When I first made these smothered baked chicken burritos, I didn’t expect them to become such a family favorite! They’re cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a creamy enchilada sauce.
Every bite feels like a delicious hug. The best part is how easy and versatile this recipe is. You can whip up a batch in no time and even get creative with the filling. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Credit: carlsbadcravings
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these mouthwatering smothered baked chicken burritos. Each ingredient has its role in making this dish irresistible.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience. Shredding it ensures even distribution in every bite. - 1 cup cooked rice
Adds heartiness and pairs perfectly with the Mexican-inspired flavors. - 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
A great source of texture and plant-based protein. Canned beans rinse easily and are ready to use. - 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Freshly shredded cheese melts better for that gooey texture. - ½ cup sour cream
Adds a creamy tanginess to balance the spices. Choose full-fat for best flavor. - ½ cup enchilada sauce
Gives the filling a rich, saucy consistency. Opt for mild or medium based on your spice preference. - 1 teaspoon chili powder
Brings warmth and a hint of spice to the filling. - ½ teaspoon cumin
Adds an earthy, slightly smoky flavor. - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Boosts the overall savory notes of the dish. - 6 large flour tortillas
Use burrito-sized tortillas. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the filling. - 1 cup additional enchilada sauce (for topping)
Essential for that smothering layer! Use the same sauce as the filling for consistency. - 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
This baked topping turns bubbly and golden, making the dish irresistible. - Optional garnishes (like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños)
Perfect for a fresh pop of color and flavor on top.
Note: This recipe makes 6 servings.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to try these variations:
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Use whole-grain or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier twist.
- Want it spicier? Add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Experiment with proteins like ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork.
You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes like One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta for another quick and flavorful dinner idea.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long it takes to whip up these burritos:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment
All you need are a few basics to get started:
- Mixing bowl – for combining the filling ingredients.
- Large spoon – helps evenly distribute the filling into the tortillas.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – to keep the burritos snug and bake them evenly.
- Aluminum foil – optional, to cover the dish if you want softer tops for the burritos.
- Oven mitts – for safety while handling the hot baking dish.
How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos?
Making these burritos is as easy as it is satisfying. Just follow these simple steps.
Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and spices (chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder) in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful, hearty filling.
Assemble the Burritos
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly to form a burrito. The tighter the roll, the better it holds together during baking.
Arrange and Smother
Grease your baking dish lightly, then place each burrito seam-side down into the dish. Once all the burritos are in, pour the reserved enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce for that iconic smothered topping.
Bake Until Perfection
Bake the burritos uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. The enchilada sauce will be piping hot, so allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Credit: carlsbadcravings
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, here are a few tricks to make these even more delicious:
- Always use fresh, high-quality tortillas to avoid them cracking when you roll the burritos.
- Grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave before filling. This makes them more pliable.
- Add a small layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish before placing your burritos to keep them from sticking.
- If freezing, assemble but don’t add the sauce. Smother with sauce and bake only when you’re ready to eat.
How to Serve Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos?
Presentation matters, even for comfort food! Place the baked burritos on a plate and drizzle extra enchilada sauce over them. Garnish with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or thin slices of jalapeños. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side adds extra flair. Serve with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice to complete the meal. You might also enjoy trying Homemade Mozzarella Sticks as a fun side dish to complement this meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
These burritos are perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerating: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Wrap each burrito individually in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen burritos keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These burritos are bound to become your go-to recipe. Wondering why? Here’s what makes them special:
- Easy to make – The simple steps mean even beginners can nail this recipe.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples for a hearty meal.
- Customizable – Add or swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Family-approved – Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner stress-free.
- Great for meal prep – Perfect for freezing and reheating later.
Whip up these smothered baked chicken burritos and savor the flavors of cheesy, saucy perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit! For more inspiration, check out other Chicken Recipes that are equally delicious and easy to make.
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and spices (chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder) in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful, hearty filling.
- Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly to form a burrito. The tighter the roll, the better it holds together during baking.
- Grease your baking dish lightly, then place each burrito seam-side down into the dish. Once all the burritos are in, pour the reserved enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce for that iconic smothered topping.
- Bake the burritos uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. The enchilada sauce will be piping hot, so allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Always use fresh, high-quality tortillas to avoid them cracking when you roll the burritos.
- Grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave before filling. This makes them more pliable.
- Add a small layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish before placing your burritos to keep them from sticking.
- If freezing, assemble but don’t add the sauce. Smother with sauce and bake only when you’re ready to eat.
