Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delicious and comforting dish that combines all the best elements of Mexican cuisine. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy hearty, flavorful meals with a satisfying blend of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or meal prep for the week, these smothered burritos are sure to become a favorite.
The dish begins with seasoned, shredded chicken wrapped in warm flour tortillas and topped with a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. After being baked in the oven, the burritos emerge with perfectly melted cheese and a gooey, savory finish. The smothered sauce adds extra depth of flavor, soaking into the tortillas and infusing the chicken with a deliciously spicy kick.
What makes these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos so appealing is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite fillings, toppings, and sauces, ensuring that each bite is a personalized experience. Plus, the dish is easy to prepare and offers great leftovers, making it a win for busy nights or meal prep.
If you love the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine but want a dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are exactly what you need. Let’s dive into the recipe, directions, and some fun variations you can try!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Making Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos at home is a rewarding and delicious experience that the whole family will love. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, gooey cheese, and savory sauce. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal tastes, making it the perfect customizable meal.
One reason you’ll love this recipe is that it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. Whether you have rotisserie chicken on hand or you’re using freshly cooked chicken breasts, this recipe is perfect for repurposing leftovers. Simply shred the chicken, mix with the seasonings, and stuff it into tortillas, then top with cheese and sauce.
The smothered sauce is another highlight of this dish. It’s made with a flavorful combination of enchilada sauce, seasonings, and sometimes sour cream or cream cheese for added richness. As the burritos bake in the oven, the sauce soaks into the tortillas, adding moisture and enhancing the flavors. The result is a melty, indulgent meal that’s perfect for satisfying your hunger.
Another great feature of this recipe is its convenience. It’s easy to prepare, and it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve. Whether you make them in advance for meal prep or bake them fresh for dinner, Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a dish that fits any busy schedule. Plus, they are great for freezing, so you can enjoy them later.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 8-10 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
Equipment Used
- Large Skillet:
For sautéing the onions and cooking the shredded chicken with seasonings, a large skillet is ideal. It ensures even heating and enough space for all ingredients. - Baking Dish:
A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking the burritos. It allows enough space to hold the burritos while ensuring they cook evenly. - Can Opener:
A can opener is necessary for opening the enchilada sauce and diced green chilies (if using). - Mixing Bowl:
A medium mixing bowl is useful for combining the enchilada sauce and sour cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth and well-blended before pouring it over the burritos. - Grater:
A grater is essential if you’re shredding your own cheese for the burritos. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more flavorful texture. - Tongs or Spatula:
Tongs or a spatula are useful for carefully handling the tortillas when assembling the burritos, ensuring the chicken mixture stays intact inside. - Measuring Spoons:
Accurate measurements of spices and seasonings will ensure the burritos are perfectly flavored. Measuring spoons help with portion control.
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the burritos. - Prepare the Chicken Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, along with the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and diced green chilies (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Burritos:
Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly, folding in the edges as you go, to create burritos. - Prepare the Smothering Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce with sour cream (if using). Stir until smooth and well-blended. - Smother and Bake:
Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce mixture over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is slightly caramelized around the edges. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the burritos cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.
Nutritional Information
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos offer a hearty and satisfying meal, with the following approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450-500 (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies based on the ingredients used)
This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken, and it’s also packed with flavor from the combination of seasonings and sauce. While it’s not a low-calorie meal, it’s a satisfying option for a filling dinner. To make it lighter, you can use low-fat cheese, sour cream, or whole wheat tortillas.
For a more balanced meal, consider serving with a side of vegetables, like a fresh salad or roasted veggies, to increase the fiber content.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, for a delicious vegetarian alternative. - Spicy Burritos:
Add more heat by including diced jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce. You can also add hot sauce inside the burritos for extra flavor. - Cheese Lovers:
Use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar for a cheesy, gooey result that melts perfectly. - Low-Carb Option:
Swap out flour tortillas for low-carb or gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe more diet-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
2. Can I freeze the smothered burritos?
Absolutely! These burritos freeze well. To freeze, assemble the burritos, cover them with sauce and cheese, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.
3. What can I serve with smothered chicken burritos?
These burritos are perfect with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a simple side salad. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top for extra flavor.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t overstuff the burritos: While it’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, overstuffing can make it difficult to roll them up tightly. Aim for just enough filling to close the burrito comfortably.
- Use fresh tortillas: Fresh, soft tortillas make rolling easier and provide a better texture in the finished dish.
- Make your own enchilada sauce: If you have the time, making your own enchilada sauce can really elevate the flavor of these burritos.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- A fresh avocado salad or guacamole for extra creaminess
- A side of Mexican corn pudding or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal
These burritos are versatile and make for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos: A Quick and Tasty Dinner Idea
Equipment
- Large Skillet:
- For sautéing the onions and cooking the shredded chicken with seasonings, a large skillet is ideal. It ensures even heating and enough space for all ingredients.
- Baking Dish:
- A 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking the burritos. It allows enough space to hold the burritos while ensuring they cook evenly.
- Can Opener:
- A can opener is necessary for opening the enchilada sauce and diced green chilies (if using).
- Mixing Bowl:
- A medium mixing bowl is useful for combining the enchilada sauce and sour cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth and well-blended before pouring it over the burritos.
- Grater:
- A grater is essential if you’re shredding your own cheese for the burritos. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more flavorful texture.
- Tongs or Spatula:
- Tongs or a spatula are useful for carefully handling the tortillas when assembling the burritos, ensuring the chicken mixture stays intact inside.
- Measuring Spoons:
- Accurate measurements of spices and seasonings will ensure the burritos are perfectly flavored. Measuring spoons help with portion control.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 8-10 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend
- 1 can 10 oz red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional for added creaminess
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready to bake the burritos.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, along with the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and diced green chilies (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly, folding in the edges as you go, to create burritos.
- Prepare the Smothering Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce with sour cream (if using). Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Smother and Bake:
- Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce mixture over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the burritos cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.
Notes
Add sautéed onions and garlic to the chicken mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
Top with a mix of cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce.
Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top after baking for added richness.