If you love comfort food but want to keep it healthy and high in protein, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is perfect for you. I love making it for dinner because it’s filling, cheesy, and packed with flavor that satisfies everyone at the table.
This dish works great for weeknight dinners or even casual weekend meals. I often make it when I want something easy to prepare yet impressive for family and friends.
It’s a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, zesty green chiles, and a crispy Doritos topping. You get the classic burrito flavor without the extra carbs, which makes it a perfect high-protein dinner option.
Quick Recipe Information
| Nutritional Info | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1094 kcal |
| Protein | High (approx. 55-60g per serving) |
| Carbs | Moderate (approx. 40-45g per serving) |
| Fat | High (approx. 65-70g per serving) |
| Gluten-Free | No (can use gluten-free crescent dough) |
| Dairy-Free | Optional (use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives) |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Dinner |
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
This casserole is high in protein and perfect for anyone looking to fuel their body. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crispy Doritos makes it irresistible.
It’s an easy recipe that comes together in just a few steps. Even beginners in the kitchen can make it successfully without stress.
The flavors are well-balanced with zesty green chiles, savory taco seasoning, and melty cheese. You get a restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen.
It’s versatile for different occasions, whether a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck. Leftovers taste just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead option.
Ingredients to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole
This casserole is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each ingredient adds its own flavor, making the dish comforting and satisfying.
- Cooked chicken thighs – 2 cups, shredded or chopped. Tender chicken provides the main protein and keeps the casserole hearty.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded. Adds a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully over the layers.
- Monterey Jack cheese – 2 cups, shredded. This cheese gives a creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor that balances the cheddar.
- Refrigerated crescent dough – 1 can. Forms a buttery, soft base for the casserole, holding all the layers together.
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces, softened. Adds creaminess and binds the chicken filling for a smooth texture.
- Sour cream – ½ cup, plus extra for serving. Adds tanginess and enhances the richness of the casserole.
- Green chiles – 7 ounces, chopped. Provides a mild kick and adds vibrant color to the dish.
- Taco seasoning – 2 tablespoons. Brings all the flavors together with a hint of spice and smokiness.
- Refried beans – 16 ounces. Adds texture and a creamy layer that complements the chicken and cheese.
- Nacho Cheese Doritos – 2 cups, crushed. A crunchy, flavorful topping that makes each bite irresistible.
- Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped. Used for garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
- Black olives – sliced, optional. Adds a subtle briny taste that pairs well with the cheesy layers.
- Salsa – for serving. Adds freshness and a tangy contrast to the rich casserole.
Steps to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole
Making this casserole is easy and requires just a few steps to layer all the flavors perfectly. I like to prepare the chicken mixture first to make assembly quick.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Fold in the shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated and mixed well.
Step 3: Make the Base Layer
Roll out the crescent dough in the prepared casserole dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid foundation. This creates a soft, buttery base for all the layers.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread refried beans evenly over the crescent dough, then sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Spoon the chicken mixture over the cheese, and top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Crush the Doritos and sprinkle them evenly on top of the casserole. This will create a golden, crispy layer once baked.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the Doritos lightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, optional black olives, and a dollop of sour cream, then serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is versatile and pairs well with many sides. I like serving it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa add extra flavor and texture. They also bring a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
For a low-carb option, you can serve portions in large lettuce leaves. It makes the dish lighter while keeping all the flavors intact.
Adding sliced avocado or diced tomatoes on top makes the presentation more colorful. It also adds healthy fats and a refreshing taste.
Cilantro and black olives are simple garnishes that elevate the overall flavor. They also make the casserole look more inviting and appetizing.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Chicken Burrito Casserole in Advance?
This casserole is perfect for meal prep because it holds up well in the fridge. You can assemble the dish a day ahead and bake it when ready to eat.
Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier once baked.
You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then bake at 400°F for 40–45 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Leftover portions can be portioned into individual containers. This makes it easy to reheat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Cooking Tips
Always use shredded chicken that is fully cooked before adding to the casserole. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Softening the cream cheese makes it easier to mix with other ingredients. It also helps the filling layer evenly over the casserole.
Press the crescent dough seams together to prevent gaps in the base. This creates a solid layer that holds all the filling during baking.
Crushing the Doritos just before baking keeps them crunchy. If you crush them too early, they can become soggy from the moisture in the casserole.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing portions cleaner and easier.
Variations of Chicken Burrito Casserole
You can swap the chicken thighs for shredded chicken breast. This lowers the fat content while keeping it high in protein.
Add different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier flavor. A combination of cheeses enhances the creamy texture and depth of taste.
For extra vegetables, you can include diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. These additions increase the fiber and add more color to the dish.
Try adding cooked quinoa or brown rice for a slightly higher-carb version. This makes the casserole heartier while still maintaining its protein content.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. The casserole remains creamy and flavorful.
You can also experiment with different tortilla chips for the topping. Flavored or multigrain chips add a unique taste and texture to the casserole.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
You can also freeze the baked casserole in portions. Wrap each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Labeling the containers with the date helps keep track of freshness. This is especially useful if you make multiple casseroles at once.
When storing, make sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature. Placing hot food directly in the fridge can cause condensation and make it soggy.
Can We Reheat Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Yes, this casserole reheats very well. You can warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until heated through.
For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning the Doritos topping.
Adding a small splash of water or milk before microwaving helps prevent the cheese from drying out. This keeps the casserole creamy and moist.
Leftovers can also be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes. This method makes the Doritos topping extra crispy and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, shredded chicken breast works perfectly and reduces the fat content while keeping it high in protein.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free crescent dough or a low-carb gluten-free crust as the base.
Can I skip the Doritos topping?
Yes, you can skip it or replace it with crushed gluten-free chips or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can replace chicken with cooked beans, tofu, or a plant-based protein substitute. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container and can be reheated easily.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before or after baking for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
This High Protein Chicken Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, zesty chiles, and crunchy Doritos makes it irresistible. With easy steps, versatile ingredients, and make-ahead options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether served for a quick weeknight dinner or reheated for lunch, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s high in protein, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, healthy meals.
