If your family loves burritos but you want a healthier, low-prep option, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the answer. Uncooked rice bakes directly in the dish with seasoned broth, tender chicken, beans, and vegetables, creating a hearty one-pan meal with minimal cleanup. It’s gluten-free, protein-packed, and ideal for clean eating dinners that still feel comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onion, finely diced | ½ cup |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Parboiled brown rice (uncooked) | 1 cup |
| Fajita seasoning | 3 tablespoons |
| Cayenne pepper | ⅛ teaspoon (optional) |
| Corn kernels, frozen | 1 cup |
| Black beans, drained and rinsed | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Shredded chicken | 5 cups |
| Reduced sodium chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Mild green chiles | 1 (4 oz) can |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Monterey Jack cheese, shredded | 1¼ cups |
- Total Time: 90 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy chicken burrito casserole made with rice, beans, veggies, and shredded chicken. Gluten-free, clean eating, and easy.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup uncooked parboiled brown rice
3 tbsp fajita seasoning
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup frozen corn
1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained
5 cups shredded chicken
3 cups chicken broth
1 (4 oz) can green chiles
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
1. Mix rice, veggies, and seasoning in baking dish.
2. Whisk broth, chiles, tomato paste, and oil.
3. Combine everything in dish.
4. Cover and bake until rice is tender.
5. Top with cheese and bake until melted.
Notes
Great for meal prep.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Customize toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper to a 9×13-inch baking dish and stir to combine evenly.
Helpful tip: Make sure the rice is evenly distributed so it cooks properly.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, green chiles, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and stir well to combine with the rice mixture.
Helpful tip: Whisking prevents tomato paste from clumping.
Step 3
Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the dish and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Helpful tip: Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience.
Step 4
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Helpful tip: Keep the dish covered to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
Step 5
Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful tip: Resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, filling dinner that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s healthy, gluten-free, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or busy weeknights when you want comfort food done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Yes, but cooking time may be slightly shorter.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and stores for several days.