Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

The Perfect Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy tortillas wrapped around juicy baked chicken create a mouthwatering sensation that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Melted cheese and savory spices blend perfectly inside these hearty bundles.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this delicious Mexican-inspired dish.

Southwest flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, promising pure culinary excitement.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Layers of tender chicken, rich sauce, and golden-brown tortillas guarantee a meal everyone will request again and again.

You’ll be the kitchen hero when these smothered baked chicken burritos hit the dinner table.

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Highlights

  • Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering meal that wraps up warmth and flavor in every single bite, perfect for satisfying hungry family members.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences, making this recipe super flexible for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delicious dish with minimal cooking skills, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with savory chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce, these burritos guarantee smiles around the dinner table and zero leftovers.

Ingredients for Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat provides the main protein and flavor base for the burritos.
  • Cheese: Adds creamy richness and melts to create a delicious coating.
Wrapping and Seasoning:
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrap that holds the burrito filling.
  • Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that add depth and warmth to the chicken mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
Sauce and Garnish:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Provides a tangy and spicy liquid coating for the burritos.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and mild tang to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding moisture to the chicken.
  • Onions: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright, fresh flavor.

How to Prepare Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to prepare for burrito magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced onions until they turn soft and translucent.

Toss in the shredded chicken and sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything together until the chicken is beautifully seasoned and fragrant.

Step 3: Wrap the Delicious Burritos

Gently warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable.

Spread the chicken mixture and cheese evenly across each tortilla.

Roll them up tightly, tucking in the sides to create perfect burrito parcels.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish and carefully place the burritos seam-side down, ensuring they stay snug and secure.

Step 5: Pour on the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together enchilada sauce and sour cream until smooth and well combined.

Generously drizzle this creamy mixture over the burritos, making sure they’re completely covered.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Finale

Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top of the sauced burritos for maximum gooey deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the burritos and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Helpful Tips for Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet or in the microwave to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling burritos.
  • Mix enchilada sauce and sour cream slowly to achieve a smooth, creamy topping that evenly coats the burritos without becoming too runny.
  • Roll burritos snugly to prevent filling from spilling out during baking, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
  • Swap chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or black beans for vegetarian-friendly variations that suit different dietary preferences.
  • Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of flavor and depth.

Flavor Variations for Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with black beans or refried beans for a plant-based protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Wrap burrito filling in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas and skip the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Family Fiesta Plating: Arrange these saucy burritos on a colorful ceramic plate with bright cilantro sprigs scattered on top, creating a festive Mexican-inspired presentation that makes dinner feel like a celebration.
  • Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top each burrito with cool, creamy sliced avocado, zesty chopped green onions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream to add fresh texture and enhanced flavor profiles.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to create a complete meal that satisfies every hungry diner at the table.
  • Spice Level Customization: Offer hot sauce or diced jalapeños on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat intensity according to their personal spice tolerance and preference.

Storage Advice for Baked Chicken Burritos

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen burritos, place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, pulled pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.

  • How do I prevent my burritos from falling apart?

Roll the burritos tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish to keep them secure during baking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spices, but you can adjust the chili powder and add hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • Can I prepare these burritos in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos combine tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese in a comforting dish. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this meal perfect for family dinners and weekend gatherings you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Wrap and Seasonings:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the tortillas to increase pliability and prevent cracking during rolling.
  2. Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
  3. Combine shredded chicken with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, creating a well-seasoned filling mixture.
  4. Distribute the chicken mixture and cheese evenly across each tortilla, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
  5. Carefully roll the tortillas into compact burritos, tucking in sides to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
  6. Arrange the burritos seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish to maintain their shape.
  7. Whisk enchilada sauce and sour cream together, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that will enhance the overall dish.
  8. Pour the sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  9. Generously sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.
  10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
  11. Allow the burritos to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set the filling.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous touch before serving hot.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for heat-seekers who love a kick.
  • Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for versatile protein options that suit different dietary preferences.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas or low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps to make the dish more health-conscious and diet-friendly.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights, saving precious cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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