If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible, Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos will definitely hit the spot. Imagine soft flour tortillas generously filled with savory shredded chicken, beans, rice, and melty cheese, all rolled up and blanketed in a creamy enchilada sauce, then baked until bubbly perfection. The flavors meld together to create a symphony of textures and tastes—each bite is packed with irresistible Mexican-American flair. If you love comfort food with a touch of zest and a whole lot of gooey goodness, this dish is about to become your new weeknight favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos is just how simple the ingredient list is—each component plays a key role, bringing bold flavor, creamy texture, and an inviting pop of color to your table. These aren’t just any burritos; every bite bursts with essentials that make this dish unforgettable.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of your filling—juicy and tender, it soaks up all those bold spices and sauce.
- Refried beans (1 can, 15 oz): Velvety, rich, and beyond satisfying, beans add both substance and the ultimate comfort factor.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): Rice provides a fluffy base inside your burrito, absorbing flavor and keeping each bite satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar melts into a golden, tangy layer, upping the oozy factor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Mild, creamy Jack ensures every bite is melty and smooth.
- Red enchilada sauce (1 can, 10 oz): Smothering these burritos, this sauce delivers smoky, spicy depth and color.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Blended with enchilada sauce, it creates a luscious, tangy topping you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
- Onion, diced (1 small): A quick sauté softens onion into sweet, aromatic goodness that brightens the filling.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing onions, it adds subtle richness and helps meld flavors.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Fragrant and earthy, cumin gives the chicken layer a distinctive Mexican vibe.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle heat and smoky depth—feel free to add a dash more if you like spice.
- Large flour tortillas (6): The soft, pliable wraps that hold everything together—look for burrito-sized ones.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top for color and a burst of herby freshness.
How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Onions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for that big cheesy bake. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent—this step really brings extra flavor and sweetness to your burrito filling!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, the sautéed onion, cooked rice, ground cumin, chili powder, and half of both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This creates a hearty, seasoned mixture that feels like a hug in burrito form. Stir well so every bite is deliciously uniform.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon a generous layer of refried beans down the center of each one—this helps every burrito stay moist and creamy. Top the beans with a hearty scoop of the chicken and rice mixture. Roll the tortillas up snugly, tucking in the sides to keep everything secure, burrito-style.
Step 4: Arrange and Smother the Burritos
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down. In a small bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce and sour cream until it’s perfectly smooth—this is your special “smothering” sauce. Pour it generously over the burritos, ensuring each one is bathing in flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the sauced burritos. Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is totally melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are bubbling and gorgeous, take them out and let them cool just a minute or two. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Now they’re ready for the table!
How to Serve Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Garnishes
Nothing beats a finishing touch! For restaurant-style flair, sprinkle chopped cilantro over your smothered burritos. A dollop of cool sour cream, a fresh spoonful of tomato salsa, or a few slices of creamy avocado also work beautifully. For a spicy kick, scatter sliced jalapeños or serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
Pair your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos with traditional Mexican sides like sautéed corn, a crisp green salad, or even a scoop of homemade guacamole. Rice pilaf, seasoned black beans, or zesty lime wedges balance out the richness and make this meal a true fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn mealtime into an event by plating each burrito individually with a swirl of enchilada sauce, a dusting of cheese, and a few cilantro sprigs. For a family-style feast, serve directly from the baking dish, letting everyone spoon up extra sauce for themselves. Or serve mini versions for parties—just use smaller tortillas and slice each one in half, then arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow resist eating every last bite, Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos make fantastic leftovers. Simply transfer cooled burritos to an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even bolder after sitting overnight, making leftovers a lunchtime treat!
Freezing
To freeze, let the burritos cool completely, then wrap each tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos keep their flavor for up to 2 months—ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu cravings.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For individual portions, a few minutes in the microwave works too—just cover to keep in that delicious moisture and avoid drying out the cheese.
FAQs
Can I make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos with a different protein?
Absolutely! Shredded beef or ground turkey both work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure your filling is fully cooked and seasoned before assembling the burritos for baking.
How spicy are these burritos?
They have just a gentle kick, thanks to a touch of chili powder and enchilada sauce. If you prefer more heat, simply add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add the sauce and cheese, then proceed with the instructions—so easy for busy days!
Are these burritos gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses flour tortillas, which contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with your favorite large gluten-free tortillas and confirm your other ingredients meet your needs.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
For the best texture, cover the burritos with foil and reheat in the oven, or microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel. This keeps the cheese melty and the filling moist every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to turn a regular dinner into something comforting and memorable, Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are just what your table needs. This recipe couldn’t be easier or more rewarding—once you’ve tasted that cheesy, savory, smothered magic, you’ll be making these burritos again and again.
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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Featuring tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and gooey melted cheese, these burritos are baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy enchilada sauce. Serve them with your favorite toppings for an easy and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Burritos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onions: In a skillet, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until softened.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix chicken, sautéed onion, rice, cumin, chili powder, and half of the cheeses.
- Assemble burritos: Spread refried beans on each tortilla, top with chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Add sauce: Mix enchilada sauce and sour cream, pour over burritos, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if desired.
- Try shredded beef or ground turkey as alternative proteins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
