Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone in the family will love? This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is just what you need. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a burst of Mexican flavors, this casserole is comfort food at its best. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or meal prep for the week, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s also versatile, allowing you to tweak the spices or add extra toppings to suit your family’s tastes. Best of all, it takes just 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
What Makes This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Special?
1. Quick and Simple Prep
This casserole is incredibly easy to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have everything ready to go into the oven. The minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy nights when you need a meal fast.
2. Cheesy, Flavorful, and Comforting
The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and taco seasoning creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s both savory and comforting. It’s everything you love about burritos—without the hassle of rolling!
3. Customizable for Everyone
You can easily modify this casserole to suit your family’s preferences. Add extra veggies, spice it up with jalapeños, or swap chicken for ground beef or beans for a vegetarian version. The possibilities are endless!
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it the next day, saving time during busy evenings.
5. Kid-Friendly
With its cheesy goodness and mild spice, this casserole is a hit with kids. You can even serve it with some extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado for added fun.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:
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Cooked Chicken: This can be shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. It provides the base of the dish, adding lean protein and tenderness.
Substitution: You can also use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. -
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning adds that familiar burst of flavor we all love. It’s a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion.
Substitution: You can make your own seasoning mix with spices you have on hand if you don’t have pre-packaged taco seasoning. -
Refried Beans: This helps to give the casserole a creamy texture and also adds a layer of flavor.
Substitution: Black beans or pinto beans can be used for a lighter option, or you can skip the beans if you’re not a fan. -
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese ties everything together.
Substitution: You can mix up the cheese and use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for an extra kick. -
Tortilla Chips: These give the casserole a bit of crunch, balancing the soft and creamy texture of the filling.
Substitution: If you don’t have tortilla chips, crushed cornflakes or crackers can work in a pinch.
How To Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect casserole:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
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Spread a layer of refried beans in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
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Add a layer of shredded chicken on top of the beans, ensuring an even distribution.
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Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and mix to combine.
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Crush tortilla chips and layer them over the chicken mixture.
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Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the entire casserole.
Step 3: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with any desired garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or salsa.
Storage Options
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Room Temperature Storage: This casserole is best served fresh, but leftovers can be kept at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans or vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies for extra heat.
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Beefy Option: Swap the chicken for ground beef or ground turkey for a different flavor.
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Add Veggies: Throw in some corn, diced bell peppers, or onions for added texture and flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips or skip the chips altogether and layer the casserole with gluten-free tortillas instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking. Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even pulled pork as a substitute for the chicken.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more taco seasoning, toss in some chopped jalapeños, or use spicy salsa to give the casserole an extra kick!
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy families. Quick, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it ahead for busy days, this casserole checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to share your results and let us know what variations you tried!
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1 can refried beans
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1 packet taco seasoning
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
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Spread the refried beans in the bottom of the dish.
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Layer shredded chicken over the beans and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
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Add crushed tortilla chips on top.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool slightly, then serve with optional toppings like sour cream or salsa.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g