Looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table? This Chicken Burrito Casserole is your go-to solution. Loaded with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese, all layered between tortilla strips and baked to perfection, it’s the ideal meal for busy families and anyone who craves a Tex-Mex classic with minimal effort. From meal prepping to leftovers, this comforting dish offers big flavors in a single dish—no rolling required!
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Casserole
This recipe transforms the flavors of a chicken burrito into a cheesy, baked comfort food classic—without the mess or hassle of rolling tortillas.
✅ Quick Prep: Only 10–15 minutes to assemble.
✅ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
✅ Meal Prep Approved: Perfect for freezing and reheating.
✅ Versatile Ingredients: Use what’s already in your pantry.
✅ Customizable: Adjust the spice, add more veggies, or change the protein.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches, or hosting casual guests, this chicken burrito casserole delivers warmth, convenience, and satisfaction.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a look at what you’ll need to create the perfect chicken burrito casserole:
🔹 Main Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups shredded)
Use rotisserie chicken for ease or cook and shred chicken breast at home. - Black Beans (1 can, drained & rinsed)
Rich in protein and fiber, they provide texture and nutrition. - Corn (1 cup frozen or canned)
Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. - Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 14 oz)
Delivers acidity and gentle spice. - Salsa (1 cup)
Use your favorite jarred salsa—chunky, smooth, mild, or hot. - Chili Powder (1 tsp) + Cumin (1 tsp)
A duo of spices that gives your casserole its signature Tex-Mex flavor. - Whole Wheat Tortillas (6 small, chopped into squares)
Acts as the casserole’s “pasta” layer—soft, chewy, and satisfying. - Mexican Cheese Blend (1½ cups, shredded)
A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other melt-friendly cheeses. - Salt & Pepper
To season and balance.
🔹 Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (for garnish)
- Chopped Bell Peppers, Jalapeños, or Spinach
To sneak in some veggies or boost flavor.
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Salsa
- Chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper
Mix everything together until well combined and flavorful.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Start by layering half the chopped tortillas on the bottom of your baking dish.
- Add half the chicken mixture, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle with half the cheese.
Repeat the layers:
- Tortillas → Chicken mixture → Cheese
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Tips for the Best Casserole Every Time
- Drain Beans & Tomatoes: To prevent sogginess.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Balance Liquid: If your salsa is watery, reduce the amount or cook down a bit.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Make it Meatless: Replace chicken with quinoa or roasted veggies.
❄️ Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time or freezing for busy days.
🧊 To Refrigerate
- Assemble the casserole completely.
- Cover tightly with foil or lid.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if cold.
🧊 To Freeze
- Assemble in a freezer-safe dish.
- Cover with foil, then plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations
This casserole pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides!
🍅 Toppings
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado or guacamole
- Fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
🌮 Variations
- Ground Meat Version: Use cooked ground turkey or beef.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or skip them entirely and add zucchini slices.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, queso fresco, or a cheddar blend.
🔁 Storage & Reheating
Leftovers make the best next-day lunch!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into small containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese for best results.
📄 Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Dish / Casserole
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 small whole wheat tortillas, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional: cilantro, green onions
🔄 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half the tortillas in the dish, followed by half the filling and cheese.
- Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.
🔢 Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
🌟 Other Family-Favorite Casserole Recipes
Looking for more crowd-pleasing casserole ideas?
- Chicken Alfredo Casserole – Creamy, cheesy, and comforting.
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – A hearty vegetarian favorite.
- Tex-Mex Taco Casserole – Loaded with bold spices and cheese.
- Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole – Southern comfort at its finest.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Chicken Burrito Casserole brings all the bold, satisfying flavors of your favorite burrito in a no-fuss, layered casserole. It’s quick, adaptable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping in the freezer for future dinners.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight meals or prep something wholesome ahead of time, this easy casserole recipe deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
