Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth of flavor, you can stir in a small amount of your favorite dried spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture before baking. This infuses the chicken with a smoky or spicy note that complements the black beans and corn beautifully.

Always remember to taste a small piece of the chicken before mixing if you are adding extra seasoning, as the salt content in canned beans can vary significantly between different products.

If you are serving this for a larger group, you can easily scale the recipe by using two separate baking dishes instead of one very large one. This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and maintains the desired texture. If you choose to use one deeper dish, simply keep an eye on the internal temperature, as it will take longer for the heat to reach the center of the casserole compared to a standard 9x13 inch dish.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture before baking to add a pleasant heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Vegetable Loaded: Add finely diced bell peppers or sautéed onions to the chicken mixture before baking to introduce extra texture and a slight sweetness that complements the black beans and corn.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated or in the microwave in short bursts until warm throughout.

If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Placing it in the refrigerator promptly prevents bacterial growth.

When stored correctly, the leftovers will maintain their quality for up to three days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cheese from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator, which can alter the flavor of the dish over time.

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. When you are ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before placing it in the preheated oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the total baking time since it starts cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven, for the best experience. The combination of the warm, cheesy top and the savory chicken mixture is most enjoyable when served immediately.

You can plate it alongside a fresh green salad or some sliced avocado to add a cooling contrast to the richness of the cheese. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also provide a nice finishing touch if you wish to enhance the presentation.

When plating the casserole, use a flat spatula to ensure you get a clean scoop that includes all the layers, from the bottom chicken mixture to the crispy cheese on top. Because the casserole is quite rich, smaller portions are often sufficient, especially when paired with side dishes.

Encourage guests to scoop from the center where the cheese is often the meltiest. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this an excellent choice for meal planning.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole for an Easy Dinner

Prep 15 minCook 30 minRest 5 minTotal 50 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Combine the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn in a large mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture to ensure every bite is balanced.
2. Transfer the chicken and bean mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer using a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the surface completely to ensure a nice melt.
3. Place the baking dish into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, which should take approximately 30 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken mixture reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven to serve.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.