Chicken Burrito Casserole Bake

This chicken burrito casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. All the bold flavors of a classic Mexican restaurant but in a bubbling, cheesy bake that will have the whole table asking for seconds. Everything comes together in one dish with minimal hands-on time and plenty of savory satisfaction. Whether you are feeding a crowd or planning ahead for leftovers, this dish easily fits any mealtime.

The first time I made this, my kitchen filled with the savory scent of smoky spices and bubbling cheese. It was gone before the night was over and has been on repeat ever since

Ingredients

• Chili powder: This brings just the right hit of smokiness and warmth Use a fresh blend for the most flavor
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds gentle heat Adjust to your liking
• Garlic powder: Gives punchy savory notes that blend throughout
• Smoked paprika: Deepens the whole dish with woodsy barbecue flavor Choose Spanish paprika if possible
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning mix Pick one with no added salt for more control
• Ground cumin: Brings an earthy taste that is classic in burrito flavors
• Dried oregano: Adds herby boldness Mexican oregano is best if you can find it
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out all the flavors Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if available
• White onion: Chopped finely for even cooking Look for firm onions with no soft spots
• Red bell pepper: Diced for sweetness and color Pick ones with taut skin for the freshest bite
• Uncooked brown rice: Provides wholesome texture and soaks up all the flavors Choose rice with a nutty aroma
• Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps the base savory but not too salty Use homemade or a good quality store bought variety
• Green chilies: Deseeded for warmth without overpowering heat Fresh or canned both work well
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly Use extra virgin for the best richness
• Tomato paste: Brings umami and richness to the background Use double concentrated if you find it
• Corn kernels: These add bursts of sweetness Frozen or canned are both fine just drain well
• Black beans: Mild and creamy They also add fiber Rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium
• Cooked chicken: Shredded for texture and protein Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut or use leftover roast
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded for easy melting Always buy a block and shred it yourself for the freshest melt and best flavor
• Cilantro, green onion, avocado, and salsa: For bright fresh toppings Pick ripe avocado and a salsa you truly love

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit to get your casserole bubbling hot from the start

Mix Seasonings:

In a small bowl thoroughly blend all the spices including chili powder garlic powder cayenne smoked paprika onion powder cumin oregano salt and pepper Make sure there are no clumps so that every bite gets seasoned

Assemble the Vegetables and Rice:

Into a large nine by thirteen inch baking dish add the chopped onion diced red bell pepper uncooked brown rice and your prepared seasoning Stir until everything is evenly coated and colorful

Blend the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl mix together the chicken broth chopped green chilies olive oil and tomato paste Stir until the tomato paste dissolves for the richest flavor

Combine in the Baking Dish:

Pour the wet mixture into the baking dish Use a large spoon to stir thoroughly so that all the rice and vegetables are fully moistened

Add the Protein and Beans:

Scatter the corn black beans and shredded cooked chicken into the dish Gently mix everything to distribute the ingredients evenly and ensure there are no dry spots

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with foil This is crucial for steaming the rice and melding all the flavors Bake for sixty five to seventy minutes For the most tender rice check towards the end and continue until most of the liquid is absorbed

Add the Cheese:

Remove the casserole from the oven and pull off the foil Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top Place back in the oven uncovered for five to ten minutes The cheese should fully melt with golden bubbly spots

Cool and Top:

Let the hot dish rest for five to ten minutes to set the layers before scooping onto plates Finish with fresh cilantro green onion sliced avocado and a generous spoonful of your favorite salsa Just the way you would build the perfect burrito

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Storage Tips

Leftovers keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days You can also portion individual servings into airtight meal prep containers for easy lunches For longer storage this casserole freezes well for up to two months Defrost in the fridge overnight then reheat in the oven or microwave just until hot

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use any cooked protein such as turkey or ground beef in place of chicken For a vegetarian version double up the beans and swap in extra corn or roasted sweet potato If you are dairy free try a plant based cheddar style cheese Beans can be swapped for pinto or kidney beans as needed

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Serving Suggestions

Scoop generous spoonfuls into bowls and serve with slices of lime tortilla chips or a crisp cabbage slaw Add extra salsa or hot sauce for heat or spoon sour cream on the side For a brunch spin serve with scrambled eggs and extra avocado

Cultural Context

Casseroles inspired by Mexican American cooking often bring families together with their ease and abundance This bake borrows the flavors of a classic chicken burrito but makes it even more comforting and shareable in one dish For many home cooks like myself it delivers all the spirit of a fiesta with none of the mess

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice can be substituted, but reduce baking time as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

→ What other cheeses work well here?

Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully and add rich flavor to the casserole.

→ How spicy is the casserole with the suggested seasonings?

The heat is moderate, but can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.

→ Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for extra beans or even sautéed mushrooms.