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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for the chicken burrito bake.
- Activate the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing selected spices in a compact mixing vessel.
- 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.
- Create a liquid foundation by whisking chicken broth, zesty green chilies, rich olive oil, and concentrated tomato paste until smoothly integrated.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetable and rice foundation, gently stirring to ensure uniform distribution of flavors and moisture.
- Introduce protein-rich shredded chicken, sweet corn kernels, and hearty black beans into the dish, folding carefully to blend all components.
- Encase the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients during the extended cooking process.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for approximately 65-70 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.
- 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.
- Extract the bubbling casserole and permit a brief resting period to stabilize the internal temperature.
- 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