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This filling Chicken Burrito Casserole has turned into my go-to dinner solution when I'm craving those Mexican tastes but can't spare time to wrap individual burritos. What makes this dish great is how easy it is - just throw your favorite burrito stuffings into one dish and let them bake together, creating amazing flavor layers that blend perfectly in the oven.
I came up with this dish during an especially busy week when my children had activities scheduled every evening. Everyone in the house wolfed it down, and it's now part of our regular menu whenever we want a hearty meal that makes everybody happy.
Ingredients
- Parboiled long grain brown rice: Makes a substantial foundation that stays firm while cooking
- Fajita seasoning: Gives you that Mexican taste without needing lots of different spices
- Shredded chicken: Adds protein that's light and can come from a store-bought rotisserie chicken if you're short on time
- Black beans: Supply vegetable protein and nice chunky texture
- Monterey Jack cheese: Forms that yummy golden top layer everyone loves
- Green chilies: Add gentle heat and real southwestern taste
- Chicken broth: Makes the rice tasty as everything cooks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Mix the chopped onion, bell pepper, raw rice, and spices in your baking dish. This builds your casserole's flavor foundation. The spices will open up while baking, giving the rice those Mexican tastes as everything cooks.
- Create the Cooking Liquid:
- Mix chicken broth, green chilies, tomato paste and olive oil until they're fully blended. This mix will cook your rice perfectly while adding tons of flavor. The tomato paste makes everything richer while the chilies bring that real Southwestern kick.
- Combine Everything:
- Pour the liquid into your dish with the chicken, black beans and corn. Mix well so everything's evenly spread out. This way, you'll get all the good stuff - protein, veggies and rice - in every bite you take.
- Covered Bake:
- Wrap tightly with foil and cook for 65-70 minutes. The foil keeps steam in so the rice cooks just right and flavors mingle beautifully. This hands-free cooking time makes this recipe so handy when you're busy.
- Add the Cheese Finish:
- Take off the foil, add cheese on top, and put it back in to get that bubbly, golden finish. This last step makes that amazing cheesy crust everybody will want. Let it turn slightly golden for the tastiest results.
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This dish brings back memories of the burritos my grandma would fix when we'd visit her home in New Mexico. She always told us good Mexican cooking needed time for the ingredients to "become friends" - exactly what happens as this casserole slowly bakes to perfection.
Perfect Pairings
This casserole works great by itself, but for a complete meal, add a basic green salad with lime dressing. The tangy brightness balances the rich, savory casserole flavors. When having friends over, put out toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo so everyone can fix their plate just how they like it.
Make-Ahead Magic
The best thing about this casserole is you can make it ahead of time. Just put everything together before the baking step, cover it well, and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just add about 10 extra minutes since you're starting with cold stuff. Or you can cook the whole thing, let it cool down, and pack it into containers for quick lunches all week.
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change this recipe based on what's in your kitchen. Try cooked ground beef or turkey instead of chicken for a different taste. Vegetarians can use more beans or add crumbled tofu. Red or pinto beans work just as well as black ones, and you can use any melty cheese like cheddar or pepper jack. What's great about this dish is how you can switch things up while keeping those comforting Mexican flavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap brown rice for white rice?
Sure thing! Long-grain white rice works perfectly, but remember to shorten the cook time as it cooks quicker than brown rice.
- → How do I make it spicier?
A dash of cayenne, some chopped jalapeños, or spicy fajita seasoning can kick up the heat. You could also toss in hot green chilies.
- → Can I skip homemade fajita seasoning?
Of course! Store-bought fajita seasoning is convenient and does the job, but homemade is great if you’d like more control over the taste and spice.
- → What toppings work well for this dish?
Consider adding diced avocado, fresh salsa, a dollop of sour cream, or finely sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- → Is it okay to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yep! Assemble it beforehand and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just tack on a few extra minutes in the oven.