The Sizzling Chicken Burrito Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a delightful chicken burrito bake can turn an ordinary weeknight into a fiesta of flavors.

Layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering casserole that feels like a warm hug.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together faster than you can say “dinner is served!” Salsa, tortillas, and seasoned protein mingle beneath a golden, bubbling surface of cheesy goodness.

Southwest-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that sparks conversation and brings smiles around the table.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms basic ingredients into an irresistible dinner sensation.

Chicken Burrito Bake With Layers Of Flavor

• Quickly Assemble Dinner: This one-pan chicken burrito bake eliminates multiple cooking steps, letting you toss ingredients together and let the oven do the work.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of tender chicken, beans, rice, and melted cheese that transforms traditional burrito flavors into a comforting casserole.
• Meal Prep Champion: The recipe yields generous servings and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing ahead for lunch tomorrow.
• Flexible Flavor Adventure: Customize the dish by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.

Chicken Burrito Bake Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean protein source for the main dish, choose boneless skinless for easy shredding.
• Black Beans: Plant-based protein with hearty texture, adds nutritional value.

• Uncooked Rice: Core foundation of the casserole, regular long-grain white rice works best.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds color and texture to the dish.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic base vegetables that provide depth of flavor.
• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and southwestern flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and helps cook rice, use low-sodium for better control of salt.
• Tomato Paste: Provides rich tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavors.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Spice mix for authentic southwestern taste.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy richness.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs for bright finish.
• Avocado, Salsa: Optional fresh toppings for extra flavor and texture.

Chicken Burrito Bake Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to get things rolling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Blend

Create a zesty seasoning mix that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Layer the Base

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start building your flavor foundation.

• Diced onion
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Uncooked rice
• Seasoning blend

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Liquid Magic

In a large bowl, create a moisture-packed mixture that’ll bring your dish to life.

• Chicken broth
• Diced green chilies
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Combine and Merge Flavors

Pour the liquid mixture into the baking dish and give it a good stir to marry all the ingredients.

Step 6: Add Protein and Extras

Introduce the hearty components that’ll make this dish super satisfying.

• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Shredded chicken

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 65-70 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Dress and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes.

Finish with fresh toppings that add bright, cool contrast.

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced avocado
• Fresh salsa

Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed Chicken Burrito Bake!

Chicken Burrito Bake Assembly Tips

• Adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or fiery hot.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary needs.
• Use long-grain white rice and avoid stirring too much during baking to prevent sticky, clumpy texture.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or diced carrots to increase the dish's fiber and vitamin content.

Getting Chicken Burrito Bake Ready for Round Two

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

What Tastes Best With Burrito Bake

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Craft a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the spicy, robust flavors of the chicken burrito bake.
• Enhance with Fresh Mexican Slaw: Whip up a crisp coleslaw with lime, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to add brightness and crunch that balances the rich, hearty casserole.
• Serve with Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Create a refreshing sour cream sauce mixed with lime zest and chopped cilantro to provide a creamy, cooling contrast to the dish's warm spices.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to cut through the dish's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.

Chicken Burrito Bake Spins

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, black beans, or quinoa for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Modification: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to boost nutritional content.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and top with hot sauce for an extra kick of heat and bold flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key protein sources in this Chicken Burrito Bake?

The recipe includes shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese as primary protein sources, making it a nutritious and filling meal with balanced protein content.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based protein crumbles to suit your dietary preferences or what you have available.

• How spicy is this Chicken Burrito Bake?

The recipe includes green chilies and seasoning mix, which provide a mild to moderate level of heat. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of green chilies and seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Chicken Burrito Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting chicken burrito bake brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained, or frozen)
• 2 green chilies, deseeded and chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped avocado
• Salsa

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for the chicken burrito bake.
2. Activate the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing selected spices in a compact mixing vessel.
4. Construct the base layer in a spacious rectangular baking dish by combining diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, raw rice grains, and the meticulously prepared seasoning mixture.
5. Create a liquid foundation by whisking chicken broth, zesty green chilies, rich olive oil, and concentrated tomato paste until smoothly integrated.
6. Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetable and rice foundation, gently stirring to ensure uniform distribution of flavors and moisture.
7. Introduce protein-rich shredded chicken, sweet corn kernels, and hearty black beans into the dish, folding carefully to blend all components.
8. Encase the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients during the extended cooking process.
9. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for approximately 65-70 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.
10. Unveil the dish, crown the surface with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes of melting and golden browning.
11. Extract the bubbling casserole and permit a brief resting period to stabilize the internal temperature.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro, crisp green onions, creamy avocado slices, and a vibrant salsa to elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it absorbs liquid more evenly and cooks perfectly in this one-pan dish.
• Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same robust flavor profile and protein content.
• Control spice levels by adjusting the green chilies and seasoning mix, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to transform this into a quick weeknight meal, reducing overall cooking stress and preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 512
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg