Description
Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty baked dinner with shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, peppers, warm spices, and melted cheese. It has all the cozy flavor of a chicken burrito in an easy casserole, with simple toppings like cilantro, green onion, avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
Ingredients
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, basmati or jasmine
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, 14 ounces, strained and rinsed
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken, about 6 cups or 3 chicken breasts
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese
- Cilantro, for serving
- Green onion, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 400°F. If needed, cook 3 chicken breasts until done, then shred them with two forks.
- Combine the base: Add the red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, uncooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt to a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Stir until the vegetables, rice, and spices are evenly mixed.
- Add the liquid: In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, and tomato paste. Pour it into the baking dish and stir well.
- Stir in the chicken: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and frozen corn. Spread everything into an even layer so the rice cooks evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 mins, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, and bake for 5 to 10 mins more, until melted and lightly golden.
- Finish and serve: Let the casserole rest for a few mins, then top with cilantro and green onion before serving.
Notes
- Use uncooked long grain white rice, not cooked rice or minute rice, because the liquid and bake time are built for raw rice.
- Seal the foil tightly so the rice steams properly while it bakes.
- If the center still looks wet after baking, cover it again and bake for another 5 to 10 mins.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1hr
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 367 kcal
Keywords: chicken burrito casserole