Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and comforting Mexican-American dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese layered with tortilla strips and rice, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a great way to use leftover ingredients and can be customized with jalapeños or avocado toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Beans
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Spices
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
Carbohydrates
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 6 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Rice and Cheese: Stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture to blend evenly.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Layer Tortillas and Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the tortilla strips evenly on the bottom of the dish, then top with half of the chicken mixture. Repeat this layering with the remaining tortilla strips and chicken mixture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight browning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This casserole is an excellent way to make use of leftover cooked chicken and rice.
- Add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
- Top with diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice before serving to add freshness.
- Use Mexican blend cheese for a more authentic flavor variation.
