Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, brown rice, beans, and melted cheese, it brings the taste of your favorite burritos to the oven. Simple to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

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 the 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 well to mix.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until fully blended.
3. Step 3: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir to evenly combine with the rice and vegetable mix.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels to the dish and stir again until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Step 7: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, salsa, or avocado as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and added flavor.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
• Try adding diced jalapeños for extra heat if you like it spicy.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with extra beans or sautéed vegetables.
• If using white rice, reduce the baking time slightly as it cooks faster than brown rice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven 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 fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used in place of frozen corn. Just make sure to add them raw before baking, as they will cook through during the baking time.

Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil while baking?

Covering the casserole with foil helps trap steam and ensures the rice cooks properly by absorbing the liquid. Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese to melt and brown without drying out the dish.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 108 reviews

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, hearty one-dish meal that combines tender shredded chicken, brown rice, black beans, and veggies baked together with fajita seasoning and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s an effortless, comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering all the classic burrito flavors in a convenient baked form.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

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Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
• 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies

Grains & Beans

• 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)
• 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed)

Proteins & Dairy

• 5 cups shredded chicken
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Liquids & Seasonings

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Combine Base Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F. 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 until well mixed.
2. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until fully combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the casserole as it bakes.
3. Add Broth to Rice Mixture: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish with the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the rice is coated and distributed evenly.
4. Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Incorporate the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels into the baking dish. Stir again to combine all ingredients evenly within the casserole.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 65-70 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute white rice if you prefer a softer texture or shorter cooking time.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it to control the spiciness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and increase black beans or add other beans of choice.
• Use homemade fajita seasoning for a fresher taste and to control salt levels.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.

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