The Best Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

Every home cook dreams of a mouthwatering chicken burrito casserole that promises comfort and flavor in one delightful dish.

Layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a magical meal everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners can be a breeze with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Packed with protein and bursting with Mexican-inspired ingredients, this casserole brings excitement to your dining table.

Families adore how quickly you can assemble these delicious layers of goodness.

Convenient and crowd-pleasing, this recipe will become your new go-to meal for busy evenings.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible chicken burrito casserole!

Chicken Burrito Casserole and the Cheesy Layers You’ll Love

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hassle-free dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fiesta: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, cheese, and beans, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy faces at the dinner table.
• Customization Champion: Easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings like salsa, cilantro, or avocado to match your family's taste preferences and make the recipe your own.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an ideal option for planners who want to streamline their cooking routine.

Chicken Burrito Casserole Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein base that provides hearty texture and flavor to the casserole, best when using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken.
• Black Beans: Rich protein source that adds creamy texture and earthy flavor, canned beans work perfectly for convenience.
• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy elements that create rich and smooth consistency, full-fat versions provide better taste.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds golden color and tangy flavor, Mexican blend or cheddar work best.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Spice blend that delivers robust southwestern flavor profile, use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and slight heat to the casserole, canned version provides consistent flavor.

• Tortilla Pieces: Creates layered structure and absorbs flavors, corn or flour tortillas can be used depending on preference.

Burrito Casserole Easy Bake Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well blended and create a creamy, zesty mixture.

Step 3: Layer First Base

Spread a thin, even layer of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the greased baking dish.

This creates a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 4: Build Tortilla Layer

Arrange tortilla pieces directly over the chicken mixture.

Cover the entire surface to create a solid base for the next layer.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the tortilla pieces, creating a melty, golden layer.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Continue building layers by repeating the process – chicken mixture, tortilla pieces, and cheese.

Keep stacking until you’ve used all your ingredients, ensuring the final top layer is covered with cheese.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.

Step 8: Final Baking

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Top with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Layering Tips for Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Swap rotisserie, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken for varied flavor profiles and texture.
• Add ground beef or turkey alongside chicken for a heartier, more protein-packed meal.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to control heat intensity, catering to different spice tolerances.
• Replace regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas to make the casserole celiac-friendly.
• Substitute chicken with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based protein crumbles for a meatless version.

Chicken Burrito Casserole Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Chicken Burrito Casserole Add-Ons

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to complement the casserole's Mexican-inspired flavors, cutting through the rich, creamy texture with bright, tangy notes.
• Boost with Fresh Cilantro Salsa: Chop fresh cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños to create a vibrant side that adds crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the hearty dish, its cool temperature and subtle hops enhancing the meal's spicy undertones.
• Serve Cooling Guacamole: Mash ripe avocados with lime, salt, and diced onions to provide a smooth, creamy accompaniment that softens the casserole's robust spices and adds healthy fat.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Meal Alternatives

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla chips. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini strips instead of tortillas. Swap high-carb ingredients with lower-carb vegetables and increase protein content for a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate chipotle peppers for extra heat. Mix in fresh cilantro and green onions for a vibrant, zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are black beans necessary for this recipe?

Black beans add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the casserole. If you don’t like them or have allergies, you can substitute with pinto beans or skip beans entirely without disrupting the overall dish.

• Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn, flour, or whole wheat tortillas. Corn tortillas will give a more traditional Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer texture. Just ensure the tortillas are fresh and not stale.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, increase the chili powder, or include hot sauce in the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with green chilies to boost the heat level.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chicken burrito casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with layers of zesty spices and melted cheese. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that delivers authentic southwestern warmth in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked and shredded chicken

Dairy:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream

Pantry and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 8 small flour tortillas, cut into quarters

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

• diced avocado
• chopped cilantro
• sliced jalapenos
• salsa
• sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a robust filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a medley of spices including chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Establish a foundational layer of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Construct alternating layers by strategically placing tortilla fragments over the initial chicken base, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
5. Continue layering the casserole, methodically repeating the tortilla and cheese placement until all ingredients are incorporated, culminating with a crowning layer of melty cheese on top.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the protective foil and return the dish to the oven, baking an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to create a lighter, more diet-friendly casserole without sacrificing creaminess.
• Roast fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini before adding them to the mixture for enhanced depth and additional nutritional value.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, making meal prep incredibly convenient for busy families.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg