Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered with enchilada sauce. This hearty dish is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and fillings to make it your own.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep; just freeze and reheat when needed.
• Comfort Food: The smothered sauce and melted cheese make it a warm, comforting dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a versatile meal for gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Flour tortillas
• Enchilada sauce (red or green)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• Refried beans
• Cooked rice (optional)
• Diced green chilies
• Sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Sliced avocado (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken, refried beans, green chilies, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
2. Assemble the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat, spread a layer of the chicken mixture, and add a scoop of rice if using. Roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito shape.
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the assembled burritos in a greased baking dish, seam-side down.
4. Smother with Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce-covered burritos.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and top with sour cream, avocado slices, and cilantro if desired.
8. Serve: Enjoy your smothered chicken burritos hot, straight from the oven!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Sauce Variety: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangier flavor.
• Toppings: Customize your burritos with additional toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce.
• Cheese: Mix up your cheese options by adding pepper jack for some spice or using a Mexican cheese blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual burritos for 1-2 minutes on high.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled burritos (before smothering with sauce and cheese) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking, and add the sauce and cheese before baking.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or use hot sauce as a topping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that your enchilada sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the burritos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.

What can I serve with these chicken burritos?

Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. Chips and salsa or guacamole also make great accompaniments.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream topping. Make sure your tortillas are dairy-free as well.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Ensure that the burritos are tightly wrapped before placing them in the dish. You can also toast the tortillas lightly before assembling the burritos to help them hold up better.

Can I use a different sauce?

Sure! You can experiment with different types of sauces, such as salsa verde, chipotle sauce, or even queso.

How do I reheat frozen burritos?

To reheat frozen burritos, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are heated through. Make sure to add the sauce and cheese after thawing for the best results.

What other toppings go well with smothered burritos?

Besides the classic toppings like sour cream and avocado, you can add sliced black olives, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are the ultimate comfort food, blending savory chicken, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese all in one satisfying dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, with its versatility in fillings and toppings, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Try this recipe for a guaranteed hit that everyone will love!

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