Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

There's nothing quite like a plate of smothered baked chicken burritos to turn an ordinary dinner into something truly special. With a golden, cheesy topping and a savory filling wrapped in soft tortillas, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

this Recipe

The first time I made these burritos, I was looking for a way to use up leftover shredded chicken. What I didn’t expect was how quickly they would disappear from the table! Now, they’re a staple in our meal rotation and always a hit with family and friends. Let’s dive into why these burritos deserve a spot on your dinner menu.

Why You'll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. These smothered baked chicken burritos are the perfect combination of flavor, ease, and versatility.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. With just a little prep work, you can have a hearty meal in the oven and ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Second, these burritos are a family-friendly crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping are universally loved, and you can customize the fillings to suit everyone’s preferences.

Speaking of customization, the recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even swapping in a plant-based protein, the results are always delicious.

Lastly, this dish is a feast for the senses. From the bubbling, golden cheese to the savory aroma of seasoned chicken and spices, every bite delivers pure comfort. Let’s get into the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of well-chosen ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a standout meal.

Chicken: Shredded chicken forms the base of the filling. Leftovers work beautifully here, but a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option if you’re short on time.

Tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe, as they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart during baking. Opt for large, burrito-sized ones to pack in all the delicious ingredients.

Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack adds creamy, melty goodness to the burritos. Sprinkle some extra on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Enchilada Sauce: A rich, flavorful sauce ties everything together. You can use your favorite store-bought version or make a quick homemade batch for an extra layer of flavor.

Seasonings: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder brings the filling to life, delivering a robust, Tex-Mex-inspired flavor profile.

No special equipment is needed, but a sturdy baking dish and some foil will ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

How To Make This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Creating these smothered burritos is straightforward and satisfying. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a large baking dish. This step ensures the burritos don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a large bowl, mix your shredded chicken with half the enchilada sauce and the seasonings. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated and infused with flavor.

Lay out your tortillas and evenly distribute the chicken mixture down the center of each one. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the filling, then roll the tortillas tightly into burritos.

Place the burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure every burrito is covered. This step keeps them moist during baking and adds that signature smothered flavor.

Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the burritos, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Total cooking time is about 30 minutes, and the result is a plate of warm, cheesy, perfectly smothered burritos that are ready to serve.

Storage Options

These burritos are just as delicious the next day, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

To store, place the burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, microwave refrigerated burritos in 30-second increments until warm, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Frozen burritos can be thawed overnight in the fridge or reheated straight from frozen, though they’ll take a bit longer to warm through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans, roasted vegetables, or a mix of both.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick of heat.
• Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas or serve the filling over a bed of cauliflower rice.
• Different proteins: Try shredded beef, pork, or even seasoned ground turkey as a tasty alternative to chicken.
• Homemade sauce: Whip up a homemade enchilada sauce with tomato paste, broth, and spices for an extra-special touch.

No matter how you customize these smothered baked chicken burritos, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new ways to make this recipe uniquely yours!

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