Shredded Chicken Burrito Casserole

Name: Shredded Chicken Burrito Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Worldly Creations

I created this Shredded Chicken Burrito Casserole as a fun twist on a classic burrito. It's perfectly layered with flavor and offers a delightful mix of textures that keeps everyone coming back for more. With tender chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, each bite is a comforting reminder of a cozy family meal. Plus, it comes together in just one dish, making cleanup a breeze! I love how customizable it is; you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:41:35.438Z

When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how easily it brought everyone to the table. The combination of shredded chicken, black beans, and rice is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. I used leftover rotisserie chicken, which made the prep so much quicker, but you can cook your chicken from scratch if you prefer.

To enhance the flavors, I recommend adding a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before serving. This brightens up the dish beautifully! There’s something magical about how these flavors meld during cooking, making it a family favorite in our home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients combined for a satisfying meal
One-pan preparation means less cleanup
Customizable to fit your favorite flavors
Baking creates a delightful cheesy golden crust

Perfecting Your Chicken

For the best results, always use shredded chicken that is moist and packed with flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil chicken breasts in seasoned water until cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes. Once shredded, ensure there are no large chunks; uniform shreds help with even distribution throughout the casserole and make for a satisfying texture in every bite.

If you're seeking a lighter alternative, consider using shredded turkey or even plant-based proteins like jackfruit. Just be sure to season them well, as plain proteins can be bland. If using a non-meat option, keep the cooking time unchanged, but adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

Customize Your Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, you can exchange black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans. Adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños will enhance the freshness and provide an extra kick. When considering the cheese, try a pepper jack for a spicy twist or a creamier mozzarella to mellow the flavors.

If you enjoy more heat, boost the chili powder or mix in some diced green chiles—canned varieties are perfectly fine and add a tangy zest. You can also layer in ingredients like spinach or zucchini to sneak in some veggies; simply sauté them first to reduce moisture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

For the Casserole

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Now that you have everything, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cooked rice, salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top, then layer the remaining chicken mixture followed by the rest of the cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños to the filling or top with avocado slices before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is ideal for meal prep! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, until you're ready to bake. If doing so, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it cooks evenly. This is particularly important if you used chilled ingredients, as they may require a longer baking time.

For even better planning, consider freezing the uncooked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated all the way through.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this Shredded Chicken Burrito Casserole, pair it with a fresh side salad or some guacamole for a delicious contrast to the rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can help balance the spice, while a sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh crunch.

If you're looking to transform it into a full meal, consider serving it with warm tortillas or chips for dipping. You could even turn leftovers into burrito bowls by layering the casserole with additional toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or homemade pico de gallo.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding.

→ What can I substitute for black beans?

You can use pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.