Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Casserole Assembly:
- 8-10 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. You can boil it, bake it, or use a rotisserie chicken to save time. I often use leftover Mexican Chicken – it adds an extra layer of flavor!
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chiles. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will help prevent the tortillas from sticking.
- Lay 2-3 tortillas over the chicken mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry if they tear a little!
- Spread another layer of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
Baking and Serving:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it hold its shape.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Burrito Casserole
Making this Chicken Burrito Casserole is super easy, but here are a few tips to make it even better:
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. Too much filling can make the casserole soggy.
- Use warm tortillas. Warming the tortillas slightly makes them more pliable and easier to work with. You can microwave them for a few seconds or wrap them in a damp towel and heat them in the oven.
- Customize the fillings. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to your liking. Ground beef, pinto beans, rice, or different types of cheese would all be delicious.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations to Spice Things Up
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning. You could even toss in some chopped jalapeños!
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and more bell peppers.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or sour cream into the chicken mixture for an extra creamy texture.
- Add Rice: Mix cooked rice into the chicken mixture for a heartier casserole.
Chicken Burrito Casserole: Perfect for any Occasion
This casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering with friends. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
It’s one of the Mexican Chicken Heavenly family of recipes that are simple to modify, so consider this a great starting point for a variety of dishes!
Making it Healthy-ish
This Chicken Burrito Casserole can easily be adapted to be a little healthier. Here’s how:
- Use whole wheat tortillas. They add fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of cheese. Use a reduced-fat cheese or just sprinkle a light layer on top.
- Add more vegetables. Increase the amount of bell peppers, onions, and corn in the chicken mixture.
- Use lean chicken. Make sure to use skinless chicken breasts and trim off any excess fat.
- Control the Sodium: Use a low-sodium taco seasoning.
For those looking for Chile Relleno Casserole or other healthy options, this casserole is a great base to build upon. Plus, this is definitely a good option for Chicken Enchilada Bowls too!
This recipe is also fantastic because it can be considered one of many Walking Taco Casserole style recipes, and it’s a great way to make simple tweaks to get a lot of different flavors.
It’s a great option for Mexican Chicken lovers, and you can swap out ingredients as needed!
Dishes For Diabetics Easy Recipes
If you’re looking for dishes for diabetics easy recipes, this Chicken Burrito Casserole can be modified to fit your needs. By using whole wheat tortillas, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables, you can create a diabetic-friendly meal that’s still delicious and satisfying. Be mindful of the sodium content in the taco seasoning and canned ingredients, and opt for low-sodium versions when possible. This allows you to enjoy the flavors you love while managing your blood sugar levels effectively. It’s also a great Mexican Chicken recipe that is easily adaptable!
High Protein Meal Options
Need high protein meal options? Look no further! With 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts, this casserole is packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy metabolism, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This Chicken Burrito Casserole provides a delicious and convenient way to get your protein fix. You can even add a side of Greek yogurt or black beans for an extra protein boost. Plus, you can use this as a base for a Chile Relleno Casserole style dish.
Cheap Meals Chicken
On a budget? This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a fantastic option for cheap meals chicken. Chicken breasts are a relatively inexpensive source of protein, and the other ingredients like beans, corn, and tortillas are also budget-friendly. You can often find these ingredients on sale or in bulk, further reducing the cost. This casserole is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s also a resourceful way to use up leftover ingredients you may already have on hand. Mexican Chicken Heavenly is an equally budget-friendly option!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are a beautiful thing! Store any leftover Chicken Burrito Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out.
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Can I prepare the Chicken Burrito Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
What are some variations I can make to the Chicken Burrito Casserole?
You can make a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños. A vegetarian version can be made by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables. For a creamy version, stir in cream of chicken soup or sour cream into the chicken mixture. You can also add cooked rice for a heartier casserole.
How should I store and reheat leftover Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Store any leftover Chicken Burrito Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering it with foil to prevent drying.
How can I make this casserole a bit healthier?
You can use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the amount of cheese (or use reduced-fat cheese), add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn, use lean chicken breasts, and control the sodium by using a low-sodium taco seasoning.
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper any color
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8-10 flour tortillas 6-8 inch size
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- Optional toppings: sour cream
- Optional toppings: salsa
- Optional toppings: guacamole
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. You can boil it, bake it, or use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chiles. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Lay 2-3 tortillas over the chicken mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry if they tear a little!
- Spread another layer of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
- End with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
