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One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Burrito Casserole

one-pan cheesy chicken burrito casserole - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan casserole combining shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, and tortillas for a comforting Tex-Mex dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 10 oz) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken)
  • 68 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups (about 7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) salsa (medium, chunky or smooth)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (5 oz) frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 1 small can diced green chilies
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cream cheese is fully incorporated and mixture is creamy.
  5. Tear flour tortillas into 2-inch pieces. Spread half the tortilla pieces evenly over the sautéed onion and garlic in the skillet.
  6. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken layer.
  7. Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Use warm tortillas to help absorb flavors without getting soggy. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up. Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or chipotle peppers. For gluten-free, substitute corn tortillas; for dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, burrito casserole, one-pan dinner, Tex-Mex, easy dinner, weeknight meal