Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory chicken, melty cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The golden, bubbly topping and the irresistible aroma make this dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

This recipe has been a staple in my home ever since I discovered how easy it is to whip up with leftover chicken and pantry staples. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive into what makes these burritos so special.

Why You'll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are as satisfying as they are delicious.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a complete meal on the table that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it.

They’re also wonderfully versatile. You can use rotisserie chicken, shredded leftovers, or even quickly sauté chicken breasts or thighs. It’s the perfect recipe for using up what you already have in your kitchen.

The smothered sauce is the real star of the show. Made with a mix of enchilada sauce and creamy ingredients, it adds a luscious, savory layer of flavor to every bite.

Finally, these burritos are freezer-friendly, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. Whip up a double batch, freeze the extras, and you’ve got a ready-to-bake dinner for busy nights.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering maximum flavor.

Chicken is the heart of the filling. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient choice, but feel free to use leftover grilled or roasted chicken for extra flavor.

Tortillas are the perfect vessel for the filling. Flour tortillas work best because they’re sturdy enough to hold everything together while staying soft and pliable.

Cheese adds that essential gooey, melty layer. A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonderfully, but you can use any melting cheese you love.

Enchilada sauce brings a rich, tangy kick to the dish. Choose a mild, medium, or spicy version depending on your family’s heat tolerance.

Sour cream and a touch of cream cheese give the sauce its creamy texture and mellow the enchilada sauce, making it irresistibly rich.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large baking dish and some aluminum foil to ensure the burritos cook evenly.

How To Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a baking dish with nonstick spray. While the oven heats up, shred your chicken and mix it in a bowl with half the enchilada sauce, half the cheese, and seasonings like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

Lay out your tortillas and spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each one. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go, and place them seam-side down in the prepared dish.

In a separate bowl, mix the remaining enchilada sauce with sour cream and cream cheese. Pour this creamy sauce over the burritos, making sure each one is generously coated.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Once out of the oven, let the burritos rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to slice and serve.

Storage Options

These burritos are fantastic for leftovers and meal prep. If you have extras, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen burritos in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For refrigerated burritos, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Swap the chicken for ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.

Add veggies like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a milder, tangier twist.

For a spicier kick, mix diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling or sauce.

Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or queso fresco, to change up the flavor profile.

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are the ultimate comfort food, blending hearty ingredients and bold flavors in every bite. Whether you stick to the recipe or customize it to suit your taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.