Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole: A Delicious and Healthy Family Dinner
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.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Total Time: 55 minute
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
- Calories: 343kcal per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 81mg