Name: Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup frozen corn, thawed; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 6 large flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hearty, cheesy, and brimming with Tex-Mex flavors, Chicken Burrito Casserole brings the fiesta right to your dinner table. This is one of those all-in-one, cozy meals that checks every box: savory chicken, layered tortillas, melty cheese, and loads of colorful veggies. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or prepping for a week of satisfying lunches, this easy bake captures the spirit of a burrito in every comforting bite!

Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze—each one brings something special to the dish, from texture to vibrant flavor. Most are pantry staples or easy fridge finds, and every component plays its part to deliver that irresistible Chicken Burrito Casserole goodness.

Cooked shredded chicken: This is the main protein—using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving game changer.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and brings a subtle, smooth richness to the base.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor when sautéed just right.
Garlic: For a punch of flavor that blends beautifully with the savory spices.
Black beans: These hearty beans add fiber and a creamy bite to each layer.
Frozen corn: Popping sweet kernels that contrast wonderfully with smoky seasonings.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Gives the casserole a juicy tang and a gentle kick.
Cooked rice: A staple filler that soaks up every bit of flavor.
Taco seasoning: Instant Tex-Mex flair; use a packet or your own blend to add warmth and depth.
Sour cream: Creamy goodness that melds everything together—Greek yogurt works too!
Salsa: Brings vibrancy and a fresh tomato zing to every bite.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: For that ooey-gooey, melty blanket nobody can resist.
Flour tortillas: Acts as the “pasta” in your casserole, creating those classic burrito-style layers.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it turns just translucent, then add the minced garlic for a quick, fragrant boost. This sets the entire flavor foundation for your Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Heart of the Filling

Add the black beans, thawed corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, cooked rice, shredded chicken, and taco seasoning right into your skillet. Give it a good mix and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. This magical medley is the flavorful soul of your casserole.

Step 3: Stir in Creaminess

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream along with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. The sour cream binds the filling together and gives each bite a delectable, tangy creaminess that makes this Chicken Burrito Casserole so memorable.

Step 4: Layer Up for Casserole Magic

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut your tortillas into halves or quarters so they layer neatly. Begin by covering the bottom of the dish with tortillas, then spread on a generous layer of the chicken mixture, and add a spoonful or two of salsa. Repeat these steps, stacking layers until all the filling is used, ending with tortillas as the top layer.

Step 5: Cheese on Top and Bake

Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly over the top tortilla layer—this is what will get gooey and golden in the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese on top is delightfully bubbly and melted.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let your Chicken Burrito Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before you dive in. This little pause helps everything set for easy slicing and gorgeous, cheesy layers when you serve it up.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add fresh flavor and playful color—think a scatter of chopped cilantro, dollops of extra sour cream, slices of fresh avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice. Sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of green onions can take it up a notch if you love a little extra heat and crunch.

Side Dishes

Chicken Burrito Casserole is super hearty on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can turn dinnertime into a feast. A zesty Mexican slaw, chips and guacamole, or a quick side salad with tangy vinaigrette are all delicious companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, crowd-pleasing effect, try serving squares of casserole over a bed of shredded lettuce or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Or, cut it into small squares for a Tex-Mex appetizer platter at parties—everyone loves a bite-sized taste of this comfort food classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Chicken Burrito Casserole keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a favorite for next-day lunches and quick weeknight meals.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble it (but stop before the final bake), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake directly from frozen with extra time. You can also freeze individual portions for single-serve lunches.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave single slices for a minute or two, or cover the dish and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of broth or salsa over the top before covering to keep it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a bit more texture and a classic flavor, though they may be a little softer than flour. Just layer them as you would with the flour tortillas and enjoy a gluten-friendly twist.

Is there a way to make Chicken Burrito Casserole spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños, swap in a spicy salsa, or drizzle in some hot sauce during layering to please the heat-seekers in your family.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

No worries! You can quickly pan-fry some chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut that brings loads of flavor without the extra work.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely. Just add extra beans, swap in cooked lentils, or use a favorite meat substitute. The rich flavors and satisfying texture will still shine, making this a great meatless option.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Drain the tomatoes well and avoid overdoing the salsa in each layer. Baking uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes also helps evaporate excess moisture and yields a bubbly, golden finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Chicken Burrito Casserole brings together bold flavors, easy prep, and comforting, crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying leftovers for lunch, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish that layers shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and rice with a blend of cheeses and zesty salsa, all baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Mixture:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 cup cooked rice
1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

For Assembly:

6 large flour tortillas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, rice, chicken, and taco seasoning. Cook until heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and salsa. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas on top.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top layer. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.