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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

What are some of the best smothered chicken burritos? I remember the first time I made a tortilla. It’s like hugging in tortillas. I was trying to recreate something similar I had at a little hole-in-the-wall place downtown. What are some of the easiest enchiladas to make? My family goes absolutely wild for them. We have them at least twice a month now. If you love comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, these smothered baked chicken are a must try. What are some of the best burritos you’ve ever had? Is there any recipe that you can use in your life?

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a smothered chicken burrito?

What are some of the best Mexican-inspired burritos? Is it essentially tender, juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection and nestled inside soft tortillas? smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The name comes from, well, the fact that they are absolutely smothered in deliciousness! What is a dish that’s incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you can’t sleep at night? What do you need to be warm and hearty?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this recipe?

  • The Flavor Explosion: What isThe combination of seasoned chicken, the warm tortillas, and the creamy, cheesy sauce is just right. What is out of this world? Every bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you wanting more.
  • SurprisinglyWhat is the best part about this recipe? Most of the work is just assembly, and the oven does the rest!
  • Budget FriendlyChicken thighs are a great bang for your buck, and the rest of the ingredients are in your pantry. Can you feed a whole family for relatively little?
  • Is Versatility the key toIs there any way to customize this recipe to your liking? If you can substitute ground beef for chicken, substitute veggies or use different cheeses. What are the possibilities?

What I love about these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos is how adaptable they are to what you like. I’ve made them with leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch and they always turn out amazing! Is it easier to make enchiladas from scratch? Is this a lifesaver?

How do you make a smothered chicken burrito?

Quick Overview

What are some of the best smothered chicken burrito recipes? How do you cook chicken? Start by shredding it, then mixing it with some flavorful spices. How do you assemble burritos? What’s the best part about smothering them in that creamy, cheesy sauce? If you bake it until golden brown, pop it in the oven and you’re good to go! What is the beauty of this method is how hands-off it is once the burritos are assembled. What is the best way to cook a delicious meal in the oven?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil. 1 cup
  • 1 tsp. chili powder. 1 T
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder. 1/4 cup.
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder. 1 cup.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

For chicken, I always opt for chicken thighs. Why are chicken breasts so much juicier than chicken thighs? If you only have chicken breasts on hand, just be careful not to overcook them!

What are the best Burrito

  • 8 large flour tortillas. 4 large tortilla t
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 1/2 cups melted cheddar.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Make sure to use large tortillas, otherwise, you’ll have trouble fitting all that delicious chicken. I sometimes warm the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet before filling them – this makes them more flavorful. Is pliable and less likely to tear.

What is the recipe for smothering sauce?

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • How much all-purpose flour is necessary for a
  • 3 cups chicken broth: 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup milk (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk and it works great)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. 1 Tbsp.
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • How much black pepper should I use?
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Don’t be tempted to skip the roux (the butter and flour mixture) – it’s what thickens the sauce and makes it more flavorful. What makes it so creamy? Make sure to whisk constantly while the sauce is simmering to prevent any lumps from forming.

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I learn step

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season chicken thighs with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks. I usually let it cool before shredding so I don’t burn my fingers!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure to break up any lumps. What should I do if the sauce is too thick? Remove from heat and stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of an 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay out the tortillas and fill each one with about 1/2 cup of shredded chicken, a spoonful of sweetened sour cream, and about 1/4 cup cheese. What’s your favorite way to serve a creamy cheeseburger? Roll up tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 4: Smother and Bake

What is the sauce for the burritos? Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Is it necessary to bake the cheese for 20-25 minutes?

Step 5: Cool and Serve

How do you serve burritos? Garnish with your favorite toppings, like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

What should I serve it with?

These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are delicious on their own, but here are some of my favorite things to serve them with:

  • Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the burritos perfectly.
  • Refried Beans: Another classic Mexican side dish that adds a creamy, satisfying element to the meal.
  • Guacamole and Chips: For a fun and festive appetizer, serve these burritos with guacamole and tortilla chips.
  • A Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of the burritos.

My family always requests a side of my homemade salsa when I make these. And honestly, I can’t blame them! It’s the perfect complement to the creamy, cheesy burritos. I also love serving them with a side of Mexican street corn salad – the sweetness of the corn pairs so well with the savory chicken.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Here are a few of my top tips for making these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos absolutely perfect:

  • Don’t Overfill the Burritos: It’s tempting to stuff them with as much chicken as possible, but if you overfill them, they’ll be difficult to roll up and they might burst while baking.
  • Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas slightly before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
  • Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly, to get rid of the raw flour taste.
  • Use Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, so make sure to use good quality cheese that melts well. I recommend Monterey Jack for the sauce and cheddar for the filling and topping.
  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the burritos will dry them out. Bake them until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

I learned the hard way that overfilling the burritos is a big no-no! The first time I made these, they exploded in the oven and made a HUGE mess. Now I’m much more careful about portioning the filling. I also discovered that adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce gives it a nice little kick without being too spicy. It’s totally optional, but I highly recommend it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: You can also freeze these burritos for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Reheating: To reheat, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might not be as crispy.

I usually make a big batch of these on the weekend and then freeze individual burritos for quick and easy lunches during the week. They’re so much better than anything you can buy at the store!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Use gluten-free tortillas and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce. Be sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Do I have to use chicken thighs?
No, you don’t! You can use chicken breasts, ground beef, or even shredded pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add some diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the chicken filling.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or use a spicier chili powder. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.

Final Thoughts

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are more than just a recipe; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the fact that they’re so easy to make makes them a weeknight winner. If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying, and totally delicious meal, look no further! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes. Happy cooking (and eating)! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment and let me know!

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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

A simple recipe for delicious smothered baked chicken burritos. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breast
  • 1 cup Enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup Cooked rice
  • 1 cup Refried beans
  • 12 count Flour tortillas
  • 1 cup Shredded cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook chicken and shred.
  • Assemble burritos with chicken, rice, beans, and cheese.
  • Pour enchilada sauce over burritos.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Notes

Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

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