A hearty and flavorful casserole that brings all the delicious elements of a chicken burrito into a convenient, one-dish meal. Packed with tender shredded chicken, rice, beans, and spices, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Tex-Mex-inspired bake delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-dish convenience – Everything bakes together in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.
- Hearty and filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and warm spices, making it a complete meal.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add toppings to make it your own.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.
- Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Finely diced onion
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- Fajita seasoning
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Frozen corn kernels
- Low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Mild green chilies
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to mix evenly.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, and olive oil until well combined.
- Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir to combine with the rice mixture.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the baking dish. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it cheesy – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spicier version – Use hot green chilies, add diced jalapeños, or increase the cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for extra beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Creamier casserole – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Low-carb alternative – Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the broth by half.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Use raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them directly in the casserole before baking. Shred the chicken once fully cooked.
What’s the best rice to use?
Parboiled long-grain brown rice works best, but you can also use long-grain white rice. Avoid instant rice, as it may become mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?
Make sure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil, and bake for the full recommended time. If needed, add a splash of broth and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Yes! Add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, cheesy topping.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Try sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your fajita seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds extra flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender.
What side dishes pair well with this?
This casserole pairs well with tortilla chips, a fresh green salad, or guacamole.
Conclusion
Chicken Burrito Casserole is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With its Tex-Mex flavors and simple one-dish preparation, it’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or potlucks. Customize it to your taste with toppings and variations, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
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Chicken Burrito Casserole
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal packed with shredded chicken, rice, beans, corn, and Tex-Mex spices. Baked to perfection, this easy dish is ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a delicious, satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine dry ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix liquids: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, green chilies, and olive oil. Pour over the rice mixture and stir to combine.
- Add proteins & veggies: Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn until evenly distributed.
- Cover & bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 65-70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest & serve: Let the casserole sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Add toppings if desired.
Notes
- Cheesy version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spicy option: Use hot green chilies, diced jalapeños, or extra cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for extra beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- Low-carb swap: Use cauliflower rice and reduce broth by half.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
