Smothered Chicken Burrito
Tender shredded chicken, savory rice, and black beans wrapped in a warm tortilla, then smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce and bubbly melted cheese. A satisfying, restaurant-style comfort food classic.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
- a.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- 2
Cook the chicken filling
- a.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the chicken chunks, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- 3
Shred and sauce the chicken
- a.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and stir to combine everything. Keep the filling warm.
- 4
Assemble the burritos
- a.Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable. Lay a tortilla flat. Layer approximately 1/2 cup of cooked rice, 1/4 of the black beans, and 1/4 of the chicken mixture down the center. Fold the two sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a secure burrito.
- 5
Smother and bake
- a.Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly together. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 6
Rest, garnish, and serve
- a.Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the burritos rest for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and any other desired toppings before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, use cilantro-lime rice as your base.
- 2Don't overfill the burritos or they will be difficult to roll and may burst open while baking.
- 3To save time, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred the meat.
- 4Ensure the burritos are placed snugly together in the baking dish to help them hold their shape.
- 5For a creamier sauce, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the burritos.
- 6Make sure your tortillas are warm before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute the chicken with shredded beef, carnitas (pulled pork), or ground beef seasoned with taco spices.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and double the black beans, or add a mix of sautéed bell peppers, corn, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian filling.
SauceSauce
Use a green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) for a tangier flavor profile, or a creamy queso sauce for an extra decadent version.
BeansBeans
Swap the black beans for pinto beans or refried beans. If using refried beans, spread a thin layer on the tortilla before adding other fillings.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast in this recipe is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Rich in Fiber
Black beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Provides Complex Carbohydrates
The rice and beans offer complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day, unlike the quick spike and crash from simple sugars.
Frequently asked questions
This dish is a hearty comfort food and can be high in calories, sodium, and fat, primarily from the cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. However, it also provides significant protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat tortillas, brown rice, reduced-fat cheese, and serve with a side salad.