Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings all your favorite burrito flavors together in one easy-to-make bake. With tender pieces of chicken, warm beans, melted cheese, and a spiced tomato sauce all layered with soft tortillas, it’s like a burrito that you can scoop right off the plate. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
I love making this casserole when I want something filling but don’t feel like rolling a bunch of individual burritos. It’s so simple to put together and you can prep most of it ahead of time, so when hunger strikes, dinner is ready in no time. Plus, the cheesy topping gets all bubbly and golden in the oven, which always adds that little extra touch that makes it taste like a special meal without any fuss.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a dollop of sour cream and a side of fresh guacamole or salsa. It really brightens up the dish and adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices. It’s one of those meals I know will disappear fast, and honestly, I don’t mind because it means everyone’s loving it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken makes the prep quick. Rotisserie chicken works great and adds flavor. For a vegetarian twist, swap it for cooked shredded jackfruit or extra beans.
Beans: Black beans add creaminess and protein. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans are good alternatives.
Salsa: Salsa brings moisture and spice. Mild salsa keeps it family-friendly, but you can use medium or hot depending on how spicy you like it.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are best here for softness after baking. Corn tortillas work but might be a bit more fragile and could break apart while serving.
Cheese: A Mexican blend works perfectly, but you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese.
How Can I Layer the Casserole for the Best Texture and Flavor?
Layering is what makes this casserole taste like a burrito in every bite. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a thin layer of the chicken mixture to keep the tortillas from sticking to the dish.
- Break the tortillas into pieces and layer them evenly but not overcrowded to make sure each layer holds together.
- Add another layer of chicken mix on top, then repeat until you use all ingredients, finishing with chicken mixture.
- Top with cheese so it melts nicely and browns in the oven.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to help it set. This way, slices hold their shape better when serving and the flavors settle nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine all the filling ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and portioning.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing without scratching your bowl.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop fresh cilantro and dice tomatoes for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for ground beef or turkey if you prefer a different protein; both add a nice hearty element.
- Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Mexican blend for a mild spicy kick.
- Stir in a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for smoky heat when you want a bolder flavor.
Chicken Burrito Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium based on preference)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix, then around 25-30 minutes baking time. You’ll also want to let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving, so plan for roughly 45 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks while baking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, salsa, sour cream, half of your shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Spoon a thin layer of the chicken mixture onto the bottom of your baking dish to keep the tortillas from sticking. Tear the flour tortillas into pieces and layer some over the chicken. Spread another layer of chicken mixture on top. Keep layering tortillas and chicken mixture until all is used, ending with a chicken layer.
4. Add Cheese & Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese melts and browns lightly.
5. Finish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro if you like. Serve warm with extra sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken first by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, shred it as usual before adding to the casserole mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover loosely with foil to keep it moist.
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used but they tend to be more fragile and may break apart more easily while serving. To reduce this, you can lightly warm them beforehand to make them more pliable.
