Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, comfort-packed dinner that brings all your favorite burrito flavors together with barely any fuss, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine hearty layers of spiced chicken, creamy beans, sweet corn, and melty cheese—all tucked between tender tortillas and baked until perfectly bubbly. With just 15 minutes of prep and plenty of shortcuts, this casserole is the ultimate solution for busy nights, and it’s endlessly customizable for everyone at the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a beautiful showcase of simple ingredients coming together for bold flavor and vibrant color. Every component plays its part, from the seasoned chicken to the generous cheese topping, creating a true fiesta in a pan.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous time-saver, but you can use any leftover or freshly cooked chicken you have on hand.
• Refried beans (1 can, 16 oz): Adds creaminess and classic burrito flavor—spread it well so every bite has a little.
• Salsa (1 cup): This not only brings tanginess, but keeps everything moist and flavorful; choose your heat level.
• Taco seasoning (1 packet): Delivers instant, well-balanced Mexican spices—no measuring, no fuss.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Offers a tangy counterpoint to the spice, with a luscious, cooling texture.
• Canned corn (15 oz, drained): Sweet pops of corn add both color and a touch of crunch.
• Black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed): Hearty, earthy, and full of plant-based protein—don’t forget to rinse for less sodium!
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 cups): The signature oozy, golden topping—buy pre-shredded for convenience or shred your own for extra melty goodness.
• Large flour tortillas (6): They layer beautifully and soak up all the saucy goodness as they bake (swap for corn tortillas to make it gluten-free).
• Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for garnish: Just a sprinkle on top brings freshness and color to finish the dish.

How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light mist of nonstick spray. This tiny step makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your casserole serves up beautifully intact.

Step 2: Mix Up the Chicken Filling

In a big mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, refried beans, salsa, taco seasoning, sour cream, corn, and black beans. Stir it all together until the mixture looks uniformly creamy and every ingredient is coated in those delicious flavors—this is the magic base of your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spoon a thin layer of your chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to kick things off and prevent sticking. Tear two tortillas into big pieces and lay them over the mixture, creating a rustic patchwork. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese on top. Continue layering (chicken mixture, torn tortillas, cheese) until you’ve used everything, finishing with a final lavish layer of cheese to get those golden, bubbly edges.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This traps the moisture and ensures all the flavors meld together. After 20 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, so the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistibly browned topping.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes—it’ll be easier to slice and serve. For the finishing touch, generously sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions and cilantro. They’ll brighten the flavor and look extra inviting on your dinner table.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with the right garnish. Along with green onions and cilantro, try sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or even a dollop of extra sour cream for a cool contrast. A squeeze of lime right before serving wakes up every bite with fresh zing.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a side of Spanish rice, crisp lettuce salad with lime vinaigrette, or classic tortilla chips and guacamole. If you want to go the extra mile, a scoop of corn salad or a light slaw will complement the richness of the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, slice the casserole into squares and layer them on a big platter, ringed with lime wedges and colorful toppings. Individual ramekins are great for personal portions, or try serving over a bed of shredded lettuce for a deconstructed burrito bowl vibe. Leftovers even make fantastic burrito or taco fillings for a fun next-day twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a lifesaver for busy days. Let the casserole cool, then transfer slices to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. For best results, wrap individual portions (or the whole pan) tightly in foil and then plastic wrap or freezer bags. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the tastiest results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings covered loosely with a damp paper towel, or bake larger portions covered in the oven at 350°F until hot. If you find the casserole a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of salsa on top before serving to bring back the moisture.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time since it’ll be going in cold.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you love extra heat, swap in a medium or hot salsa, scatter chopped pickled jalapeños into the layers, or add a dash of hot sauce right into the filling. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning blend for an extra kick.

Is Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?

This dish can be completely gluten-free if you use corn tortillas instead of flour. Be sure to double-check the taco seasoning and refried beans for hidden gluten to be safe.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken quickly?

The absolute easiest method is to use two forks, but for large batches, place cooked chicken breasts into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix for 30 seconds—the chicken shreds perfectly with no effort!

Can I use another type Main Course

Of course! Shredded beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles all work beautifully. Just adjust the seasoning to taste and follow the same layering method for a delicious twist on this classic casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of pulling a bubbling pan of Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole fresh from the oven. If you’re looking for a recipe that never fails to impress and leaves everyone swooning for seconds, this one needs to make it into your weeknight rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new family favorite!

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