Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings together everything you love about chicken burritos in one simple casserole dish. It is packed with shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, peppers, green chiles, and melted cheese for a family-friendly meal that feels comforting and satisfying. If you love healthy dinner recipes that are easy to prep, this casserole is a smart weeknight option. Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is also great for meal prep because it reheats well and delivers plenty of protein in every serving.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 1/2 cup | Finely diced |
| Red bell pepper | 1 | Diced |
| Parboiled long-grain brown rice | 1 cup | Uncooked |
| Fajita seasoning | 3 tablespoons | Homemade or store-bought |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/8 teaspoon | Optional |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup | Frozen |
| Low sodium black beans | 1 can, 14 oz | Drained and rinsed |
| Shredded chicken | 5 cups | Cooked |
| Reduced sodium chicken broth | 3 cups | Helps cook rice |
| Mild green chiles | 1 can, 4 oz | Adds flavor |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon | Adds richness |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Adds moisture |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 1/4 cups | Shredded |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir until evenly combined. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir it into the rice mixture. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, then stir again until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Remove the foil, sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until melted and lightly golden. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
Use parboiled rice for the best texture and reliable cooking. Cover the dish tightly so the rice steams properly. For extra flavor, top with cilantro, green onion, salsa, avocado, sour cream, or fresh lime juice. For a spicier casserole, add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot salsa. For meal prep, portion leftovers into containers after cooling.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole with a fresh salad, tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover it, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a simple, protein-packed dinner that gives you the bold taste of chicken burritos without the extra rolling or assembly. With rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, spices, and melty cheese, it is satisfying, practical, and perfect for busy family meals.
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Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a healthy, high-protein dinner made with shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, green chiles, fajita seasoning, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It has all the flavor of chicken burritos in one easy baking dish.
Ingredients
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice
3 tablespoons fajita seasoning, homemade or store-bought
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 can (14 ounces) low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
5 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chiles
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, and avocado, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Add the onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Stir the rice and vegetable mixture until evenly combined.
4. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.
5. Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir it into the rice mixture.
6. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the baking dish.
7. Stir everything together until the chicken, beans, corn, rice, and vegetables are evenly distributed.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
10. Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.
11. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
12. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
13. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
14. Serve with fresh cilantro, green onion, salsa, avocado, or your favorite burrito toppings if desired.
Notes
Use parboiled long-grain rice for the most reliable texture.
Cover the dish tightly with foil so the rice cooks evenly.
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep option.
For a spicier casserole, add jalapeños, hot salsa, or extra cayenne.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth if the casserole seems dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
FAQ
Can I make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free fajita seasoning and confirm your broth is gluten-free.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, long-grain white rice can work, but cooking time may be slightly shorter.
Can I make this casserole ahead?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
What toppings go well with Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Cilantro, avocado, salsa, sour cream, green onions, and lime juice all work well.