If you love comfort food with a punch of flavor, the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is about to become your new weeknight obsession. This layered, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish brings together all the goodness of chicken burritos in one irresistible casserole. Expect creamy layers of tender shredded chicken, seasoned beans, rice, plenty of gooey cheese, and just the right amount of Tex-Mex spice—all baked until bubbly and golden. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends at your next potluck, this casserole is the kind of crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Don’t be surprised if you already have most of what you need on hand!

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves you time, but any cooked chicken will do.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they add a hearty, earthy base and some extra protein.
Corn kernels: Use frozen for the best pop and sweetness, but canned works just as well.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Rotel or a similar brand brings tang and a gentle kick to the mix.
Cooked rice: White or brown rice both soak up the flavors and add bulk to the casserole.
Ground cumin: Lends a deep, warm earthiness that screams Tex-Mex.
Chili powder: For a smoky, gentle heat that ties everything together.
Garlic powder: Just enough to boost flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic notes with no need to chop fresh onions.
Salt and pepper: Season to your taste—these are your finishing touches.
Sour cream: Brings moisture and a luscious creaminess to every bite.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly for a bubbly, golden topping.
Flour tortillas: Torn into pieces, they create tender, comforting layers within the casserole.
Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional): Perfect for a fresh, vibrant garnish with a little heat if you want it!

How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin swipe of oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps with cleanup later (so you can spend more time enjoying your easy chicken burrito casserole and less time at the sink!).

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cooked rice, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Then, gently fold in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheese—this helps bind the filling together and makes it irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Tear the flour tortillas into large, uneven pieces (don’t worry about perfection!), and arrange a layer of them across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half the chicken mixture over these, spreading it into an even layer. Repeat with another layer of torn tortillas and the rest of the chicken mixture, making sure every bite gets a bit of everything. It’s like crafting a hug in casserole form!

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese all over the top—you want full, golden coverage for that deliciously melty finish. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes to get everything heated through. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil so the cheese can bubble and turn golden. The result is a casserole that’s gooey, toasty, and impossible to resist.

Step 5: Let It Cool & Serve

Once the casserole has baked to bubbly perfection, allow it to cool for several minutes before slicing in. This helps the layers set, making serving much neater (and your forkfuls a little more satisfying). Scatter over chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a bright, flavor-packed finish if you’d like!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle your easy chicken burrito casserole with a shower of fresh cilantro for a hit of herbal brightness. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, thinly sliced jalapeños give a vibrant, peppery kick. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a zesty burst—or even a cool dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for extra richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole really is a meal in itself, but it loves good company. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or serve alongside Mexican street corn for a true fiesta. Cilantro-lime rice and refried beans make classic, hearty sides, while chips and salsa bring a festive crunch to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your easy chicken burrito casserole for guests or family nights, serve individual portions in wide shallow bowls, topped with colorful extras like diced tomatoes, avocado, or pickled onions. Try cutting the casserole into squares and wrapping each one in parchment—perfect for lunchboxes or casual gatherings. For a fun twist, serve it over a bed of greens or rice for a “deconstructed burrito bowl” feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover easy chicken burrito casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors have a chance to mingle and deepen, making leftovers surprisingly craveable for lunch or a quick dinner the next day.

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer? You can easily freeze the assembled (unbaked or baked) casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep well for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze and keeps the casserole tasting just as delicious. Cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For a quick fix, individual portions can be microwaved for a couple of minutes—just add a splash of water and cover to keep things moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be going in cold.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitution if you’re looking for something a little lighter, but still want that creamy element. You could also mix in a bit of cream cheese for a richer flavor.

Is this casserole spicy?

With the amounts listed, the easy chicken burrito casserole has a mild-to-medium heat, thanks to the tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder. For more spice, add extra jalapeños or use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes!

Are there gluten-free options?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping the flour tortillas for your favorite corn tortillas, which add their own delicious flavor and sturdiness to the casserole’s layers.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to sauté bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini and mix them into the filling for a boost of color and nutrition. The easy chicken burrito casserole is super flexible and welcomes your personal touches.

Final Thoughts

The easy chicken burrito casserole is truly the best kind of comfort food—reliable, adaptable, and always a hit around the table. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of tender chicken, beans, corn, and rice, seasoned with zesty spices and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned and drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
6–8 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, rice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in sour cream and 1 cup of cheese.
Layer and bake: Tear tortillas into pieces and layer the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the chicken mixture on top, then repeat with another layer of tortillas and remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with cilantro or jalapeños if desired.