Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes: the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or when I want to impress friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. It brings back memories of my family gatherings, where laughter fills the air and everyone dives face-first into plates piled high with comfort food. Not to mention, it’s super versatile—great for customizing and using whatever you have on hand!
Now, what I really love about this casserole is its simplicity. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe where you can just throw a bunch of delicious ingredients together and let the oven do the heavy lifting? It’s basically the culinary equivalent of binge-watching your favorite series in your PJs—comforting and oh-so-satisfying!
What’s in Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Let’s dive into the awesome ingredients that make this casserole sing:
Cooked and shredded chicken: This is the star protein of the dish! I often use rotisserie chicken for an even easier prep, but any cooked chicken will do just fine.
Black beans: These hearty legumes are perfect for adding fiber and protein. I always go for low-sodium canned black beans; they save time and don’t overload the dish with salt.
Corn: Sweet and juicy, corn brings a nice crunch and bright flavor. Fresh corn is divine when it’s in season, but frozen or canned corn works just as well.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness—plus a bit of crunch. Diced and layered, it sings in harmony with all the other ingredients.
Green onions: The green parts, of course! They lend a mild onion flavor and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Taco seasoning: This magical mix gives our casserole that classic taco flavor. I like to use a store-bought blend, but making your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder is just as delightful!
Salsa: Rich and tangy, salsa gives the casserole a zesty kick. I personally love a medium heat salsa to keep it interesting without setting my mouth on fire.
Cooked rice: This acts as a filler, making the casserole hearty and satisfying. White rice is traditional, but I sometimes go brown for a more earthy flavor.
Shredded cheese: The glue that holds this entire dish together! Cheddar or a Mexican blend both melt beautifully and create that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving. It’s a simple garnish that makes everything gourmet!
And of course, feel free to season with salt and pepper to your liking, and don’t forget the optional sour cream and avocado for serving—yum!
Is Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Good for You?
Here’s where this casserole shines!
Chicken: A lean protein source, this will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Black beans: Loaded with fiber and protein, black beans are a wonderful choice for heart health and digestive wellness.
Corn: This adds vitamins and minerals along with a hint of sweetness—talk about a win-win!
Brown rice: If you opt for brown rice over white, you’re getting additional nutrients and fiber.
That said, if you’re watching your calorie intake, just be mindful of the cheese. I usually try to use lower-fat cheese, and if you’re looking to lighten up a bit, you can easily cut back on the amount you use or go for a cheese alternative!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup diced green onion (green parts only)
– 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
– 1 cup salsa
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream and avocado for serving
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this beauty to life:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and half of the green onions. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the taco seasoning, salsa, cooked rice, and one cup of shredded cheese to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top the casserole with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and the remaining green onions before serving.
8. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream and avocado. Enjoy your Chicken Burrito Casserole!
Delicious Extras for Extra Yum!
Here are a few fun twists you can try to make this dish your own:
– Mix in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
– Swap out black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
– Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.
– Top with tortilla chips for a crunchy topping just before it’s done baking—delicious!
I absolutely love when this casserole comes out of the oven, bubbling with cheesy goodness and filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. I encourage you to give it a try! And if you do, please share how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in the kitchen with this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole! Happy cooking!
