Baked Chicken Burritos: A Cheesy, Family-Friendly Meal
There is something undeniably satisfying about a warm, cheesy burrito. This recipe for Baked Chicken Burritos takes that classic comfort food and elevates it with the simplicity of an oven bake. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings together a savory filling of shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. The final touch of a golden, bubbly cheese topping makes this dish an absolute showstopper. It’s a hearty, delicious, and incredibly convenient meal that is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of meals that can be prepared with minimal fuss and still deliver incredible flavor. What I love most about this recipe is its “make-ahead” potential. You can assemble all the burritos ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat, which makes it perfect for a busy day. The layers of flavor are what truly make this dish shine. The savory, spiced chicken and vegetable filling is perfectly complemented by the tangy, creamy sauce and the crunchy, golden-brown crust that forms on the baked tortilla. It’s a complete meal that feels both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients
For the Burritos:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 121 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 121 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver. You can use leftover roasted chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or you can quickly cook a couple of chicken breasts and shred them. You can also use cooked ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or even some fresh spinach. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Beans: Black beans are a great choice, but you can also use pinto beans or a combination of both.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese is perfect for its melting ability and classic flavor. You can also use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Sauce: The enchilada sauce is a convenient and flavorful base. For a different flavor, you can use a salsa verde or a simple red salsa. The sour cream adds a wonderful creaminess and helps to balance the tangy flavor of the sauce.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3−4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, sour cream, ground cumin, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in a line down the center. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the filling.
- Roll the Burritos: Tightly roll up each tortilla, folding in the sides to seal the filling. Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top of the burritos. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20−25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the burritos are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the burritos cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll and more likely to burst in the oven.
- Roll Tightly: Rolling the burritos tightly is key to ensuring they hold their shape and don’t fall apart. Placing them seam-side down in the baking dish also helps.
- Use Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver. Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut for this recipe.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the chicken filling and the sauce as you go. You can add more spices, salt, or lime juice to get it just right for your palate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These baked burritos are a complete meal on their own, but they are even better when served with a few simple sides. A side of rice, a fresh green salad, or some tortilla chips and salsa would all be perfect additions.
For a drink pairing, a light beer, a classic margarita, or a simple iced tea would be a great complement to the savory and cheesy flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a good source of protein from the chicken and beans, and it provides carbohydrates from the tortillas. While it is higher in calories, it’s a wonderfully delicious meal that is perfect for a family dinner. The estimated calories are around 550 per serving.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of these baked burritos are fantastic! Store any remaining burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a burrito in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. These burritos also freeze well.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Burritos recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed this cozy meal!
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