Baked Chicken Burritos with Cheesy Green Chili Sauce: The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

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There’s something about a warm, gooey burrito that just feels like home. Whether you’re wrapping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, baked chicken burritos are the answer to your craving for a hearty, flavorful meal. These burritos are stuffed with slow-cooked, tender Mexican chicken, melted sharp cheddar, and a tangy green chili sour cream sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. If you’re ready for a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying, keep reading—you’re about to discover your new favorite recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Burritos

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

What makes these baked chicken burritos stand out is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender Mexican chicken, infused with savory spices, complements the creaminess of the sour cream sauce. And don’t forget about the sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a richness that ties everything together.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

The sauce itself? It’s a creamy, tangy delight with just the right amount of spice from the green chilies. The heat is mild, but you can always dial it up with a little hot sauce. Once you bite into a burrito, you’ll immediately taste the layers of flavor—the combination of cheesy, spicy, and creamy goodness that’s just unforgettable.

Oven-Baked for Crispy Perfection

Not only are these burritos packed with flavor, but they’re also baked, which means no messy frying or greasy alternatives. Instead, these burritos get a golden, crispy finish when baked in the oven, making them easy to prepare and clean up afterward. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the melty filling, making every bite a treat for the senses.

Baking your burritos also helps maintain the integrity of the flavors, as it lets the fillings meld together in a warm, cozy embrace. Plus, the oven-baked method ensures they hold together, making them easy to serve and eat without worrying about them falling apart.

Customizable for the Whole Family

The beauty of baked chicken burritos is that they can be tailored to fit your family’s preferences. You can easily swap out ingredients to make them milder or spicier, or even add your own toppings for extra flair. Here are a few ideas for customization:

• Spicy kick: Want to turn up the heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the filling.
• Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for black beans or seasoned roasted veggies for a meatless version.
• Gluten-free: Simply use gluten-free tortillas to make this meal suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Everyone in your household will find something to love about these burritos, making them perfect for picky eaters or family-friendly meals.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these baked chicken burritos. The ingredients are straightforward, but together, they create something truly spectacular.

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (1 Batch)

For the chicken, you can follow your favorite slow cooker Mexican chicken recipe (or refer to the linked recipe). The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, giving it a rich flavor that forms the base of your burrito filling.

Burrito Assembly

Ingredient	Quantity
Burrito-sized tortillas (preferably raw/undercooked)	6
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese	1 cup
Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray	As needed

Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Butter	1 tbsp
Flour	3 tbsp
Warm low sodium chicken broth	2 cups
Cumin	½ tsp
Salt	¼–½ tsp
Pepper	¼ tsp
Sour cream	½ cup
Mild chopped green chilies	2 oz (half a 4 oz can)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese	½ cup
Hot sauce (optional)	To taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh tomatoes
• Avocados or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Salsa (store-bought or homemade)
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Baked Chicken Burritos

Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to assemble your burritos. This process is quick, easy, and super satisfying—just follow these steps for perfect baked chicken burritos.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Chicken

If you’re starting from scratch, follow the linked recipe for slow cooker Mexican chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, make sure to drain any excess liquid. This will help prevent your burritos from becoming soggy. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.

Step 2: Assemble the Burritos

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top to allow heat to circulate evenly around the burritos.
3. For each burrito, lay a tortilla flat, then add ½ cup of the shredded chicken and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Roll up the burrito tightly, making sure the ends are tucked in. Place each burrito seam-side down on the rack.
5. Brush or spray the burritos with olive oil or nonstick spray to help them crisp up during baking.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

• Place the burritos in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If you want extra crunch, you can broil the burritos for 2–3 minutes at the end. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Green Chili Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of warm chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream, green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. If you like your sauce spicier, add hot sauce to taste.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Once your burritos are out of the oven, spoon the cheesy green chili sauce over the top.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings like fresh tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, or salsa.
• Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends.

Tips for Success and Variations

While these baked chicken burritos are easy to make, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Pro Tips

• Use raw tortillas: Raw or undercooked tortillas give you that perfect soft yet slightly chewy texture that works beautifully with the crispy baked exterior.
• Drain the chicken well: Excess liquid can make your burritos soggy. After slow cooking, always drain the chicken and shred it before assembling your burritos.
• Don’t overstuff: It can be tempting to load up your burritos with tons of filling, but too much can cause them to burst open during baking. Stick to about ½ cup of chicken per burrito for a perfectly rolled wrap.

Delicious Variations

• Add extra heat: If you like your burritos spicy, dice up some jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a fiery twist.
• Vegetarian burritos: For a meatless option, swap the chicken for black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Low-carb version: For a lighter option, use low-carb tortillas or skip the tortilla altogether and wrap the filling in lettuce leaves.

Quick Look at Time and Nutrition

Category	Details
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Servings	6
Calories per Serving	650 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Burritos

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the burritos in advance and store them in the fridge (without baking). When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven as directed.

Can I freeze baked chicken burritos?

Definitely! Wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. To reheat, bake them at 375°F until heated through (about 30 minutes).

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of slow cooker chicken?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a shortcut. Just shred it and toss it with some taco seasoning or spices for added flavor.

Is the cheesy green chili sauce spicy?

The sauce is mild, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or jalapeños to suit your taste.

What’s the best cheese to use for baked burritos?

While sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Colby cheese depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to quick, comforting meals that everyone loves, baked chicken burritos are hard to beat. They’re loaded with flavor, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re serving them for a busy weeknight dinner, hosting a family gathering, or just craving a cheesy, satisfying meal, these burritos won’t disappoint.

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