Name: Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely diced onion; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can substitute with long grain white rice); 5 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies; 3 tablespoons homemade or store-bought taco seasoning; 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dinner that practically makes itself, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe is exactly what you need. I first stumbled upon this combo on a busy weeknight when I wanted all the great taste of a burrito without the fuss of wrapping them individually. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, vibrant peppers, and a cheesy finish that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time — plus it’s super easy to throw together.

This casserole works wonders for meal prep or casual family dinners because it reheats beautifully and requires just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. I love how versatile it is too; whether you’re feeding a picky crowd or craving something cozy, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe fits the bill perfectly. I’m excited for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to form a dish that’s hearty, balanced, and packed with warm Tex-Mex flavors. A few pointers before you shop: using parboiled brown rice adds a nice texture and nuttiness, but you can swap with white rice if you’re in a pinch or want a softer bite.

Onion: Finely diced for a soft, mellow flavor that melts into the casserole.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Long-grain brown rice: I recommend parboiled for better texture; pre-cooked options work well too.
Homemade or store-bought sauce: A flavorful base—you can personalize this with your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick; adjust or omit based on your heat preference.
Corn kernels: Frozen works fine and brings a touch of sweetness.
Low sodium black beans: Rinsed well to keep the casserole from getting too salty.
Shredded chicken: Perfect use for leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked breast or thighs, shredded fine so it combines well.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist and adds flavor without overpowering.
Mild green chilies: A nice, mild heat — you can swap for hot if you want more punch.
Seasonings (unspecified but presumably spices): Salt and pepper go without saying; feel free to add cumin or smoked paprika if you like more smoky depth.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy top finish.

Variations

One of my favorite parts about this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to switch up proteins, swap in different veggies, or adapt it for special diets, there’s room for experimentation here. Let me share a few ways I’ve tweaked it over time.

Vegetarian version: I’ve replaced the chicken with extra beans and roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, and it still turned out delish and hearty.
Spicy kick: Adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce made this a big hit when friends came over who love heat.
Cheese swap: Using a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack freshens things up with a sharper flavor that I enjoy on occasion.
Rice alternatives: For a lower-carb meal, try cauliflower rice; just note that cooking time will vary.

How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers

Start by heating a pan and tossing in your finely diced onion and red bell pepper. I usually add a little oil over medium heat and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion becomes translucent and the pepper smells sweet and fragrant. This step builds a flavor base that really shines through in the final dish.

Step 2: Combine Rice and Sauce Mixture

Next, stir in your uncooked parboiled rice to coat it lightly, then add your homemade or store-bought sauce, chicken broth, green chilies, cayenne pepper if using, and black beans. Give it a good mix so all ingredients are well combined. This is where the casserole gets that vibrant, comforting flavor infusion.

Step 3: Layer In The Chicken and Corn, Then Bake

Once your sauce and rice mixture is ready, pour it into a greased casserole dish and top evenly with shredded chicken and frozen corn kernels. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously on top to get that perfect golden crust. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to pile on fresh garnishes that brighten every bite. Think chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a tangy balance), sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. These add freshness that complements the warm, cheesy casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some Mexican street corn salad for extra zing. A side of chips and salsa never hurts either if you want to keep it casual.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served this casserole family-style directly from a beautiful ceramic dish, sprinkled with extra cheese and cilantro right before bringing it to the table. For entertaining, you can also portion it out into individual ramekins and garnish each with a small dollop of guacamole and a tiny wedge of lime — guests love the personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole tastes just as good the next day. I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready, just reheat and enjoy without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole several times, and it holds up wonderfully. To freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I find the best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, warming for about 20-25 minutes. For quick reheats, a microwave works too, just add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself. Just season and bake or poach the chicken until cooked through, then shred with forks before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Is this casserole spicy?

By default, this recipe is mild, but the cayenne pepper and green chilies add a gentle heat. You can adjust the spice level by omitting cayenne or adding hot peppers or jalapeños for more kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, especially if you double-check the sauces and broth. Just be sure to use gluten-free-certified chicken broth and sauces if you’re highly sensitive.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

You can swap Monterey Jack with Cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder, stringier melt. Some people also use pepper jack if they want a bit more spice in the cheese.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that feels both like a warm hug and a simple, no-fuss meal. This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe hits that sweet spot for me every time I make it. It’s definitely become my go-to when I want a dinner that’s both comforting and made-from-scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you find yourself reaching for this recipe just as often — it’s a joy to share and enjoy with the people you care about.