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Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole – Cheesy, Hearty and Family-Friendly

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dinner that brings the bold flavors of a burrito into a cozy, oven-baked dish. Tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, black beans, sweet corn, and mild green chilies are simmered together in a savory broth, then finished with melty Monterey Jack cheese for a casserole that’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd—no rolling, no fuss, just scoop and enjoy. Perfect for: Weeknight dinners Family meals Make-ahead casseroles Comfort food cravings
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 14-ounce can black beans, low sodium, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 4-ounce can mild green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups chicken broth reduced sodium
  • 1 cup parboiled long-grain brown rice
  • 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1¼ cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • These ingredients come together to create a casserole that’s savory cheesy, hearty, and perfectly spiced.

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
  • Medium saucepan (if pre-cooking chicken)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Step 3:
  1. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
  1. Stir in the tomato paste and fajita seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 5:
  1. Add the chicken broth and parboiled brown rice. Stir well to combine.
Step 6:
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 7:
  1. Stir in the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, green chilies, and cayenne pepper.
Step 8:
  1. Cover the skillet with foil (or transfer to a covered casserole dish).
Step 9:
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 10:
  1. Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
Step 11:
  1. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 12:
  1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven covered at 350°F (175°C)
Microwave individual portions until hot
🥄 Variations
Extra cheesy: Add more Monterey Jack on top
Milder version: Skip cayenne pepper
Veggie boost: Add zucchini or spinach
Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (adjust liquid)
Smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika
Each variation keeps the casserole comforting, customizable, and satisfying.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need to cook the chicken first?
Yes, use pre-cooked chicken for best results.
Why use parboiled brown rice?
It cooks evenly and faster in casseroles.
Is this dish spicy?
Mild, with optional heat from cayenne.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s family-friendly.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble and bake later.
Does it freeze well?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months.
Can I use white rice?
Yes, adjust cooking time and liquid.
What cheese works best?
Monterey Jack melts smoothly.
Do I need foil while baking?
Yes, to help the rice cook evenly.
What can I serve with it?
A simple salad or avocado on the side.
🏁 Conclusion
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal—hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly simple. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
One dish, big flavor, zero stress.