This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights. Packed with layers of tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, creamy cheese, and bold Mexican flavors, it’s like enjoying all the goodness of a burrito in casserole form. The best part? It’s simple to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s a glimpse of the key ingredients:
- Shredded Chicken: Tender, seasoned chicken is the star protein. (Use rotisserie chicken to save time!)
- Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas form the base of your burrito layers.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful, adding a hearty texture.
- Salsa: Provides a tangy, slightly spicy base.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the ultimate gooey topping.
Steps
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of tortillas, then spread refried beans, shredded chicken, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers.
- Top It Off: Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or extra beans.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the layers.
- Protein Swap: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
Tips and Tricks
- Warm tortillas slightly before layering to prevent cracking.
- Use homemade salsa for a fresher taste.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep the cheese from overbrowning too quickly.
How to Serve
Slice and serve this casserole with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best flavor and melt, but you can use your favorites!
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely. Corn tortillas will add a slightly different texture but work just as well.
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner! Layers of shredded chicken, beans, cheese, and a creamy sauce are baked to golden perfection. It’s everything you love about burritos but in a comforting casserole form. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious and customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, salsa, or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of tortilla pieces on top of the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite toppings, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the black beans with pinto beans or omit them if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg