Hearty Chicken Burrito Casserole: Simple Weeknight Bake (Print Version)
Whip up a satisfying Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole for dinner. Layers of flavor, simple to assemble, and a family favorite for busy nights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten. Can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas.
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
02 -
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
03 -
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
04 -
1 cup frozen corn
→ Creamy Sauce
05 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 -
1/2 cup sour cream
07 -
1 cup salsa (your favorite brand)
→ Flavor Boosters
08 -
1 tbsp chili powder
09 -
1 tsp ground cumin
10 -
1 tsp garlic powder
11 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
→ Cheese & Toppings
12 -
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
13 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
14 -
Sliced avocado (for garnish, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray; trust me, you'll thank yourself later for easy cleanup. If your chicken isn't already shredded, now's the time to get it done. I usually just use my hands; it’s quicker and less fuss than a fork! The smell of the warming oven always gets me excited for what's to come, like a little promise of dinner.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it all together until it's super smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, flavor-wise! I always give it a little taste test here, adding a pinch more spice if it feels like it needs a kick. Don't be shy; make it your own! I once forgot to soften the cream cheese, and it was a lumpy mess, so learn from my oops moment!
03 -
Now, add your shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, and frozen corn to that creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. This is the heart of your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, so make sure all those delicious ingredients are happily mingled. It smells so good at this stage, a little bit spicy, a little bit tangy – my stomach starts rumbling!
04 -
Time to build! Spread about 1/3 cup of your chicken mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, place 3-4 tortillas over it, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Spoon about a third of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out. Sprinkle with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers: tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese, until you’ve used all your filling and tortillas, ending with a final layer of cheese. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but hey, it’s all going to taste great!
05 -
Cover your baking dish loosely with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The foil helps everything steam and get wonderfully melty inside. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. That golden crust? That’s the sign it’s ready. The kitchen will smell incredible, like a fiesta is about to begin!
06 -
Once it's out of the oven, let your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This is crucial! It helps the layers set, making it much easier to slice and serve without everything falling apart. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part, but it's worth it. Then, scoop out generous portions and get ready for some happy sighs around the table. It looks so inviting, all bubbly and cheesy.
# Notes:
01 -
Always rinse your canned beans thoroughly; it makes a huge difference in flavor and appearance, I learned that the hard way.
02 -
Don't skip softening the cream cheese—it blends so much better and prevents lumps in your creamy sauce.
03 -
Letting the casserole rest after baking is key for clean slices; I used to cut it right away and it was a bit of a glorious mess!
04 -
Try topping with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving; it brightens everything up beautifully!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
spoon/spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g