onion
• Chopped avocado
• Salsa

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and red bell pepper until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, green chilies, and all the seasoning spices. Stir to combine.
3. Add the Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked brown rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes to slightly soften the rice.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the corn, black beans, and shredded chicken until well combined.
5. Bake the Casserole: Cover the skillet or transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
6. Broil (Optional): For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, and salsa. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 small bowls
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with additional black beans, pinto beans, or diced tofu.
• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time, as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

2. What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or by baking them in the oven.

3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether.

4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.

5. Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free if needed.

6. What can I serve alongside this casserole?

Pair it with a simple green salad, tortilla chips, or guacamole for a complete meal.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish to serve a crowd.

8. Can I omit the green chilies?

Yes, you can skip the green chilies if you prefer a milder flavor.

9. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great substitute and will cook similarly in the broth.

10. How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The rice should be tender and absorb most of the liquid. If it’s still firm, bake the casserole for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

Chicken Burrito Casserole is a high-protein, comforting dish packed with Mexican-inspired flavors. Its cheesy, hearty layers of chicken, rice, beans, and veggies make it an all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With its versatility and bold taste, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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