Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of biting into a warm, cheesy, smothered baked chicken burrito on a chilly evening. These hearty burritos are filled with tender shredded chicken, savory spices, and creamy cheese, then smothered in a rich sauce before being baked to bubbly perfection.

I first made this dish for a family game night, hoping for something that would please everyone—and it was a hit! Now, it’s our go-to for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Ready to try this crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and practical. These smothered baked chicken burritos combine ease, flavor, and versatility in one satisfying package.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With a few shortcuts like using rotisserie chicken, you can cut your prep time down to just 15 minutes. The oven does the rest, giving you time to unwind or set the table.

Second, they’re a perfect meal for picky eaters. You can customize the fillings and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences. Add beans, skip the spicy sauce, or go heavy on the cheese—there’s no wrong way to make these burritos.

Plus, they’re great for meal prep. Make a big batch, refrigerate or freeze the extras, and you’ve got ready-to-reheat meals for busy days.

Finally, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and a luscious sauce takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these smothered baked chicken burritos lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they work so well.

Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, offering tender and flavorful meat without the hassle of cooking it yourself. You can also use leftover baked or grilled chicken for a homemade touch.

Flour Tortillas: Choose large, burrito-sized tortillas to hold all the fillings securely. They should be soft and pliable for easy rolling.

Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully, offering the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Sauce: The star of the dish! Use a combination of enchilada sauce and sour cream to create a rich, tangy topping that soaks into the burritos as they bake.

Seasonings: A mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika gives the chicken a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sauce.

Optional but delightful additions include black beans, cooked rice, or sautéed peppers and onions to bulk up the filling and add extra layers of texture.

How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Creating these delicious burritos is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plateful of golden, cheesy perfection in no time.

1. Prepare the Filling
   Start by shredding your chicken if it’s not pre-shredded. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika), a handful of shredded cheese, and a splash of enchilada sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Burritos
   Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center. If you’re adding extras like beans or rice, layer those in now. Fold the sides in, then roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
3. Arrange and Smother
   Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce and sour cream mixture evenly over the top, ensuring every burrito is generously coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce.
4. Bake to Perfection
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole. Serve hot with your favorite sides like Mexican rice or a crisp salad.

Storage Options

These burritos are just as amazing the next day as they are fresh out of the oven. Here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum flavor.

Refrigeration: Place leftover burritos in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, unwrap the burritos (if frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge first) and place them in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a playground for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed veggies, black beans, and corn for a meatless version.
• Switch the Sauce: Try a green enchilada sauce for a tangier twist, or use queso for a creamier topping.
• Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat tortillas, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

Experiment with these variations to suit your preferences, and don’t hesitate to get creative. Cooking is all about making recipes your own!

Enjoy your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos, and get ready for them to become a regular request in your household. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to deliver smiles all around.

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