Chicken Burrito Casserole Ultimate (Print-Friendly Version)

Layers of chicken, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa make this comforting baked casserole a crowd-pleaser.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Main Components

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
02 - 1 can (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (425 g) corn, drained
04 - 1 can (285 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
05 - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
08 - 1 packet taco seasoning
09 - 1 cup salsa
10 - 1 cup sour cream
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Garnishes and Serving

12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
13 - Tortilla chips or flour tortillas (optional, for serving)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Set oven to 175°C (350°F) to reach temperature while assembling ingredients.
02 - Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and half of the taco seasoning, stirring well until evenly coated and heated through.
03 - In a large bowl, mix heated chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cooked rice, salsa, sour cream, and the remaining taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly to integrate all components.
04 - Spread half of the chicken mixture into a greased 22 × 33 cm baking dish. Evenly scatter half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the mixture.
05 - Layer the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese. Arrange tortilla chips or sliced flour tortillas on top if desired, then finish with the remaining cheese.
06 - Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
07 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
08 - Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Offer extra salsa or sour cream on the side as preferred.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For extra flavor, prepare your own taco seasoning and adjust spices to taste.
02 - Using freshly grated cheese enhances the melt and texture in the final dish.