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Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bake that combines tender shredded chicken, brown rice, vegetables, and beans baked in a savory fajita-spiced broth, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy weeknight dinner offers a comforting, all-in-one casserole perfect for family meals.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
  • 1 14-ounce can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 4-ounce can mild green chilies

Grains

  • 1 cup uncooked parboiled long-grain brown rice (can also use long grain white rice)

Proteins

  • 5 cups shredded chicken

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Combine Base Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add diced onion, red bell pepper, uncooked rice, fajita seasoning, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
  2. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium chicken broth, canned mild green chilies, tomato paste, and olive oil until fully combined. This mixture will infuse the dish with rich flavor during baking.
  3. Add Broth to Baking Dish: Pour the broth mixture into the baking dish over the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the rice is submerged to cook properly.
  4. Incorporate Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn kernels to the baking dish. Stir again carefully to blend all components evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender during this time.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the aluminum foil. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the casserole.
  7. Melt Cheese: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, and avocado if desired for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute white rice for brown rice if preferred; cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning or cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Use leftover cooked chicken to speed up prep time.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American