There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy, and savory Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito. The tender shredded chicken, creamy filling, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked to golden perfection, make this dish a family favorite.

I discovered this recipe during a quest to recreate a restaurant-style smothered burrito at home, and it quickly became a staple in my meal rotation. It's easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into why you’ll want this recipe on repeat in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
Prepare to be wowed by how simple and rewarding this recipe is to make. Here’s what makes these burritos a standout option for any meal:
First, they’re incredibly easy to assemble. With just a handful of pantry staples, shredded chicken, and tortillas, you can create a filling dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Second, these burritos are crowd-pleasers. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, hosting a party, or making freezer meals, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Another reason to love them? They’re budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken, along with cheese and enchilada sauce, makes this a wallet-friendly option.
Finally, they’re versatile. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients—think beans, rice, or veggies—to suit your family’s preferences.
Ready to learn how to bring this comforting dish to life? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos lies in their simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even poached chicken breasts shredded by hand. The tender chicken serves as the protein-packed star of the burritos.
- Flour Tortillas: Large, burrito-sized tortillas work best for this recipe. They hold the filling without tearing and bake beautifully under the sauce.
- Cheese: A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the burritos a rich, melty topping. Feel free to swap in pepper jack for a little heat.
- Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient creates the smothered effect. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or whip up a quick homemade version.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy tanginess to the filling, making every bite deliciously indulgent.
- Green Chiles and Spices: Diced green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder provide a mild kick and layers of flavor to the chicken mixture.
Special Equipment: A 9x13-inch baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking the burritos. Don’t forget the foil to cover the dish while baking to ensure even heating.
How to Make Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

Creating these burritos is as easy as assembling, baking, and smothering them with sauce. Follow these simple steps to enjoy the ultimate comfort food:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, diced green chiles, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated and the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add a generous scoop of the chicken mixture to the center, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the ends as you go to create a neat burrito.
Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place each burrito seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat until all burritos are assembled and the dish is filled.
Step 4: Smother and Bake
Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring each one is fully covered. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the burritos cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage Options
These burritos are perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later. Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Rice or Beans: Mix cooked rice or refried beans into the chicken filling for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for roasted veggies or black beans to create a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy enchilada sauce, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the filling.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas and use a light enchilada sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with queso fresco or cotija cheese for a unique twist.
Get creative with your ingredients and make these burritos a staple that fits your family’s tastes.
These Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a surefire hit for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something comforting and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends—they’ll thank you later!
PrintSmothered Baked Chicken Burritos Recipe
This smothered baked chicken burritos recipe is a comforting, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, cheese, and a rich smothering sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, these burritos are easy to make and sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, rice, black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place about 1 cup of filling in each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place burritos seam-side down in the prepared dish.
- In a small bowl, mix enchilada sauce with sour cream. Pour the sauce evenly over the burritos.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like guacamole or salsa.
- Substitute low-fat cheese or sour cream for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
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