Hearty Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Zesty Dream: Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Sizzling with flavor and packed with hearty goodness, these smothered baked chicken burritos deliver a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tender chicken nestles inside soft tortillas, creating a delectable base for this irresistible dish.

Melted cheese blankets each burrito with golden, gooey perfection.

Zesty spices infuse every bite with bold, southwestern charm.

The creamy sauce draping these burritos adds a luxurious touch that turns a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that’ll transport you straight to comfort food paradise.

Let’s find out this recipe and transform your dinner into an unforgettable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 7

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Ingredient List

For Fresh Toppings and Garnishes:
  • Tomatoes: Juicy red gems that add bright, tangy freshness and vibrant color to the burritos.
  • Avocados or Guacamole: Creamy, rich texture that provides a smooth, buttery complement to the spicy chicken.
  • Cilantro: Zesty herb that brings a burst of clean, herbal flavor and aromatic brightness.
  • Salsa: Spicy and chunky sauce that introduces extra kick and authentic Mexican zest.
  • Tortilla Strips or Chips: Crispy, crunchy element that delivers satisfying textural contrast and traditional Mexican flair.
For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, protein-packed meat that forms the hearty core of the burritos, easily absorbing robust seasonings and marinades.
For Wrap and Binding:
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible corn or flour wrapper that hugs all ingredients, creating a portable and comforting meal package.

Tools That Help Build Smothered Chicken Burritos

  • Large Slow Cooker: Essential for preparing tender Mexican chicken.
  • Baking Dish: Perfect for baking and browning burritos evenly.
  • Saucepan: Crucial for creating creamy, flavorful cheese sauce.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for prepping ingredients and rolling burritos.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping and preparing fillings.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Chicken Preparation

Slow cook tender Mexican-style chicken until it’s perfectly shreddable and packed with zesty flavors.

  • Burrito Assembly

Spread the warm chicken mixture onto soft tortillas, sprinkle with melted cheese, and roll into neat bundles.

  • Creamy Enchantment Sauce

Create a luscious white sauce by blending butter, flour, savory broth, and smooth cheese with a whisper of green chilies.

  • Final Flourish

Slide the rolled burritos into a hot oven until they transform into golden, crispy packages. Drench with the velvety sauce and crown with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of tangy cream.

Chicken Burrito Filling and Flavor Ideas

  • Adjust heat levels by switching green chilies to jalapeños or adding hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian option.
  • Use whole wheat, corn, or gluten-free tortillas to match dietary preferences and add different flavor profiles.
  • Prepare burritos in advance, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

How to Serve Smothered Burritos with Style

  • Fiesta Plate Perfection: Pair these cheesy burritos with Mexican-style rice and black beans for a complete meal that bursts with flavor.
  • Fresh Flavor Boost: Top with crisp diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of cool sour cream to add brightness and freshness to each bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Arrange burritos on a colorful platter, drizzle extra sauce generously, and sprinkle with green onions for a restaurant-style look that'll wow dinner guests.
  • Spice It Up: Serve with homemade salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their burrito's heat level and enjoy personalized flavor profiles.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Burritos

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store fully assembled burritos in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated burritos in microwave for 1-2 minutes or in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for melty goodness.
  • Sauce Separation Tip: Keep sauce separately in a sealed container to maintain burrito crispness. Drizzle sauce just before serving to prevent soggy tortillas and preserve original texture.
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Hearty Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Hearty Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken burritos from Mexico bring comfort and flavor to dinner tables. Warm tortillas packed with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce will satisfy you completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups tortilla strips or chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 2 lbs (pounds) chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup tomatoes
  • 1 cup avocados or guacamole
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup cilantro

Instructions

  1. Chicken Preparation: Carefully drain slow cooker Mexican chicken to maintain burrito integrity, preventing excess moisture.
  2. Tortilla Warming: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and gently warm flour tortillas for enhanced flexibility.
  3. Burrito Assembly: Distribute seasoned chicken evenly across tortilla center, leaving strategic margins for precise folding.
  4. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle shredded cheese over chicken, ensuring complete coverage while maintaining compact structure.
  5. Rolling Technique: Expertly fold tortilla sides inward, then roll from bottom to top, creating tightly sealed burrito package.
  6. Baking Configuration: Arrange burritos seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet, preparing for golden transformation.
  7. Crispy Baking: Roast burritos for 15-20 minutes until exterior achieves crisp, golden-brown perfection.
  8. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter and olive oil in saucepan, establishing creamy sauce base with smooth roux technique.
  9. Liquid Incorporation: Gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and create silky texture.
  10. Flavor Layering: Integrate green chilies, preferred seasonings, and shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and harmonized.
  11. Creamy Finalization: Gently fold sour cream into sauce, achieving luxurious, velvety consistency.
  12. Final Presentation: Unveil baked burritos, cascading warm cheese sauce dramatically across surface.
  13. Garnish Elevation: Embellish with optional fresh elements like cilantro, tomatoes, or green onions for vibrant visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Drain Chicken Carefully: Remove excess liquid from slow cooker chicken to prevent soggy burrito bottoms.
  • Warm Tortillas First: Heat tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
  • Seal Edges Tightly: Fold and roll burritos compactly to keep filling secure and prevent unraveling during baking.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk continuously while making cheese sauce to achieve smooth, lump-free texture that coats burritos perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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