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This easy baked chicken burrito recipe yields eight cheesy, homestyle burritos stuffed with tender spiced shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and black beans, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
Each burrito is smothered with enchilada sauce, zesty avocado crema, and a blanket of bubbly melted cheese, creating an irresistibly delicious and satisfying meal perfect for dinner, lunch, or any gathering.
Ready in just 30 minutes, each 550-calorie serving features a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor to keep you full and satisfied without feeling heavy.
Despite its gourmet flair, these baked chicken burritos are surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients and minimal prep.
You can easily customize this recipe by using pinto beans, adding more veggies, or swapping the chicken for beef or tofu.
They also store well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and reheat for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
✅ Take a moment to read through the whole post for the ingredient list, expert tips, and equipment suggestions. The full recipe is right below!
Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken Burrito Recipe
Here are the key ingredients that bring flavor, texture, and balance to the perfect chicken burritos:
1. Cooked Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
- 1½ pounds of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken (white or dark meat, or a mix) are needed.
- This is a fantastic time-saver and significantly reduces prep time without sacrificing flavor.
2. Large Flour Tortillas
- 8 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches in diameter).
- These are the pliable wrappers that hold all the deliciousness together.
- The larger size makes rolling easier, especially for those new to burrito assembly, helping to prevent overfilling and bursting.
3. Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- This blend typically includes Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco, offering a fantastic melt and rich, savory flavor that creates that irresistible golden, bubbly top.
4. Black Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, which must be rinsed thoroughly and, critically, well-drained to prevent a soggy burrito.
- These provide a hearty, earthy base and a good source of fiber and protein, adding substance to each bite.
5. Corn Kernels
- ½ cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Sweet and slightly crunchy, corn adds a pop of color and natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the chicken and spices.
6. Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, used for sautéing the vegetables.
- This healthy fat helps to soften the vegetables and coax out their aromatic qualities, building a foundational layer of flavor for the filling.
7. Red Onion
- A red onion offers a sharp, pungent flavor when raw, but mellows beautifully when sautéed, adding a sweet and savory depth to the filling.
8. Bell Peppers
- These vibrant vegetables contribute a fresh, sweet crunch and a beautiful array of colors to the filling, enhancing the flavor.
9. Garlic
- Garlic is a cornerstone of many savory dishes, providing an aromatic, pungent base that infuses the entire filling with its distinctive warmth.
10. Spices for Filling
- Ground cumin, chili powder, dried Mexican oregano, and smoked paprika are what give the chicken and vegetable mixture its authentic, warm, and inviting Mexican flavor profile.
- Cumin adds earthiness, chili powder provides a mild kick, oregano offers a herbaceous note, and smoked paprika contributes a subtle smoky depth.
11. Salt and Pepper
- These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors, ensuring the filling is perfectly seasoned.
12. Fresh Cilantro
- This herb provides a bright, citrusy, and fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors, adding a vibrant finish to the filling and a beautiful garnish.
13. Enchilada Sauce
- This savory, slightly tangy red sauce is the key to the “smothered” effect, providing a rich, flavorful blanket over the baked burritos.
- It’s a convenient shortcut that delivers deep flavor.
14. Sour Cream
- This forms the luscious, creamy base for the zesty topping, offering a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
15. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- The bright, acidic kick of fresh lime juice cuts through the richness of the sour cream, adding a refreshing zest that elevates the entire dish.
Essential Tools for Making This Chicken Burrito Recipe
Here are the essential kitchen tools you need to craft these amazing chicken burritos:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Ideal for sautéing the vegetables and heating the chicken filling. Its generous size allows for even cooking and easy stirring.
- Small Mixing Bowls: Several of these will be needed; one for mixing the spices, one for the creamy topping, and another for combining the cheese and sauce for topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, ensuring consistency in the recipe every time.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the red onion, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro. A sharp knife makes all the difference in efficiency and safety.
- Two Forks: These are the primary tools for easily shredding the cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Large Baking Sheet (13×9 inch or larger): Crucial for baking multiple burritos at once.
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze and preventing sticking.
- Whisk: Handy for effortlessly blending the ingredients for your creamy sour cream topping, ensuring it’s smooth and lump-free.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesy Chicken Burrito
Beyond their incredible taste, these baked chicken burritos offer a range of nutritional benefits, making them a satisfying and wholesome meal choice:
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to the genius of using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, a significant chunk of the work is already done for you. This means less time in the kitchen.
- High Protein Powerhouse: With cooked shredded chicken and black beans as primary ingredients, these cheesy chicken burritos are packed with protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and keeping you feeling full.
- Fiber-Rich Goodness: The inclusion of black beans, corn, and bell peppers significantly boosts the dietary fiber content, which is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to satiety.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh veggies like bell peppers, red onion, corn, and cilantro add nutrients and flavor. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C, while cilantro adds a boost of Vitamin K.
- Energy Sustainer: The combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates (from the tortilla and vegetables) provides sustained energy, preventing sudden energy crashes and keeping you fueled throughout your day.
- Budget-Friendly: This chicken burrito recipe is a budget-friendly way to turn pantry staples and leftover chicken into a hearty, satisfying meal.
What to Serve with Your Baked Chicken Burritos
While these cheesy baked chicken burritos are incredibly satisfying on their own, pairing them with a few complementary sides can elevate the meal into a full-fledged feast:
- Fresh and Crisp Toppings: Consider a bowl of crisp shredded lettuce and diced fresh tomatoes for a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, rich burritos.
- Creamy Avocado Goodness: A side of guacamole or sliced avocado adds creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the cheesy chicken burrito.
- Extra Sauces for Dipping: Offer extra red salsa, salsa verde, or sour cream on the side for those who want more heat or a creamy finishing touch.
- Classic Mexican Sides: A simple side of fluffy Mexican rice or warm refried beans adds a hearty, traditional touch to complete the meal.
- Crunchy Companions: A basket of crispy tortilla chips is perfect for scooping up any stray filling or extra sauce, adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- Light and Bright Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the burritos and adding more fresh vegetables to your plate.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Burritos Ever
Here are some pro tips to help you make chicken burritos that turn out delicious, easy to roll, and full of flavor every time:”
1. Do Not Rush the Shredding
- Shredding chicken while it is still warm is significantly easier and helps achieve a more consistent, tender texture.
- If the chicken cools completely, it can become tougher to shred, requiring more effort and potentially yielding less desirable results.
2. Prevent Soggy Fillings
- It is imperative to ensure any hot fillings have cooled slightly before beginning the assembly of the burritos.
- This cooling process prevents steam buildup inside the tortilla, which is a major contributor to sogginess.
3. Drain Beans Thoroughly
- It is vital to ensure canned beans are thoroughly rinsed and well-drained, as excess moisture can make your burritos soggy, especially when baking.
4. Warm Your Tortillas
- Cold tortillas tend to crack and tear.
- Warming them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave makes them soft, flexible, and much easier to roll without splitting.
5. Mind the Overfill
- It’s tempting to pile on the fillings, but too much can make your burrito hard to roll and likely to burst during baking.
- Keep it modest so you can wrap it tightly and enjoy every bite without the mess.
6. Roll Tightly, Seam Side Down
- A snug roll keeps everything in place. Tuck the sides in and roll firmly, then always place the burrito seam-side down when baking.
- This helps it stay sealed and hold its shape.
7. Even Bake Distribution
- Arrange burritos in the baking dish with a bit of space between each one so the heat can circulate evenly, helping everything cook and melt consistently.
Final Remarks
The combination of juicy chicken, golden tortillas, and melty cheese makes every baked chicken burrito a perfect balance of textures and flavors, especially when cooked just right.
While classic burritos are usually pan-griddled, baking gives you that evenly crisped shell and gooey melted cheese without the hassle of flipping or constant stovetop monitoring.
And if you’re a true baked burrito fan, you know the oven helps all those bold flavors come together in the best way.
Feel free to customize your burrito, swap in your favorite ingredients, go gluten-free if needed, and don’t forget to share your final outcome.
Happy Baking.
Best Chicken Burrito Recipe
Description
This easy chicken burrito recipe yields eight baked burritos, wrapped in warm flour tortillas and stuffed with spiced shredded chicken, rice, and beans, all ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Burritos
For the Sauce
How To Make Chicken Burritos (Step-By-Step Instructions)
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment, or lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers.
- Sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Prepare the Chicken Filling
- In the same skillet, add shredded chicken
- Stir in the cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Stir in the thoroughly rinsed and well-drained black beans and the corn kernels
- Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the spices are thoroughly coated with the ingredients.
- Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
Prepare the Sauces
- In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, sour cream, ground cumin, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Warm the Tortillas
- Place the tortillas in a preheated oven.
- Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 15 to 20 seconds per side.
- Warm tortillas are more flexible and less likely to tear when rolling.
Assemble the Chicken Burritos
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon about ⅔ cup of the chicken filling down the center.
- Sprinkle a handful of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top.
- Fold the sides in, then roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking in the edges as you go.
- Place the burrito seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the top of all the burritos.
- Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake the Chicken Burritos
- Bake the burritos in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from the oven.
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro.
- Serve your chicken burrito warm with sour cream, guacamole, or lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 Chicken Burrito (350g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 7g29%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 32g64%
- Vitamin A 180 IU
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 280 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Keep about ½" border on the tortilla to ensure neat rolling.
- Space burritos seam-side down in the baking dish so fillings don’t leak.
- Taste a small spoonful of the filling and adjust salt or spices before assembling.
- Sprinkle a thin cheese layer inside the burrito first; this acts like “glue,” holding fillings together.
wow! wow! wow! This is the best chicken burrito ever! soooo delicious😋