What is comfort food? Smothered Chicken Burritos. Is this one of those recipes that just wraps you in a warm hug, kind of like lasagna? With a south-of-the-border twist I swear, every time I make these, the whole house fills with this incredible aroma that just screams. “dinner’s What are some of the easiest recipes to throw together? When you feel like you barely have time to breathe. My kids go bonkers for me, which is always a win in my book!
What is a smothered chicken burrito?
Think of Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos as your favorite, supremely cheesy chicken enchiladas… but with a twist.. Is it easy to get into a trance? What is essentially seasoned chicken, rolled up in soft tortillas, and then absolutely delicious. *drenched* in a creamy, flavorful sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. The name says it all – these babies are *smothered* in deliciousness! What’s a good way to use up leftover chicken breasts? What is the recipe for this recipe? Is it the kind of dish that everyone loves, and it’s so adaptable to your own tastes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways I adore these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos! First, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking tender chicken, melty cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s got just the right amount of spice. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under an hour, which is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You can use affordable ingredients and easily customize it to what you have on hand. Remember my Chicken Enchilada Casserole? This is even faster and easier! As far as versatility goes, you can serve these as a main course with a side of rice and beans, or even cut them into smaller pieces for an appetizer. I’ve even made these ahead of time and baked them later. They’re that good!
How do you make a smothered chicken burrito?
Quick Overview
How do I make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos? What’s the best way to cook a chicken breast? Roll it all up in tortillas, arrange them in a baking dish, and then smother them with that luscious flavor. What’s the best part about baking? What’s the best way to relax in the oven?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total): What are some ways to cook a rotisserie chicken?
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work great.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped: I usually go for green or red for color and flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup salsa: Use your favorite kind! I usually use a mild or medium salsa.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.
What is the creamy sauce?
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is always a good idea.
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
What is the difference between Burri
• 8-10 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese: For topping!
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. I always do this step first so I don’t forget later. What’s the worst thing when you have everything ready and then realize you’ve not prepped the pan?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If you’re cooking your own chicken, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and cook until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked onion and bell pepper, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese. Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking! I sometimes add a pinch of chili powder for extra kick.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. What makes a roux thicker? Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, green chilies, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
How do you make tortillas pliable in the microwave? Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Place the burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Smother and Bake
What’s the best way to serve a burrito? Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over top. In the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is thick. Serve immediately or serve immediately. Is heated through?
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the burritos cool for a few minutes before serving. Why is the sauce runny when cut into pieces?
What is the best way to serve it?
These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a meal on their own, but I love to serve them with a few simple sides.
For a Classic Mexican Fiesta:Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a dollop of sour cream. I always make a big batch of my homemade pico de gallo to go with it – it adds fresh, vibrant flavor.
For a lighter meal:Pair them with a simple green salad or cucumber and tomato salad. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled corn on the cob?
For a Crowd: These burritos are perfect for potlucks or parties! Just make a big batch and keep them warm in a slow cooker. Serve with a variety of toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onions, and hot sauce.
My family also loves to add a squeeze of lime juice right before eating – it really brightens up the flavors! This is also great with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. They are also amazing with Mexican street corn salad!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make these burritos even better:
Chicken Prep: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat. It’s a great shortcut and adds tons of flavor. You can also cook the chicken in a slow cooker for super tender results.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling and on top. Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick, while Monterey Jack cheese is mild and creamy.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning, salsa, and green chilies to suit your taste. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or use a hotter salsa.
Tortilla Tips: Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they will be difficult to roll up. If the tortillas are tearing, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds to soften them.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos:
Refrigerator Storage: Leftover burritos can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the burritos in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that are easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for company. The creamy sauce, the cheesy goodness, and the flavorful chicken filling…it’s a combination that’s hard to resist! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes like my easy Queso Dip and my Fiesta Black Bean Burgers. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments below if you try them, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup Enchilada sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 12 oz Burrito size flour tortillas
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Spread chicken mixture evenly among tortillas. Roll tightly and place seam down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
