When it comes to comfort food that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, the Chicken Burrito Casserole easily tops the list. Combining the best elements of a classic chicken burrito—savory shredded chicken, hearty rice, creamy beans, and gooey melted cheese—this dish transforms them into an oven-baked masterpiece. It’s a simple, one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Filling: With hearty ingredients like chicken, rice, and beans, this casserole satisfies even the biggest appetites.
Customizable: The recipe is highly adaptable to different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Add veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Easy Preparation: Everything comes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even better.

Ingredients

To make this irresistible casserole, you’ll need the following:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup sour cream
1 cup enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips or flour tortillas (optional, for serving)
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. If your chicken and rice aren’t pre-cooked, prepare those first.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and enchilada sauce. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the layer. Add the remaining chicken mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas. Add a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted sweet potatoes, or a plant-based protein substitute.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce for a fiery flavor.
Extra Veggies: Mix in cooked corn, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to make the dish keto-friendly.

How to Serve

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like a fresh green salad, guacamole, or Mexican street corn. For a party, set up a toppings bar with sour cream, salsa, diced onions, and shredded lettuce to let guests customize their portions.

It’s also a great dish for meal prepping—portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.