Welcome, friends! I’m so glad you’re here, because today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: chicken burrito casserole. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need something hearty and satisfying after a long day. It’s so simple to make, and it really brings everyone together around the dinner table. I remember many evenings when my kids would come running home from school, the smell of this casserole wafting through the house, and their faces lighting up in delight. It’s truly a magical moment! And let’s be honest, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, chicken burrito casserole easy recipes can simplify your dinner preparation immensely. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 large tortillas, cut into strips
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans (make sure to drain and rinse them), corn, salsa, cooked rice, cumin, and chili powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. The colors in this bowl are just beautiful!
- Now, take a greased baking dish and layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom. This will create a lovely base for all those delicious ingredients.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla strips, making sure to cover them evenly. This layering helps with the flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Oh, that cheesy goodness is going to melt so beautifully!
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and finish off with the last bit of cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil to keep all that moisture in, and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!) and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown.
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes!
- Comforting flavors: It’s like a fiesta in your mouth with the spices and cheesy goodness!
- Easy to serve: Simply cut into squares and everyone can help themselves.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish.
- One-pan wonder: Less mess means more time to spend with your loved ones.
- Perfect for leftovers: Enjoy the next day or freeze for a busy night.
Tips for Success
- Layering is key: Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken mixture and cheese for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Don’t skip preheating: It’s important to preheat your oven to ensure everything cooks evenly. I can’t stress this enough!
- Check your tortillas: If they’re a bit stale, consider warming them briefly in the microwave to make them easier to work with.
- Customize your spices: Feel free to adjust the cumin and chili powder to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
- Eggs or cheese can be added: For a creamier texture, consider mixing in an egg or two with the chicken mixture before layering.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make this dish meat-free, simply replace the chicken with more beans or your favorite veggies!
- Storage tip: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations
- Protein swaps: If you’re not a fan of chicken, ground turkey or beef work beautifully in this casserole. You could also use shredded rotisserie chicken for even less prep time!
- Vegetarian delight: For a meat-free option, just double up on the black beans and add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. It’ll be just as hearty and delicious!
- Spice it up: Want a little more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. If you prefer milder flavors, you can skip the chili powder altogether.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of feta can elevate the dish with unique flavors.
- Fresh herbs: Mixing in some fresh cilantro or green onions before serving adds a lovely pop of flavor and freshness. Just sprinkle it on top right before you dig in!
- Different salsas: Try using different types of salsa, like a mango salsa for a sweet twist or a roasted tomato salsa for a smoky flavor. The options are endless!
- Gluten-free adjustments: For a gluten-free version, ensure your tortillas are certified gluten-free and check the labels on your salsa and beans to avoid any hidden gluten.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your chicken burrito casserole is super easy and a great way to enjoy this dish again later! First, let the casserole cool completely after baking. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, you have a couple of options for reheating. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This method helps maintain that wonderful cheesy texture.
If you’re short on time, the microwave is a quick option! Just scoop out a serving into a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat it for about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to check it halfway through and stir if needed, so it heats evenly. Just be careful—sometimes it can get hot and bubbly!
And remember, if you want to store it for even longer, you can freeze the casserole! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful chicken burrito casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (which is about 1/6 of the casserole):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This casserole packs a good amount of protein thanks to the chicken and beans, while also providing a hearty dose of fiber from the beans and corn. It’s a comforting and balanced meal that I love serving to my family. So, you can enjoy it knowing you’re treating yourself well while savoring every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different proteins in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just make sure to cook any raw meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
No problem at all! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and double up on the black beans. You could also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty and delicious meal.
What should I serve with chicken burrito casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, consider serving it with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips and guacamole. It’s a fun way to round out the meal!
How long does it take to cook?
The total cooking time is about 35 minutes—25 minutes covered with foil and then an additional 10 minutes uncovered. You’ll want to ensure the cheese is bubbly and golden brown at the end!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
Comforting Chicken Burrito Casserole: 5 Easy Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken burrito casserole recipe that brings comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 large tortillas, cut into strips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cooked rice, cumin, and chili powder.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more beans or veggies.
- Feel free to add spices according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken burrito casserole easy recipes
