Introduction
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delightful twist on the traditional burrito, combining tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, offering a flavorful meal that is sure to please. In just 40 minutes, you can have a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy creating this delicious Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos recipe that everyone will love! Perfect with a side of fresh salad or your favorite toppings, it’s easy to customize and make it your own.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Chicken
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. If you are using diced onions, add them to the pan and sauté until they become soft. Then, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the 4 large flour tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese on each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly to form burritos.
Step 4: Arrange the Burritos
Place the rolled burritos in a greased baking dish with the seam side facing down to secure them.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of sour cream until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the burritos in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake the Burritos
Sprinkle additional cheese on top of the burritos. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the burritos from the oven and serve hot. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Options
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast for this recipe to save time.
Note 2: Tortillas
Using larger tortillas will provide more room for filling; however, ensure they are pliable to avoid tearing while rolling.
Note 3: Customization
Feel free to add other ingredients such as black beans, corn, or peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Note 4: Cheese Variety
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices, but feel free to experiment with other varieties such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
These burritos pair well with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique used to cook food quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, sautéing diced onions enhances their flavor and texture before mixing them with the chicken.
Rolling
Rolling is essential when preparing burritos. Once the filling is evenly distributed on a warm tortilla, you should fold the edges inward and roll tightly to ensure the filling is secured and doesn’t spill out during baking.
Baking
Baking involves cooking food using dry heat in an oven. In this recipe, baking the assembled burritos allows the flavors to meld together, and the cheese on top becomes melted and bubbly, creating a delicious finished dish.
Mixing
Mixing is crucial for incorporating flavors and achieving consistency in your filling. In this recipe, mixing the enchilada sauce and sour cream creates a creamy topping that complements the burritos.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the act of adding finishes to a dish for presentation and flavor enhancement. In this recipe, fresh cilantro can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to your burritos.
What type of cheese works best for smothered burritos?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese works best, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the burritos in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add the sauce and cheese before baking when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination for a delicious vegetarian burrito.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating jalapeños into the filling or using a spicier enchilada sauce. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste preference.
Conclusion
The Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy enchilada sauce. Perfect for families or gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable to various tastes. Enjoy these burritos fresh from the oven for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef Enchiladas
Try using ground beef or shredded beef instead of chicken, seasoned with taco spices for a hearty variation.
Vegetarian Burritos
Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers as the filling, topped with avocado slices for a fresh twist.
Chicken Fajitas Burritos
Incorporate sautéed bell peppers and onions into the chicken filling for a fajita-style burrito.
Buffalo Chicken Burritos
Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce instead of traditional spices and serve with blue cheese dressing on top.
Barbecue Chicken Burritos
Combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor, and serve with coleslaw on the side.
Breakfast Burritos
Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage to the mix for a delicious breakfast option.
Spicy Chipotle Burritos
Incorporate chipotle sauce or diced jalapeños to give your burritos an extra kick of heat.