Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito straight out of the oven. The tender shredded chicken, wrapped in a soft tortilla and smothered with a rich, flavorful sauce, is a true comfort food masterpiece.

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick, hearty meal for a weekend gathering. Everyone loved it, and the best part? It’s so easy to make that it quickly became a regular in our household. Let me walk you through how to make this family favorite!

Why You'll Love These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner. These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are everything you need on a busy night or for a cozy weekend meal.

• Quick and Easy: Despite tasting like a labor of love, these burritos come together in under an hour, perfect for those evenings when time is short.
• Customizable: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Add your favorite toppings, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your family.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like tortillas, chicken, and cheese, this recipe won’t break the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it's dinner for the family or a game-day feast, these burritos are guaranteed to have everyone going back for seconds.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:

• Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of cumin for extra flavor.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best here, as they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Choose medium or large sizes, depending on your preference.
• Enchilada Sauce: The star of the smothered topping! Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch. I love a red enchilada sauce, but green works just as well.
• Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, creating that signature gooey finish.
• Beans and Rice: These make the burritos hearty and filling. Refried beans or black beans pair perfectly with seasoned rice, but feel free to experiment.

Special equipment: A large baking dish is essential for arranging and baking your burritos evenly.

How To Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Making these burritos is a straightforward process that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Prepare the Filling: Start by shredding your cooked chicken. In a skillet, combine the chicken with a portion of the enchilada sauce, beans, and rice. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until everything is warmed through and well mixed.
2. Assemble the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center, then sprinkle with cheese. Fold the sides over, then roll tightly from one end to the other. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
3. Smother with Sauce: Once all the burritos are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Be sure to cover every burrito for maximum flavor.
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the sauce-covered burritos. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

These burritos are fantastic for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Place leftover burritos in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen burritos in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating from the fridge, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or bake until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos is their adaptability. Here are some fun twists to try:

• Switch Up the Protein: Use ground beef, shredded pork, or a plant-based meat substitute for a different take.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on beans and veggies like sautéed peppers, onions, and corn.
• Try a New Sauce: Swap red enchilada sauce for green salsa verde or a creamy queso for a different flavor profile.
• Add Heat: For spice lovers, mix diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the filling.
• Breakfast Burritos: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and hash browns as the filling, then top with a savory sausage gravy.

These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a versatile, satisfying meal that your family will ask for again and again. Whether you keep it classic or try a creative twist, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food tonight!

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