Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Baked chicken burritos smothered in rich, gooey sauce promise a mouthwatering adventure for dinner tonight.

Creamy textures and bold flavors combine in this irresistible meal that breaks away from ordinary weeknight cooking.

Comfort food reaches new heights with tender chicken wrapped snugly in warm tortillas.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that makes you dream about each delicious bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when assembled with care and passion.

Comfort meets excitement in a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these incredible burritos that bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen table.

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos’ Flavor Explosion

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Packed with hearty ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this one-pan wonder transforms dinner into a stress-free experience with minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic comfort foods that children adore, making mealtime exciting and ensuring even picky eaters will happily clean their plates without complaints.
  • Budget-Conscious Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned soup, and frozen tater tots, delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction without breaking the bank.
  • Quick Comfort Food Solution: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen time, allowing busy families to enjoy a delicious, filling meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Ingredients For Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of the burrito filling.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour wraps that encase the delicious chicken mixture.
  • Rice: Fluffy grain that adds substance and texture to the burrito filling.
For the Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Spices that provide a warm and robust flavor profile to the chicken mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
For the Additional Components:
  • Refried Beans: Creamy spread that adds richness and extra flavor to the burritos.
  • Cheese: Melty and gooey topping that brings a delightful creaminess to the dish.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Zesty sauce that coats the burritos and adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Salsa, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that provide additional flavor and brightness to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions For Chicken Burritos

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or light grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your delicious ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cooked rice
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Build Your Burrito Base

Lay out a soft tortilla and get ready to create magic.

If you love beans, spread a layer of refried beans. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the tortilla and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Step 4: Roll and Arrange

Tightly roll each burrito, tucking in the sides. Place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, creating a cozy burrito lineup.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour enchilada sauce over the burritos, making sure each one gets a delicious coating. Shower the top with another layer of cheese for maximum gooeyness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistibly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and dress it up with toppings like:
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh salsa
  • Chopped cilantro

Dig in and enjoy your homemade feast!

Tips For Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
  • Prep burritos ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas to boost fiber content and add extra nutritional value to this comforting dish.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for those who love extra heat.
  • Line baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and prevent sticking of cheese and sauce.

Alternatives For Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Vegetarian Burritos: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu for a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken with shredded fish or crab meat, adding a zesty lime and cilantro seasoning.
  • Spicy Southwest: Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Green Chile Chicken: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red, incorporate diced green chiles into the filling for a tangy flavor profile.

Foods To Serve With Chicken Burritos

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty meal that brings warmth and smiles. Top these burritos with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
  • Fiesta Platter Party: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the burritos on a large platter. Surround them with colorful sides like Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, and zesty pico de gallo for a festive meal that screams celebration.
  • Game Night Comfort Food: Slice the burritos in half and serve as perfect handheld bites during movie or game nights. Pair with cold beverages and extra dipping sauces to keep everyone satisfied and munching.

Storing Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Transfer frozen burritos to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, ensuring they're piping hot before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or even shredded turkey for variety.

  • Is it possible to make these burritos ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the burritos, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture, use a hot enchilada sauce, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican smothered baked chicken burritos deliver comfort and flavor in one hearty meal. Cheesy, spicy layers combine tender chicken, warm tortillas, and zesty sauce for a satisfying dinner that connects home cooks with authentic southwestern cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 1 cup rice, cooked
  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)
  • Cilantro (optional)
  • Diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Create a savory filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, rice, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Prepare each tortilla by spreading a thin layer of refried beans across the surface, then generously distribute the seasoned chicken mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  4. Carefully roll the tortillas into compact cylinders, tucking in the sides to prevent filling from escaping.
  5. Arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snugly positioned.
  6. Drench the burritos with enchilada sauce, making sure each one is evenly coated, then crown with an additional layer of cheese.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, tangy sour cream, or zesty salsa.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken shredding by using tender, slow-cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and easy preparation.
  • Enhance protein variety by swapping chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for vegetarian options.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili and cumin quantities, allowing customization for different heat preferences.
  • Prep burritos ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making meal planning convenient for busy households.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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