Description
This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and hearty one-dish meal featuring shredded cooked chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and a blend of fajita seasonings. Baked to perfection with green chilies and vegetables, it delivers a comforting Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
Protein
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Liquids & Oils
- 2 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. This will form the flavor base of the casserole.
- Mix liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk the reduced-sodium chicken broth, mild green chilies, and olive oil until combined. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in your baking dish and stir gently to ensure everything is well combined.
- Add proteins and vegetables: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels, distributing them evenly throughout the rice mixture.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Add your preferred toppings like sour cream, salsa, or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute long-grain white rice for brown rice if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Make sure to rinse the black beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- You can add shredded cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
