Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

There's nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos filling your kitchen. These deliciously hearty burritos are stuffed with tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked under a blanket of rich, flavorful sauce.

this Recipe

The first time I made this dish, it was a weeknight experiment that turned into an instant family favorite. Now, these burritos are my go-to for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat. Let’s dive into what makes these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos so special.

Why You'll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite Tex-Mex comfort food. These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are everything you want in a weeknight dinner – and more.

First off, they're unbelievably easy to make. From the simple filling to the flavorful sauce, everything comes together with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, shredded chicken or ground beef, you can easily adapt these burritos to suit your family's preferences. They’re even great for using up leftovers!

Not to mention, these burritos are a complete meal in one dish. With protein, carbs, and plenty of cheesy goodness, they’re satisfying enough to stand on their own. Serve with a side of rice or a crisp salad for a little extra flair.

Finally, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or simply meal-prepping for the week, this recipe doubles easily and reheats beautifully.

Now that you're sold, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these burritos irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a dish that’s bursting with Tex-Mex flair.

Chicken: For the filling, shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. It's juicy, tender, and already cooked, saving you precious time. Alternatively, you can use leftover roasted chicken or poached and shredded chicken breasts.

Tortillas: Soft, large flour tortillas are essential for wrapping the filling without tearing. Look for burrito-sized ones to ensure you can pack in all that delicious goodness.

Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy texture. Feel free to use your favorite Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different flavor.

Enchilada Sauce: The rich, smothering sauce is the key to this dish’s name. A canned red enchilada sauce works perfectly for convenience, or you can make your own for a homemade touch.

Beans: Refried beans make the filling creamy and satisfying. Black beans or pinto beans also work if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Seasonings: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the filling that bold, smoky flavor you expect in Tex-Mex dishes.

You’ll also need a baking dish and some foil for the smothering and baking process. Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking!

How To Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Creating these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos is a straightforward process that’s as fun as it is rewarding. Here’s how to bring it all together step by step.

Start with the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheese, refried beans, and seasonings. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed and the filling is creamy and flavorful.

Assemble the burritos. Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep all the filling neatly contained.

Prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the enchilada sauce over low heat until warmed through. Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.

Bake the burritos. Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the prepared dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, ensuring every burrito is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce, covering the burritos generously.

Pop them in the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Once your burritos are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The result is a dish that’s irresistibly cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold flavors.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos store beautifully.

For refrigeration, place the burritos in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through.

To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Switch up the protein. Try ground beef, shredded pork, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Go spicy. Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Change the sauce. Green enchilada sauce or a creamy queso sauce makes a delicious alternative to the red enchilada sauce.
• Make it lighter. Swap out refried beans for black beans, use whole wheat tortillas, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version.
• Top it off. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, vibrant finish.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos. Happy cooking!

Print