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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.

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

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/easy-chicken-burrito-casserole-recipe/