If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the festive spirit of Mexican food right to your dinner table, this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a glorious combination of tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty enchilada sauce all layered with strips of soft tortillas and melted Mexican cheese. Every bite delivers warmth, richness, and a perfect balance of textures that turn a simple casserole into a family favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying meal that feels both hearty and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the vibrant flavor and texture of the Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the smoky spices and melty cheese, these basics come together to create magic.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach your own for juicy, tender meat.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds a hearty, protein-packed bite with earthy depth.
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice: Provides a satisfying base and soaks up the salsa and sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Offers little bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce: Gives the dish its signature tangy, mildly spicy flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spices with a cool touch.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings freshness and a layered tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses an earthy warmth that ties the spices together.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savoriness with subtle garlicky notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly to create that indulgent, gooey top layer.
- 6 large flour tortillas, cut into strips: Softens into chewy layers that hold everything together.
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting you up perfectly for the next steps.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cooked rice, thawed corn, enchilada sauce, sour cream, salsa, and all the spices—cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly blended. This is where all those simple ingredients start transforming into a harmonious filling with layers of flavor ready to burst.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
At this point, it’s all about building those beautiful layers that make this recipe so satisfying. Place half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy base. Spoon half of your chicken mixture over that. Then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese to add gooey richness. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken filling, and finish with the last cup of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. This step allows everything to meld together beautifully while keeping moisture locked in. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your casserole 5 minutes to settle. This short resting time helps the layers firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop out generous portions that hold together perfectly every time.
How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe into a vibrant, eye-catching dish. Fresh chopped green onions add a mild crunch and a burst of color, while cilantro introduces an herby brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you love spice, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce make excellent finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with some light side dishes to complement its rich flavors. A crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette brings refreshing acidity, while a serving of guacamole or sliced avocado offers creamy cooling notes. For a fun twist, some tortilla chips with extra salsa make a perfect crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family meals, serve right from the casserole dish with a big spoon and plenty of napkins. For entertaining, you can plate individual portions topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra cilantro and green onions. Even layering the casserole in smaller ramekins for single servings can turn dinner into a delightful presentation everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is just as delicious the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes an easy and satisfying lunch or dinner when you want a quick reheat without losing any of the original flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze this casserole for later. Assemble it fully but skip baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add extra time and keep it covered with foil for the first part of baking to ensure it heats through without drying out.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers or a thawed frozen casserole, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions covered with a damp paper towel for a few minutes if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas in this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used for a slightly different texture and a more authentic Mexican flavor. Just make sure to cut them into strips the same way and layer as directed. If they are dry, lightly warm them before layering to keep the casserole moist.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to bulk it up. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute to keep the hearty texture and protein content.
How spicy is this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe?
It has a gentle warmth thanks to the mild chili powder and cumin, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to taste during mixing.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient to prepare ahead for busy days or entertaining guests.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
A shredded Mexican blend cheese is ideal because it typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes a little queso quesadilla for excellent meltability. You can substitute with mozzarella and cheddar if you can’t find a blend.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully comforting about this Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe that makes it feel like a warm, homemade hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples, yet impressive enough to serve family and friends any day of the week. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic in many homes—I can’t wait for you to experience that first delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty, flavorful Mexican-American baked dish featuring layers of shredded chicken, black beans, rice, corn, and tortillas, all smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cooked rice, thawed corn, enchilada sauce, sour cream, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble First Layer: Place half of the tortilla strips evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla base, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortilla strips on top of the first cheesy layer, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese to create a thick, cheesy casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set for easier serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Substitute tortilla strips with tortilla chips or corn tortillas if preferred.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture to enhance heat and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead of time and freeze before baking for a convenient meal option.
