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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 large flour tortillas, cut into strips - 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) When making Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole, gather your ingredients first. This helps streamline the cooking process. Start with cooked chicken, which adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Next, grab a can of black beans. Rinsing them helps remove excess sodium. Corn kernels add sweetness and texture. Use fresh, frozen, or canned, depending on what you have. Next, you need cooked rice. White or brown rice works well, so choose what you prefer. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring moisture and spice. Look for a can that has no added sugar or preservatives. You’ll also need a Mexican cheese blend. This adds creaminess and a melty top layer. Don’t forget the spices: ground cumin and chili powder. They give the dish warmth and aroma. Season to your taste with salt and pepper. For the base, cut flour tortillas into strips. They create layers and hold the filling. Finally, have sour cream ready for serving. It balances the flavors. Chopped fresh cilantro adds freshness and a nice pop of color as a garnish. With these ingredients, you’re set to create a filling and tasty casserole that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and diced tomatoes. - Add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. - Place half of the tortilla strips at the bottom of the dish. - Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Spread it evenly. - Add another layer with the rest of the tortilla strips. - Top with the second half of the chicken mixture, filling any gaps. - Finish with the remaining tortilla strips and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an extra 15 minutes. - This step helps the cheese become bubbly and golden. - Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. - Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with sour cream for extra flavor! To make your Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole perfect, focus on even seasoning. Mix your spices well into the filling. Taste it before layering. This way, every bite bursts with flavor. After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it set. It also makes for clean slices when you cut it. No one wants a messy plate! Garnish your casserole with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. It adds a nice touch and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on top brings creamy goodness. Guests can add it to their liking. For a great presentation, serve the casserole on a colorful platter. Use whole cilantro leaves for extra flair. Place sour cream on the side for guests, so they can add it as they wish. A beautiful dish makes for a more enjoyable meal! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and saves you from cooking your chicken from scratch. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans based on your preference. Each type of bean brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. Layering is Key: Ensure even distribution of flavors by layering the ingredients properly. This allows each bite to be packed with deliciousness, avoiding a dry or bland layer. Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture. This allows you to cater the dish to your heat tolerance. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas. They hold up well and taste great. You can also make this casserole vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for a mix of black beans and veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps the flavor while making it meat-free. Let’s talk about flavors! You can mix up the cheese. Instead of just Mexican cheese blend, try using pepper jack for some heat. You can also add different spices. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice twist. Or, try some cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Get creative and make this dish your own! To keep your cheesy chicken burrito casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool down for about 30 minutes. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: For long-term storage, cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place them in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Here’s how to do it: - Best methods: The oven is the best choice for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and prevents it from drying out. - Time-saving tips: If you're short on time, the microwave works too. Heat a single portion on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. If not, heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead. Just make it up to the baking step and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What are the best sides to serve with it? Serve this casserole with a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. A side of guacamole works well, too. You can also add some corn or avocado for extra flavor. How long will leftovers last in the fridge? Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. When you want to eat them, just reheat in the oven or microwave. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? Using raw chicken is not recommended. The casserole needs cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or any leftover cooked chicken. This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole blends simple ingredients effortlessly. You've learned how to prepare, assemble, and bake it for great taste. Tips for serving and storage will help you enjoy it longer. Don't forget variations to meet your diet and flavor needs. This dish is fun to make and share with friends and family. Get creative, enjoy your cooking, and savor every bite. Your kitchen adventures can lead to meals everyone will love!

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring layers of chicken, beans, corn, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish using a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Begin layering by placing half of the tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
  • Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla layer, spreading it out evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
  • Add another layer using the remaining tortilla strips, followed by the second half of the chicken mixture, ensuring no gaps.
  • Cap off the dish with the rest of the tortilla strips and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top to create a beautiful cheesy crust.
  • Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Carefully remove the foil after the first bake, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a hint of color and freshness.
  • Serve warm, and don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream on each serving for extra creaminess.

Notes

For an extra pop, serve the casserole on a colorful platter, garnished with whole cilantro leaves and additional sour cream on the side for guests to add at their preference.
Keyword burrito, casserole, cheesy, chicken