Chicken Burrito Casserole: 5 Easy Steps for a Cozy Dinner

Name: Chicken Burrito Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: ½ cup finely diced onion; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice; 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 (14-ounce) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed; 5 cups cooked shredded chicken; 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 (4-ounce) can mild green chilies; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Jump to Recipe

If your evenings feel like a blur of homework, work emails, and “what’s for dinner?” panic, this Chicken Burrito Casserole might just become your new best friend. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors—yet incredibly easy to pull together. No rolling tortillas. No juggling multiple pans. Just one cozy baking dish doing all the heavy lifting.

This is the kind of meal that feels like a win even on the busiest days. You toss everything together, let the oven work its magic, and suddenly dinner smells like a cozy hug. And trust me—when melted cheese is involved, complaints at the table tend to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Casserole

Let’s be honest—we all want meals that taste like effort without actually requiring much effort. This Chicken Burrito Casserole checks all the boxes:

One-dish magic – Fewer dishes = a happier you
Family-friendly flavors – Mild, comforting, and customizable
Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully (hello, easy lunches!)
Flexible ingredients – Use what you already have on hand

It’s also a fantastic option if you love burritos but don’t love the mess or time commitment. Same flavors, less fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole—nothing fancy, just solid pantry and fridge staples that come together beautifully:

Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Casserole including shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, cheese, and seasonings — Everything you need to make Chicken Burrito Casserole, from shredded chicken and rice to beans, corn, and spices.

½ cup finely diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (white rice works too)
3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (14-ounce) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
5 cups shredded cooked chicken
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (4-ounce) can mild green chilies
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional toppings (highly encouraged): fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward—no culinary degree required.

Step 1: Prep the Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the diced onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne (if using). Stir everything together so the spices coat the rice evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish and stir it into the rice mixture. Then add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Give it another good stir so every bite gets a little bit of everything.

Step 4: Bake Low and Slow

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65–70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Cheese (The Best Part)

Remove the foil, sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely—and saves your tongue from molten cheese burns (we’ve all been there).

Chicken Burrito Casserole served on a white plate topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro — This Chicken Burrito Casserole is served warm with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado for a comforting, family-style dinner.

Easy Tips for the Best Results

Rice matters: Parboiled brown rice cooks more evenly here. If using white rice, keep an eye on doneness near the end.
Too thick? Add a splash of warm broth before serving. Think of it as extra comfort.
Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder.
Feeding picky eaters? Keep toppings on the side so everyone can customize their plate.

A Little Kitchen Story From Me

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt overdue—laundry, emails, and patience included. I needed something filling, forgiving, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. This casserole did exactly that. It went from oven to table with zero drama, and leftovers quietly handled the next day’s lunch. That’s what I call a kitchen win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect here and makes this Chicken Burrito Casserole even easier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything except the cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, then add cheese at the end.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that doesn’t ask much of you but gives so much back. This Chicken Burrito Casserole is hearty, dependable, and full of flavor—exactly what busy weeknights need. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to make dinner feel manageable, this dish shows up every time.

So pour yourself a glass of something refreshing, let the oven do the work, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes life feel a little easier—one cheesy, comforting bite at a time.

Keep the Comfort Food Vibes Going

If this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole made dinner feel a little easier tonight, here are a few more cozy, no-stress meals you might want to try next. They’re all warm, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want big flavor without extra effort:

Easy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole for Busy Weeknights when you’re craving something creamy, hearty, and wonderfully comforting
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Packed With Bold Flavor for another hands-off dinner with those Tex-Mex flavors everyone loves
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup That’s Cozy and Family-Friendly if you want a spoonable, soul-warming option using similar ingredients
Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Perfect for Weeknight Dinners when taco night needs to be easy, filling, and cleanup-friendly
Chicken Burrito Casserole With Classic Tex-Mex Comfort for another delicious take on this family-favorite dinner

These dishes all keep that same relaxed, comforting dinner rhythm—simple ingredients, dependable results, and meals that make home feel extra cozy without adding stress to your evening.