Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, savory comfort of Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos fresh out of the oven. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.

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I first came across this recipe when looking for a way to turn leftover rotisserie chicken into something extraordinary. One bite of these saucy, cheesy burritos, and they instantly became a favorite at our table. Let me show you how to make these irresistible burritos your next go-to meal.

Why You'll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! These burritos are as easy to make as they are delicious.

First, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken means the prep is quick, and the rest comes together in under an hour.

Next, the flavor is unbeatable. Between the spiced chicken filling and the creamy, smothering sauce, every bite is bursting with deliciousness. It’s a meal that tastes like it took hours to make, but it’s deceptively simple.

Plus, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a dinner party, everyone will love the cheesy, saucy goodness of these burritos.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, adjust the spice level, or even make it vegetarian. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these burritos lies in the combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.

Shredded Chicken is the star of the show. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, but you can also use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Shred it finely for the best texture.

Flour Tortillas provide the perfect wrap for the filling. Look for large, burrito-sized tortillas to hold all the delicious ingredients.

Cheese is essential for both the filling and the topping. A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack adds the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.

Enchilada Sauce ties everything together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for a personalized touch. Red sauce is classic, but green enchilada sauce works beautifully too.

Sour Cream adds creaminess to the smothering sauce, giving it a luscious texture that coats every bite.

For equipment, you’ll need a large baking dish and a skillet to prepare the filling. A sharp knife and cutting board will also come in handy for prepping the vegetables.

How To Make This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Making these burritos is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Let’s dive in!

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the burritos won’t stick during baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Prepare the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in a drizzle of olive oil until fragrant. Stir in the shredded chicken, seasonings like cumin and chili powder, and a portion of the enchilada sauce to keep the filling moist and flavorful.

Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface and evenly distribute the filling down the center of each one. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture, then roll the tortillas tightly into burritos. Place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining enchilada sauce with sour cream to create the smothering sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the burritos, ensuring they’re fully covered. Top with the remaining shredded cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.

Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Options

These burritos are just as good the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, separate the burritos with parchment paper if stacking.

For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven gives the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences.

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Love spice? Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.

If you’re watching carbs, use low-carb tortillas and serve the smothered burritos over a bed of lettuce instead of wrapping them.

Want a creamier filling? Mix some softened cream cheese into the chicken mixture before assembling the burritos.

No enchilada sauce? Use salsa or a tomato-based sauce as a quick substitute. It changes the flavor profile slightly but still tastes amazing.

Experiment with these ideas and make the recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!

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