If you are craving a comfort food that brings together bold flavors and cozy textures, the Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender shredded chicken, seasoned rice, hearty black beans, and melted cheese all wrapped up in warm tortillas, then drenched in a tangy enchilada sauce with a creamy sour cream touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for casual get-togethers. Every bite offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this dish is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one adds a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or color. From the smoky chili powder to the fresh cilantro, these components come together to turn humble staples into something sensational.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for convenience and juicy flavor.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Choose white, brown, or Mexican-style rice to add a fluffy base that soaks up spices.
- 1 cup black beans: Rinsed and drained, these boost protein and add a creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Half for mixing inside, half for topping—this cheese melts beautifully to bind the burritos.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Adds moisture and bright, zesty notes to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings depth and a subtle kick of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Introduces an earthy warmth to balance the chili powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all flavors perfectly.
- 6 large flour tortillas: These hold the filling snugly and bake to a soft, pillowy wrap.
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce: The rich sauce that smothers the burritos, locking in moisture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Mixed with the sauce for creaminess and a mild tang.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a large baking dish. This sets the stage for perfectly baked, you-won’t-believe-it’s-homemade burritos that won’t stick or dry out during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, half the shredded cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your burritos, packed with flavors and textures that make each bite delicious.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out the flour tortillas flat and evenly distribute the filling among them. Roll each tortilla tightly, then place them seam-side down in your greased baking dish. This ensures your filling stays tucked inside while baking.
Step 4: Smother with Sauce and Cream
In a small bowl, mix the enchilada sauce and sour cream until smooth. Pour this luscious, creamy sauce evenly over the rolled burritos. This step defines the “smothered” part, ensuring moist, flavor-packed burritos.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake lets the burritos cook through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Melt and Brown the Cheese
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. This creates a mouthwatering, cheesy crust that takes these burritos from great to unforgettable.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top if you like a pop of green freshness and herbal aroma. Now, your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of ripe avocado can elevate both the look and flavor of your burritos. These little extras bring creaminess and brightness that contrast beautifully with the rich, spiced filling.
Side Dishes
Serve these smothered burritos alongside a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. These sides offer refreshing balance and crunch, complementing the warm, cheesy burritos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the burritos in half and arrange them standing upright on a platter to invite sharing. You can also create mini versions using smaller tortillas, ideal for parties or as bite-sized appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and comforting meal anytime you need a satisfying bite without extra prep.
Freezing
Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze in a single layer. They freeze well for up to 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture, so you can have homemade burritos ready whenever you like.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven preserves the texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—feel free to swap the chicken with beef, pork, or even keep it vegetarian with sautéed vegetables or tofu. Just adjust the seasoning to match your protein of choice.
What kind of tortillas work best for these burritos?
Large flour tortillas are ideal here because they wrap tightly and stay soft when baked. Corn tortillas tend to be less flexible and might crack when rolling or baking.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chili powder and enchilada sauce provide mild to moderate heat, which you can easily adjust by adding more spices or choosing a hotter salsa. It’s designed to be family-friendly but still flavorful.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos and store them covered in the fridge before baking. Just add a little extra time in the oven if baking from cold.
What can I serve instead of black beans?
If you’re not a fan of black beans, pinto beans or refried beans work great as substitutes, providing similar texture and protein content.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. Next time you want something hearty and a little indulgent that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos combine tender shredded chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, and melted cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas, all baked in a creamy enchilada sauce topping. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering comforting Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly & Topping
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, half of the shredded cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to thoroughly mix all the flavors.
- Assemble burritos: Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon an equal portion of the chicken and rice mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to keep them closed during baking.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the red enchilada sauce and sour cream until smooth. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the arranged burritos in the baking dish.
- Add cheese topping and cover: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the sauced burritos. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the burritos cook evenly and keep moisture inside.
- Bake covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, optionally sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note. Serve the burritos warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for this recipe, but you can also use homemade cooked chicken breast or thighs.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding corn, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
