Chicken Burrito Casserole

Packed with flavor and nutrition, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and hearty rice into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this casserole fits the bill. Plus, it’s gluten-free and full of wholesome ingredients that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to bake.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Filled with chicken, beans, and veggies, it’s a balanced dish rich in protein and fiber.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Burrito Casserole efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large baking dish: Ensures even cooking for all ingredients and provides ample space for mixing.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining different components without spilling or mess.
• Whisk: Helps blend liquids smoothly together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.

Ingredients

Packed full of protein, fibre and veggies, this healthy chicken burrito casserole works well as a meal prep idea or simple weeknight dinner.

For the Base

• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 cup dry long-grain white rice, basmati or jasmine

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Protein & Veggies

• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
• 14oz can black beans, strained and rinsed
• 450g cooked chicken, shredded (6 cups or 3 chicken breasts)

Liquids & Toppings

• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 150 grams Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated
• Cilantro, to serve
• Green onion, to serve

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, bake the chicken breasts in the oven for 25 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Mixture

In a large baking dish (9 x 13 inch works best), add:
* Diced onion
* Diced red bell pepper
* Minced jalapeño
* Dry rice
* Chili powder
* Garlic powder
* Cumin
* Oregano
* Sea salt

Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Liquids

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine:
* Chicken broth
* Tomato paste
* Olive oil

Whisk until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the broth mixture over your base mixture in the baking dish. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add:
* Shredded chicken
* Rinsed black beans
* Frozen corn

Give it one final stir to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Cheese It Up!

Once baked, remove from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.

Step 8: Final Bake for Cheese Melting

Return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese has melted and is slightly golden.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro and green onion as desired.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serving Chicken Burrito Casserole is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some creative suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance the spices.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or yogurt brings a cooling effect to the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime over the casserole brightens up the flavors.

Pair with Salads

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty casserole nicely.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall texture.

Serve with Tortillas

• Warm Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas can be served on the side for scooping up the casserole.
• Corn Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun way to enjoy your casserole as a dip.

How to Perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole

Perfecting your Chicken Burrito Casserole can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use freshly cooked or high-quality rotisserie chicken for better flavor.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh cilantro or parsley for an aromatic finish that enhances taste.
• Bake Covered First: Covering your baking dish helps retain moisture; remove the foil towards the end for a golden cheese topping.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to serve and improves flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Burrito Casserole

Complementing your Chicken Burrito Casserole with delightful side dishes can create a more satisfying meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds freshness and richness, perfect alongside spicy casseroles.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn coated in lime, cheese, and spices provides a sweet and savory contrast.
3. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and a comforting texture that pairs well with rice dishes.
4. Pico de Gallo: A zesty salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness and crunch.
5. Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice dish complements the burrito flavors beautifully.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color, nutrition, and a slight caramelization that enhances any meal.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of your casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of when making your Chicken Burrito Casserole.

• Incorrectly measuring ingredients – Accurate measurements are vital for achieving the right balance of flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.
• Skipping the cooking time – Make sure to follow the recommended baking time closely. Underbaking can leave the rice undercooked, while overbaking may dry out the dish.
• Not letting it cool – Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps with portioning and enhances flavor as it settles.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions – If you want to customize your casserole, be mindful of how substitutes might change the texture or flavor. Always choose alternatives that align well with the dish.
• Overloading on cheese – While cheese adds great flavor, too much can overpower other components. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• To avoid freezer burn, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Reheating Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice; however, increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make my Chicken Burrito Casserole spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing jalapeño quantity or adding diced serrano peppers. A dash of hot sauce also works well!

Is Chicken Burrito Casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Can I add more vegetables to Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to include additional veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even diced tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preference. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try and savor its hearty goodness!