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Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole: A Delicious and Healthy Family Dinner

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

If your family loves Mexican food, this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner! It’s a one-dish wonder that combines all the flavors of your favorite burritos into a hearty, protein-packed casserole. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is gluten-free and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or white rice)
  • 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 (14 oz) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 5 cups shredded chicken
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (4 oz) can mild green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until well combined.
  4. Mix Everything: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir to combine with the rice mixture. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, stirring until evenly distributed.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, or avocado if desired.

Notes

  • Rice Choice: Parboiled long-grain brown rice works best, but you can substitute with white rice if preferred.
  • Chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) or cook and shred your own.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste or omit it for a milder flavor.
  • Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, but you can use cheddar or a Mexican blend for variety.
  • Toppings: Add fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

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