If you love dishes that bring comfort, flavor, and a little fiesta to your table without hours in the kitchen, then you are going to adore this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe. It’s a family-friendly, vibrant casserole packed with tender shredded chicken, spicy diced tomatoes, melty cheese, and warm tortillas, all layered to create a delightful combination that feels like a homemade hug in every bite. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and colorful ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful casserole. Each component plays a key role in building the creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that make this dish truly irresistible. Ready for a quick kitchen run? Here’s what you’ll want on hand.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds creamy richness and ties all the ingredients together.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): Brings a kick of zest and a pop of color.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Provides luscious creaminess and balances the heat.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): Infuses traditional Mexican spices to elevate every bite.
- Large flour tortillas (6, cut into quarters): Soft layers that add comforting texture throughout the casserole.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 cups): Melts to gooey perfection, adding depth and a mild tang.
- Black beans (1/2 cup, optional): For additional protein and a nice earthy touch.
- Corn kernels (1/2 cup, optional): Sweet bursts that brighten up the bite.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal finish that complements the spices.
How to Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple preparation sets the stage for all your flavorful layers to bake beautifully together.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, sour cream, and the taco seasoning packet. Mixing until the sauce is smooth creates a flavorful coating that binds all the casserole’s ingredients in delicious harmony.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then create your first layer by adding tortilla quarters, followed by one-third of the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn if you are using them. Top this with a generous spread of sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a top layer of sauce and cheese to ensure every bite is rich and cheesy.
Step 4: Bake and Melt
Cover the assembled casserole with aluminum foil and bake it for 20 minutes. This gentle baking warms the ingredients and lets the flavors mingle nicely. Then remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, giving the cheese enough time to melt and bubble enticingly.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Garnished
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest briefly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and any of your favorite toppings like extra sour cream, guacamole, or a bright salsa to add a personal touch that your guests will love.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring your Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe to life. Chopped cilantro provides a vibrant herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy casserole. Adding dollops of sour cream or scoops of guacamole introduces creaminess and cool relief to the zesty flavors, while salsa offers a fresh, tangy crunch. Each garnish adds layers of texture and flavor that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with simple side dishes can round out the meal perfectly. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for brightness, or some Mexican rice to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies or a light corn slaw would also bring additional texture and freshness to your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a personalized touch. Alternatively, layer the casserole in a clear glass baking dish so everyone can admire the colorful layers before the first serving. Leftovers can be scooped into warm tortillas and wrapped like burritos for a fun next-day lunch idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for three to four days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or enjoying several tasty meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap the dish securely with freezer-safe wrap and foil or portion it into freezer containers. It’s ideal for up to two months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm up leftovers in the oven at 350°F until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted again, which usually takes 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, but keep an eye on it to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra sour cream before reheating helps revive creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe and saves you time on prepping the protein.
Is this casserole spicy?
The dish has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy Rotel or tweaking the seasoning amount.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer, but cream of chicken adds a classic flavor that complements the spices and chicken best.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you want a lighter twist, corn tortillas can be used, but they are less flexible. You may want to warm them before layering to prevent cracking.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra beans, vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken to keep the dish hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe is such a winner whenever you want a fuss-free meal that tastes like you put in hours. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser packed with flavor, cozy goodness, and fantastic textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites for busy nights and any time you crave a warm and satisfying meal.
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, tortillas, black beans, corn, and melted Mexican cheese create a hearty meal that’s both simple to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 6 large flour tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of quartered tortillas over the sauce, then add one-third of the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn if using. Spoon more sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with some shredded cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a top layer of sauce and a generous amount of cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and optional toppings such as extra sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to add extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- The black beans and corn are optional but add color and texture to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this casserole gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning.
