Name: Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely diced onion; 1 red bell pepper diced; 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 5 cups shredded chicken; 1 14 ounce can low sodium black beans drained and rinsed; 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a flavorful, all-in-one dinner that’s both comforting and super simple to throw together, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm, cozy hug after a busy day—layered with tender chicken, spices, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for a fuss-free weeknight meal that everyone raves about.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Ease: Everything cooks together in the casserole dish, saving you time and minimizing cleanup.
Flavor-Packed Layers: The blend of fajita seasoning, green chilies, and fresh veggies builds deep, delicious flavor.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary preferences without losing the magic.
Comfort Food Texture: Cheesy, hearty, and satisfying with just the right bite from the rice and beans.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, chicken burrito casserole, stovetop chicken casserole, easy dinner ideas, weeknight casserole recipes - A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a baked casserole made of multiple layers mixed together, showing shredded chicken pieces in light brown, black beans scattered throughout, small bright yellow corn kernels, red diced peppers, and bits of melted cheese that lightly covers the top layer. Chopped fresh green herbs and sliced green onions are sprinkled evenly across the surface, adding a vibrant green contrast to the warm colors of the casserole. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with some browned edges visible where the casserole touched the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe plays a role in making it both delicious and straightforward. I’ve found that balancing proteins, veggies, and seasonings turns this casserole into a complete meal that’s always welcomed at my dinner table.

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, chicken burrito casserole, stovetop chicken casserole, easy dinner ideas, weeknight casserole recipes - Flat lay of finely diced white onion in a small white ceramic bowl, diced red bell pepper on a simple white plate, uncooked long-grain brown rice in a neat mound on a white ceramic dish, bright yellow corn kernels in a small white bowl, rinsed black beans in another small white bowl, shredded cooked chicken arranged in a small white dish, mild green chilies spooned into a small white bowl, smooth tomato paste dollop in a tiny white bowl, clear golden olive oil pooled in a small white bowl, shredded Monterey Jack cheese piled lightly on a plain white plate, a small heap of fajita seasoning powder neatly placed on a white dish, fresh sprigs of cilantro laid gently on a white plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that enhances every bite.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Parboiled Long-Grain Brown Rice: Holds its shape well and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. You can swap in white rice too.
Fajita Seasoning: This spice blend brings savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes that make this casserole pop.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A little heat for those who like to turn up the spice.
Frozen Corn Kernels: Adds subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Black Beans: Boost protein and fiber while adding earthy depth to the dish.
Shredded Chicken: The star protein—using pre-shredded chicken saves time and effort.
Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Moistens the rice and infuses the casserole with savory goodness.
Mild Green Chilies: Contribute a mild tangy warmth without overpowering.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor for balanced acidity.
Olive Oil: Adds a silky coating and blends the ingredients beautifully.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts perfectly to create that irresistible cheesy top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I keep the original recipe pretty classic, I love encouraging friends to make this dish their own. A little swap here or extra spice there makes this casserole feel fresh every time.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. It really wakes up the flavors!
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra beans and add some sautéed mushrooms to deepen the texture.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack if you want a sharper or spicier finish.
Rice Options: White rice cooks a bit faster and gives a softer texture, so adjust baking time accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Simple Prep and Layer the Base

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab your favorite 9×13 baking dish and toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir these ingredients together so those spices start mingling with the veggies—this gives the dish a great foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Flavor Boost

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil. This mixture is the key to moistening the rice and infusing every bite with rich, vibrant flavors. Pour it over the rice and vegetable mixture, then stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Add Protein and Beans

Now, fold in your shredded chicken, black beans, and frozen corn. I usually use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird shredded finely—this saves tons of time. Give the casserole one last gentle stir so everything is nicely incorporated.

Step 4: Bake and Wait Patiently

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Set a timer for about 65-70 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and absorb those wonderful liquids. Keep in mind every oven behaves a bit differently, so if you peek and find it’s still soupy, give it more time with a quick stir. The rice keeps soaking up liquid even after baking, so a slight jiggle isn’t a bad sign.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking

After the casserole has absorbed most of the liquid and the rice is tender, remove the foil and sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching until the cheese melts and turns a lovely golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes—this makes scooping easier and the flavors even better. Serve with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, salsa, or creamy avocado slices if you’d like. This step is where you make it your own.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Use Parboiled Rice: It prevents the casserole from turning mushy and ensures the rice cooks evenly in one go.
Cover Tightly with Foil: Prevents moisture from escaping so the rice cooks perfectly without drying out.
Shred Chicken Finely: This helps the chicken blend seamlessly into the casserole and ensures every bite has plenty of protein.
Adjust Cook Time Slightly: If using white rice, reduce baking time by about 10 minutes for best texture.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole, chicken burrito casserole, stovetop chicken casserole, easy dinner ideas, weeknight casserole recipes - A white plate holds a colorful mixture of shredded chicken mixed with black beans, bright yellow corn, and small red pepper pieces, all evenly mixed together. On top are scattered chunks of green avocado and sliced green onions, adding fresh color. In the middle of the pile, there is a dollop of white sour cream. Some small green herb bits are sprinkled over the dish and around the plate edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my casserole with fresh cilantro and diced green onions—they add that pop of color and freshness that brings the dish alive. A dollop of salsa or sliced avocado on the side gives a creamy, zesty finish that you won’t want to skip.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is such a hearty main, I keep the sides light and simple. A crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a side of roasted veggies balance the meal perfectly. Cornbread is a fun, comforting option to serve alongside, especially in cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I like to bake this casserole in a beautiful ceramic dish and let everyone help themselves family-style. If you want to dress it up for a special occasion, serve it with colorful bowls of toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes, so guests can customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve made a big batch, I portion it out so it’s easy to grab for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I usually freeze it before adding the cheese topping to avoid the texture changing too much. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then add fresh cheese before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to keep it moist. Microwave works too, but be sure to cover the dish to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Parboiled long-grain rice is great because it holds its shape and prevents the casserole from getting mushy, but you can use white long-grain rice as well, just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since white rice cooks faster. Avoid short-grain rice unless you want a softer, stickier texture.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply leave out the chicken and add more beans or include hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked lentils to keep the protein and texture. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor depth.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

No worries—store-bought taco seasoning works fine as a substitute. Or, blend your own mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of oregano for a fresh homemade touch.
How do I shred chicken easily?

The easiest way is to cook chicken breasts fully (boiled, baked, or slow-cooked), then use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds. Using warm chicken helps with shredding, and a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can speed up the process if you have one.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe has been a lifesaver for me on those busy nights when I want something wholesome but don’t want to fiddle with too many pots. It’s comforting, flavorful, and totally flexible—a true weeknight hero that you’ll find yourself making over and over. Give it a try and tweak it your way; I’m betting it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine.