If you’ve ever wanted the flavors of a loaded chicken burrito without the mess of rolling tortillas, this chicken burrito casserole is exactly what you need. Layers of seasoned chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa come together in one baking dish to create a hearty, cheesy Mexican‑inspired meal that tastes like your favorite burrito joint but is actually made from scratch. It bakes in the oven in about 35–40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal‑prep dinners.
Why This Casserole Is Better Than Takeout
This casserole beats takeout for a few simple reasons. First, it’s cheaper—you’re using pantry staples like rice, beans, and salsa instead of paying for delivery and fees. Second, it’s healthier—you control the sodium, the amount of cheese, and the quality of the chicken, so it doesn’t feel greasy or overly heavy. Third, it’s customizable—you can add extra veggies, swap the beans, or change the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.
Because it bakes in one dish, cleanup is minimal, and the leftovers reheat beautifully. You can serve it straight from the casserole dish with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro, or portion it into containers for lunches during the week.
Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Casserole
This recipe serves about 6.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 6 large flour tortillas (6–8 inches), cut into quarters or strips
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, taco seasoning, and about 1½ cups of the salsa. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the remaining salsa on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortilla quarters over the salsa. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden and the edges are bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, jalapeños, or extra salsa.
Variations to Try
- Tortilla‑Free Version: Skip the tortillas and make it more like a burrito bowl by layering the filling over rice and topping with cheese and salsa.
- Vegetable‑Packed: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra veggies.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot salsa, add chopped jalapeños, or mix in a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Low‑Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and skip the tortillas.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The tortillas may soften as they sit, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This chicken burrito casserole is very versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- With a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side.
- Alongside Mexican‑style rice or refried beans.
- As a meal‑prep lunch with extra toppings like nuts or seeds for crunch.
Final Thoughts
This chicken burrito casserole is the kind of recipe that feels special but is actually very simple to make. The combination of seasoned chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa creates a meal that’s comforting and satisfying without being complicated. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s going to become a regular in your weeknight rotation and a favorite for potlucks and family gatherings.
