Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

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Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are the perfect comfort food for those who crave a flavorful, cheesy, and hearty meal. These burritos are stuffed with tender shredded chicken, seasoned to perfection, then wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly. What takes them over the top is the irresistible layer of melted cheddar cheese, a generous drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each bite delivers the ideal mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory textures, making them a family favorite and a dinner showstopper.

This dish brings all the goodness of Mexican-inspired flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these baked chicken burritos make it easy to impress. They’re filling, comforting, and incredibly versatile—perfect for anyone looking for satisfying dinner ideas or easy recipe solutions. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them a delicious make-ahead option for busy days.

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Ingredients for Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (plus more for drizzling)
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
• Cooking spray or a little oil for the baking dish

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated with the seasonings and sauce. This flavorful mix will be the heart of your burritos, delivering that perfect punch in every bite.

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Step 2: Assemble the Burritos

Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Scoop a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the top. Fold in the sides, then roll them up tightly from bottom to top to form neat burritos. Place each burrito seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

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Step 3: Smother and Top

Once all burritos are arranged in the baking dish, pour extra enchilada sauce over the top to fully coat them. Don’t be shy—this is what makes them “smothered!” Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the burritos.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden around the edges. The aroma will be irresistible at this point!

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let the burritos rest for a few minutes. Drizzle sour cream over the top and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, saucy goodness with a side of rice, beans, or your favorite salsa.

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Storage Instructions

Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos store wonderfully, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Allow the burritos to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual burritos in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For refrigerated burritos, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen, bake covered for 30–35 minutes, or until warm all the way through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1 burrito, yields 6 servings):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds lots of flavor.

2. What kind of tortillas work best?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they hold together well and wrap easily.

3. Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with sautéed veggies, beans, or a meatless protein like tofu or lentils.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can mix it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.

5. Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?

Definitely! Green sauce will give it a tangier flavor—it’s a fun variation.

6. How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the filling or mix in hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

7. Will corn tortillas work?

They can, but they’re smaller and more delicate. Heat them first to prevent tearing.

8. Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the burritos and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Add sauce and cheese right before baking.

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