Chicken Burrito Casserole

Here is a simple and tasty recipe guide to make cooking easy and fun.

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INTRODUCTION

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a quick, tasty meal that many families like. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a warm, filling dish. You can make it on a weeknight or for a small party. This casserole mixes chicken, beans, corn, rice, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. It bakes fast and gives a crunchy chip top. If you like easy meals that still taste like you worked hard, this is a good pick. You can also pair it with a light side or a bright salad like the ideas shown in a recipe for chicken avocado ranch burritos for a full dinner plan.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this casserole for many reasons. It cooks fast and fills the house with a warm smell. The recipe uses pantry items and cooked chicken, so you can make it from what you have on hand. It is good for feeding a family or for meal prep. Kids and adults both will enjoy the mild spice and the crunchy chips on top. The dish is also easy to change to match your taste. If you like a sweeter start to a day, try a simple baked breakfast like a blueberry pancake casserole another time. This casserole is also low fuss — you mix, spread, top, and bake.

HOW TO MAKE Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

This recipe is simple. You will mix cooked chicken with beans, corn, rice, tomatoes with chilies, and salsa. Add spices and bake with cheese and chips on top. The steps are clear and easy to follow. You do not need to be a great cook to get a great result. If you like recipes that use chicken in fun ways, check a crispy version like crack chicken tenders for another quick idea. The method below keeps things easy and gives a uniform bake and flavor.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing and spreading
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener for the canned ingredients
• Oven mitts and a cooling rack

These items are common in most kitchens. The baking dish size is best to get an even layer and a good bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed, for topping
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing the baking dish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cooked rice, salsa, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the salsa and spices. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
4. Spoon the chicken burrito mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Top the cheese layer with a generous handful of lightly crushed tortilla chips, spreading them evenly for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes to set slightly and make serving easier.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, then scoop into bowls or onto plates and serve warm.

HOW TO SERVE Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Serve this casserole warm from the oven. Scoop it into bowls or on plates. Add a scoop of sour cream or a dollop of plain yogurt for a cool contrast. Offer extra salsa or hot sauce on the side for those who like more heat. You can also serve it with sliced avocado or guacamole to add creaminess. For a bright side, a simple green salad or shredded cabbage salad works well. If you want a full Tex-Mex meal, add a side of rice and beans, or warm some flour tortillas.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until hot in the middle. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1–2 minute bursts until warm.

To freeze, let the casserole cool fully. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best taste. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge if you can, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes until hot. If you reheat from fully frozen, bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes, checking until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Top with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeño for color and bite.
• Add a scoop of guacamole or fresh sliced avocado for a creamy balance.
• Serve with a side of chips and extra salsa for dipping.
• Make small lettuce wraps with the casserole for a lower-carb option.
• Pair with a light corn salad or coleslaw to add crunch and freshness. For another chicken dish that pairs well with fresh sides, try the chicken veggie quesadillas for more ideas on serving warm, cheesy meals.

VARIATIONS

• Make it spicy: Use hot salsa and add a pinch of cayenne or extra chopped jalapeños.
• Add beans: Swap or add pinto beans or refried beans for a different texture.
• Change the cheese: Use pepper jack for heat, Monterey Jack for melt, or a mix of cheeses.
• Make it low carb: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or extra veggies.
• Add vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, roasted sweet potato, or a plant-based protein.
• Add a different crunch: Use crushed corn chips, plain tortilla chips, or even crispy fried onions.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole with raw chicken?
A: It is best to use cooked chicken. If you only have raw chicken, cook it first by baking, shredding, or poaching. Then follow the recipe as written.

Q: Can I use fresh salsa instead of jarred salsa?
A: Yes. Fresh salsa works well. Just taste it first to see how spicy it is and adjust the other seasonings.

Q: Is this dish freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool the casserole fully, then wrap it well or use freezer-safe containers. It can freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Q: Can I skip the tortilla chips on top?
A: Yes. The chips give a nice crunch, but you can skip them. Try a breadcrumb topping or more cheese instead.

Q: Can I add extra vegetables to make it healthier?
A: Yes. Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Stir raw veggies into the mix or sauté them first if you prefer a softer texture.

Q: How do I make it gluten free?
A: The recipe is mostly gluten free if you use certified gluten-free chips and check your salsa and canned goods for gluten. Use gluten-free rice options and verify labels.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

You can make the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Mix the chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, rice, salsa, and spices in a large bowl. Cover and chill. When you are ready to bake, spread the mix in the greased baking dish, add cheese and chips, and bake as directed. This saves time on busy nights and keeps the flavors fresh.

For a longer make-ahead plan, assemble the casserole in the baking dish without the chips, cover it tightly, and freeze. When you want to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the cheese and chips, then bake for the usual time. This makes a fast dinner night ready in minutes. If you like meal prep, you can portion the casserole into single-serve containers and freeze for easy lunches or dinners.

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If you want another easy casserole idea to add to your meal plan, try the simple baked chicken and corn style like the one-skillet street corn chicken enchilada bake for variety.

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