Fiesta Chicken Burrito Bake
Indulge in a delightful Fiesta Chicken Burrito Bake that harmonizes the heartiness of shredded chicken, melty cheese, and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. This layered casserole is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. With each bite, you’ll savor tender chicken mingling with zesty taco seasoning, enveloped in flour tortillas and smothered in savory sauce. As a versatile meal, you can customize it with your preferred toppings like shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and dollops of sour cream, making it as colorful as it is delicious. Plus, it freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream, ensuring you have a convenient meal ready whenever the craving hits. Perfect for those busy evenings or to impress at your next gathering, this casserole will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breasts
3 (shredded)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (as per package instructions)
Rotel
1 (15 ounce) can (mild, regular, or hot)
Pasta sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (from the Mexican food section)
Flour tortillas
10 (any size)
Shredded cheese
2 cups (any variety)
Shredded lettuce
to taste (for topping)
Diced tomato
to taste (for topping)
Diced onion
to taste (for topping)
Sour cream
to taste (for topping)
Salsa
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized pot, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot.
3
Stir in the can of Rotel and the taco seasoning mix. Follow the package instructions and add any necessary water. Heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
4
Spray a deep casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Begin layering: place a layer of flour tortillas at the bottom of the dish, covering it entirely.
6
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce over the tortillas to prevent them from drying out.
7
Add a layer of the seasoned chicken mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
8
Repeat the layers (tortillas, sauce, chicken, cheese) until you have used all of the chicken, ensuring the top layer consists of tortillas covered in sauce.
9
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiesta Chicken Burrito Bake?
It is a layered casserole that combines shredded chicken, cheese, and Mexican flavors for a hearty and simple meal.
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cooked chicken breasts, shredded into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the chicken mixture?
Stir together shredded chicken, Rotel, and taco seasoning in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
Spray a deep casserole dish with non-stick spray and place a layer of flour tortillas at the bottom.
How do I prevent the tortillas from drying out?
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce over the tortillas during the layering process.
What type of pasta sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 15-ounce can of pasta sauce found in the Mexican food section.
What kind of Rotel should I use?
You can use mild, regular, or hot Rotel depending on your spice preference.
How many tortillas are needed?
The recipe requires approximately 10 flour tortillas of any size.
What is the specific order of the layers?
The layers consist of tortillas, sauce, seasoned chicken, and then a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
What should the top layer of the casserole be?
The final layer should be tortillas covered in sauce to ensure they stay moist.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Why should I cover the dish with foil while baking?
Aluminum foil helps retain moisture so the chicken and tortillas do not dry out.
How can I tell when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
You can use any variety of shredded cheese, though 2 cups is the recommended amount.
Can I freeze the Fiesta Chicken Burrito Bake?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully and is perfect for meal planning.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, it reheats very well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
What are some recommended fresh toppings?
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced onions are excellent fresh toppings.
Can I add sour cream to this dish?
Yes, dollops of sour cream are a popular and delicious topping for this bake.
Is salsa recommended as a topping?
Yes, you can add salsa to taste to enhance the Mexican flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Absolutely, it is an irresistible dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or large dinners.
Does the recipe require specific taco seasoning?
Use one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning and follow the package instructions for any water needed.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a hearty one-dish meal because it contains protein, grains, and dairy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the optional toppings.
Can I customize the heat level?
Yes, by choosing different varieties of Rotel or salsa, you can make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Is the preparation difficult?
No, the instructions are simple and the casserole is easy to assemble.
How many chicken breasts do I need to prepare?
The recipe calls for three cooked chicken breasts.
What makes this dish colorful?
The combination of golden cheese, red sauce, and fresh green or red toppings makes it very vibrant.
Can I use different sizes of tortillas?
Yes, the recipe states you can use any size of flour tortillas.
Where should I serve this dish?
It is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a convenient and tasty meal.