Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Introduction
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love. These burritos are stuffed with tender shredded chicken, rice, and beans, then smothered in a rich sauce. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you want a filling meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it combines simple ingredients into a comforting dish. It’s filling and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days. Also, you can use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy, saucy burritos? They’re a hit with both kids and adults!
How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Making Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos is simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, half the cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture evenly onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and sour cream, stirring until smooth.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the burritos.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
How to Serve Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
These burritos are best served warm and can be paired with a side of chips and salsa, a simple salad, or some fresh guacamole. Everyone can customize their burrito with their favorite toppings like sour cream, extra salsa, or more cheese.
How to Store Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
If you have leftovers, let the burritos cool before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
- If you don’t have shredded chicken, you can use ground chicken or turkey.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
- To spice things up, add jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
Variation
You can easily make vegetarian Smothered Burritos by replacing the chicken with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu. You can also use different types of beans, like pinto or kidney beans, or other cheese varieties.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken! Just cook it in a skillet with some oil until it’s cooked through, then shred it.
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas. Everything else can remain the same.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just remember to add the sauce right before baking.
Give these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos a try! They’re delightful, simple, and sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. Enjoy!
