Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos: A Quick and Tasty Dinner Idea
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!
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
To make these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos even more delicious, try these tips:
Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
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.
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.