Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

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Why Make This Recipe

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a comforting and flavorful meal that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. This dish is perfect for families, parties, or meal prepping for the week. It’s easy to make and can be adapted with your favorite ingredients. In no time, you can create a scrumptious meal that pleases everyone. You can enjoy tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas all covered in a delicious cheesy sauce, making every bite a treat.

This recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like a little bit of spice or prefer a milder flavor profile, smothered baked chicken burritos can be adjusted accordingly. Plus, with the addition of fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, and crushed tortilla strips, each burrito can be as unique as you want it to be. You might decide to serve these burritos at a family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or even for a comforting weeknight dinner. The options are truly endless!

How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Making smothered baked chicken burritos is a straightforward process. You’ll be pleased with how simple and quick it is to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your burritos turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients:

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
6 Burrito-size tortillas
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 of a 4 oz. can mild chopped green chilies
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Chopped cilantro
Salsa
Crushed tortilla strips or chips for extra crunch

Directions:

Prepare the Mexican Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with your favorite spices. Place them in a slow cooker and cook until the chicken is tender enough to shred. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.
Preheat the Oven: Before assembling the burritos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to be hot and ready to bake the burritos, giving them a nice golden-brown finish.
Assemble the Burritos: Take your warm tortillas and place a portion of the shredded chicken and a bit of cheese in the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll up the tortillas, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Place the rolled burritos seam side down in a greased baking dish.
Bake the Burritos: Lightly spray the tops of the burritos with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. This will add a lovely texture to the outer shell of the burritos.
Make the Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce: While the burritos are baking, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually add the warmed chicken broth, mixing well to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, stir in the cumin, salt, pepper, sour cream, green chilies, and shredded cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and cheese is melted.
Serve with Toppings: Once the burritos are done baking, carefully pour the cheesy green chili sauce over them. Serve the burritos warm with your choice of toppings. You can add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh chopped cilantro, salsa, and even crushed tortilla strips or chips for an extra crunch.

How to Serve Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Serving smothered baked chicken burritos is a delightful experience. Start by placing the burritos on a large platter, drizzled with the cheesy sauce. You can arrange the fresh toppings in small bowls around the platter, allowing your guests or family to customize their burritos according to their preferences.

Consider serving the burritos with a refreshing side salad or some Mexican rice to complete the meal. Adding a side of beans, corn, or even a fruity salsa can enhance the dining experience. For something special, pair the meal with a chilled beverage like iced tea or a tangy limeade. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress everyone at the table.

How to Store Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

If you find yourself with leftover smothered baked chicken burritos, don’t worry! They can be stored easily for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it:

Cool: Allow the burritos to cool down to room temperature after baking. It’s essential not to store them while they are still hot to prevent sogginess.
Wrap: Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from getting freezer burn if you choose to freeze them.
Store: Place the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. If you’ve made a sauce that you want to keep separately, store it in a separate container in the fridge.
Refrigerate or Freeze: You can store the wrapped burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you intend to keep them for a longer period, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat the burritos, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, remove the wrapping, and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot, ensuring to cover them to keep moisture in.

Tips to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your chicken in the slow cooker. This can save you time and still yield delicious results.
Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix things up by adding your favorite vegetables to the burrito filling, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans. This will add extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with Spices: Customize the seasoning of your chicken and sauce to fit your preferences. If you enjoy spice, try adding some diced jalapeños to the filling or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the burritos ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven!
Serving Alternatives: If you want to make this a lighter meal, consider serving the filling as a burrito bowl instead of in tortillas, layered over rice or lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

Variation

You can adapt the smothered baked chicken burritos in various ways:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute like black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. Stuff them with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and sprinkle with cheese for a great taste.
Spicy Version: For those who enjoy spicy food, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of cumin and hot sauce in the recipe. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or feta along with the cheddar for a more decadent cheesy experience. You could even place more cheese on top of the burritos before baking for an ooey-gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to be more flexible and are easier to roll for burritos.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and assemble the burritos ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just remember to extend the baking time a bit if they are cold from the fridge.

3. What toppings do you recommend for the burritos?
Great toppings for smothered baked chicken burritos include diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and crushed tortilla strips or chips for an added crunch.

4. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the chicken in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Just make sure to season it well and cook until it’s tender enough to shred.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

With this guide, you can prepare delicious smothered baked chicken burritos that are sure to be a hit. With every juicy bite, you’ll enjoy the melding of flavors and textures. Whether for a family meal or a gathering with friends, these burritos are sure to please everyone. Enjoy!