Irresistibly Cheesy Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Crispy tortillas embrace a hearty chicken filling in these delectable smothered baked chicken burritos that promise pure comfort.

Packed with robust flavors, each bite delivers a delightful blend of tender meat and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.

Cheese lovers will go crazy for the gooey, golden topping that blankets these irresistible bundles.

Home cooks can easily assemble these burritos using simple ingredients found in most pantries.

Fresh cilantro and zesty salsa add a bright, vibrant touch to the rich, savory ensemble.

Follow this recipe to create a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Great with Chicken Burritos

• Pair zesty margaritas with these smothered burritos for a perfect flavor explosion that complements the spicy chicken and rich green chili sauce.
• Serve ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona, which cuts through the richness and provides a crisp palate cleanser between bites.
• Whip up a creamy cilantro-lime sour cream dip that adds tangy freshness and helps balance the spicy burrito's intense flavors and warmth.
• Prepare a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, offering a light, vibrant contrast to the hearty, cheese-covered burritos.

Customization Ideas for More Spice or Cream

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or quinoa for a plant-based version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas, reducing overall carbohydrate intake while keeping the burrito experience intact.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, or include hot sauce in the chicken mixture for those craving extra heat and intensity.

FAQs for Smothered Burrito Lovers

• What ingredients can I substitute if I'm missing some?

For chicken, use ground beef, turkey, or beans. Replace green chili sauce with red enchilada sauce or salsa. If you don’t have cumin or chili powder, use taco seasoning as an alternative.

• Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare burritos up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove wrap, add sauce, and bake as directed.

• How can I make these burritos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture, use hot sauce in the filling, or choose a spicy green chili sauce. For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

• Are these burritos freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Wrap individual burritos in foil after assembling, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as usual, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Why These Chicken Burritos Are Family Favorites

• Easily swap ingredients to match family preferences, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies different taste buds.
• Bake everything in a single dish, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and assemble burritos quickly, perfect for busy households craving home-cooked meals.

Ingredients for Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Main Ingredients:

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty base of the burrito, best using rotisserie or leftover chicken.
• Refried Beans or Black Beans: Adds creamy texture and extra protein, great for making the filling more substantial.

• Large Flour Tortillas: Soft wrapper that holds the filling, choose fresh and pliable tortillas.
• Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor to the burritos.

• Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm, earthy spices that provide depth and authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste of the dish.
• Green Chili Sauce or Enchilada Sauce: Adds moisture and zesty flavor, creates the signature smothered effect.

Additional Ingredients:

• Onions: Provides sweet and savory base flavor for the filling.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the chicken mixture.

• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking in the skillet.

How to Assemble and Bake for Crisp Edges

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some serious burrito magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until they turn soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the chicken is heated through and coated with spices.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

• Refried beans
• Black beans

Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Wrap the Burrito Bundle

• Spread chicken mixture in the center
• Sprinkle cheese generously
• Roll tightly into a compact burrito

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Pour green chili sauce or enchilada sauce over the burritos, making sure they’re completely covered.

Step 8: Add Extra Cheese

Sprinkle additional cheese across the top for maximum gooeyness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Dress and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes

Enjoy your mouthwatering burrito feast!

Tips for Even Cooking and Rich Flavor

• Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Shred chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick burrito assembly during busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Handle Tortillas with Care: Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for rolling.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality chicken and authentic Mexican-style cheeses for a more robust and authentic taste experience.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble burritos ahead of time, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for convenient meal prep that saves time and energy.

Smart Storage and Reheating Advice

• Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty.
• Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay good for 2-3 months.
• Preheat to 350F, place burritos on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Wrap burrito in a damp paper towel, microwave for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even heating.

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos” bring Mexican comfort to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Packed with tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese, this dish promises a satisfying meal that connects families around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 lb) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional for a heartier filling)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or fresh roasted chilies)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium flame and gently sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce shredded chicken to the pan, seasoning with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute flavors evenly and ensure complete heating.
4. Fold in refried beans or black beans, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive filling mixture.
5. Position a tortilla flat, center a generous portion of the chicken mixture, and sprinkle cheese across the surface.
6. Carefully roll the tortilla into a compact burrito, tucking in the sides to prevent filling from escaping.
7. Arrange the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish, ensuring they are positioned snugly.
8. Lavishly drench the burritos with green chili sauce or enchilada sauce, guaranteeing complete coverage.
9. Scatter an additional layer of cheese over the sauced burritos for extra richness.
10. Shield the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
12. Embellish with preferred toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes before serving.

Notes

• Keep tortillas warm and pliable by wrapping them in a damp paper towel before filling to prevent cracking during rolling.
• Choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrition.
• Optimize flavor by using rotisserie chicken or seasoning homemade chicken with extra spices like smoked paprika or oregano for depth.
• Meal prep friendly recipe: Assemble burritos ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making weeknight dinners easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg