If you are looking for a heartwarming dish that combines bold flavors with comforting ingredients, look no further than this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole. It’s a one-dish wonder filled with tender shredded chicken, colorful veggies, and that irresistible blend of spices that scream fiesta in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying, flavorful meal that is incredibly easy to prepare.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients is the secret behind this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole’s delicious flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the sweet crunch of bell peppers to the hearty goodness of brown rice and black beans, all tied together with the zest of fajita seasoning.

1/2 cup finely diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and a subtle savory base.
1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings a burst of color and a gentle crisp texture.
1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice: Provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture; white rice works, too.
3 tablespoons fajita seasoning: Packs in smoky, spicy flavor, whether you use a homemade or store-bought blend.
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
1 cup corn kernels (frozen): Adds sweetness and a pleasant pop in every bite.
1 14-ounce can low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess, protein, and fiber to the dish.
5 cups shredded chicken: The star ingredient providing satisfying protein and heartiness.
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses savory depth.
1 4-ounce can mild green chilies: Contribute just the right amount of mild spice and tang.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps bind flavors together.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey richness and a mild tang.

How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot. Combine the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper in your 9×13 inch baking dish. This step builds the flavorful foundation of the casserole, ensuring every spoonful gets a bit of those vibrant, savory notes.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil. This tangy, aromatic mixture will infuse the rice and chicken with deep flavor as it bakes, creating that irresistible saucy texture we all crave from a great casserole.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Rice Mixture

Pour the broth mixture over the rice and veggie base, then stir carefully to ensure every grain of rice soaks up the seasoning. This step helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors so your casserole comes out perfectly moist.

Step 4: Add Protein and Beans

Next, add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels right into the baking dish. Stir everything again to combine, making sure the chicken and beans are evenly distributed throughout. These ingredients add hearty texture and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. This slow cooking step allows all the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the liquid is gone and the mixture is cooked through, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden. This topping seals in moisture while adding a luscious cheesy finish.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

After baking, let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time helps it set up so when you scoop it onto plates, it holds together beautifully. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed with your favorite garnishes or sides!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado instantly elevates your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole. These fresh touches provide vibrant color, creamy texture, and a pop of brightness that pairs perfectly with the warm, cheesy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole works wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or Mexican street corn salad. Light and refreshing sides add balance to the rich flavors and make the meal feel complete without any extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in small ramekins for individual portions or scoop it into crispy tortilla bowls. You can also top with dollops of sour cream and extra salsa for a DIY burrito bowl vibe that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal that tastes just like fresh.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual servings until hot, adding a sprinkle of cheese and a quick broil to revive the melty topping.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works just as well and will cook slightly faster, so you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

How spicy is this casserole?

The heat level is mild by default, especially if you skip the optional cayenne pepper. You can easily increase the spice with extra chili powder or a hotter green chili variety.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but you can substitute with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a sharper taste.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake later?

You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a fantastic recipe to keep in your repertoire when you want comforting, delicious food that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how it brings vibrant tastes and cozy satisfaction to your table every time you make it.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, brown rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese all baked together in a single dish. Packed with vibrant fajita-seasoned veggies, mild green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a perfect, hearty meal for family dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat and Combine Base Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the finely diced onion, diced red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to fully mix the ingredients.
Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Add Broth to Rice Mixture: Pour the broth mixture over the rice and vegetables in the baking dish, and stir everything together until evenly combined.
Add Proteins and Corn: Add the shredded chicken, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir again to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 65-70 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Add Cheese: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
Melt Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped green onion, salsa, and avocado.

Notes

You can substitute long grain white rice if preferred, but adjust baking time if necessary.
Using reduced sodium broth and beans helps control the salt content.
Optional cayenne pepper adds extra heat—omit if you prefer mild flavors.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a vegetarian version, substitute shredded chicken with plant-based protein or extra beans and vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 330 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, burrito casserole, baked chicken rice dish, fajita seasoning, easy dinner, Mexican casserole