Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, brown rice, black beans, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting twist on classic burrito flavors baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
• 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
• 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 cups shredded chicken
• 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to mix well.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth and combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish with the rice mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the baking dish. Stir again until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
• Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Mix in black olives or diced tomatoes for added texture and color.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute long grain white rice if you prefer. The cooking time and liquid may vary slightly, so check the rice for doneness towards the end of baking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. You can freeze the casserole before baking or after fully cooked. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 126 reviews

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal packed with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory fajita-seasoned ingredients baked to perfection with melted Monterey Jack cheese on top. This casserole is both hearty and simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Beans

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
• 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies

Grains and Protein

• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
• 5 cups shredded chicken

Seasonings and Liquids

• 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

• 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the finely diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the seasonings with the vegetables and rice.
3. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined to create a flavorful liquid base for the casserole.
4. Mix Broth with Rice Mixture: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish containing the rice and vegetables. Stir well to fully combine all ingredients and ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
5. Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Add the shredded chicken, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the dish. Stir again until everything is uniformly mixed for even cooking and seasoning.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onion, salsa, and avocado slices if desired for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Use long grain white rice if preferred, but parboiled brown rice gives a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
• Fajita seasoning can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• If you like a spicier dish, add extra cayenne or use a hotter chili variety.
• Shredded cooked chicken can be from rotisserie, leftover chicken, or freshly cooked breast or thigh meat.
• Covering the dish while baking helps the rice cook through evenly and retain moisture.
• Letting casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
• Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños for extra zest.

Keywords: chicken burrito casserole, baked casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, chicken and rice bake, fajita seasoning, one dish meal