Baked Chicken Burritos with Cheesy Green Chili Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked chicken burritos are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked chicken is infused with savory spices, providing a tender and flavorful filling. The creamy green chili sour cream sauce adds a tangy kick, while the melted sharp cheddar cheese brings richness to every bite. Baking the burritos gives them a golden, crispy finish, contrasting beautifully with the melty interior. Plus, they're customizable to suit various dietary preferences, making them a versatile choice for any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Filling

• 1 batch of Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

For the Burrito Assembly

• 6 burrito-sized tortillas (preferably raw/undercooked)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray, as needed

For the Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 2 cups warm low sodium chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ¼–½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 ounces mild chopped green chilies (half a 4 oz can)

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Hot sauce (optional), to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh tomatoes

• Avocados or guacamole

• Fresh cilantro

• Salsa

• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Chicken: Follow your preferred recipe for Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy burritos.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top to allow even heat circulation.

3. Assemble the Burritos:

   • Lay a tortilla flat and add ½ cup of the shredded chicken.

   • Sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.

   • Roll up the burrito tightly, tucking in the ends.

   • Place each burrito seam-side down on the prepared rack.

4. Bake the Burritos: Brush or spray the burritos with olive oil or nonstick spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.

5. Prepare the Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.

   • Gradually whisk in the warm chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).

   • Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired.

6. Serve: Top the baked burritos with the prepared sauce and your choice of optional toppings.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 burritos

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra heat.

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with black beans or seasoned roasted vegetables.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place burritos on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make the burritos spicier?

To increase the heat, add chopped jalapeños to the filling, use a spicier variety of green chilies in the sauce, or incorporate hot sauce to taste.

Can I prepare the chicken filling in advance?

Yes, the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

What type of tortillas work best?

Burrito-sized flour tortillas, preferably raw or undercooked, are ideal as they bake to a crispy finish in the oven.

Is it possible to freeze the assembled burritos?

Yes, assemble the burritos without baking, wrap them individually in foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked shredded chicken works well for a quicker preparation.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the sauce?

Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option or don't have sour cream on hand.

How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?

Ensure the chicken is well-drained and avoid overfilling the burritos. Baking on a rack also helps keep the bottoms crispy.

Can I add rice or beans to the filling?

Yes, adding cooked rice or black beans to the chicken filling can make the burritos more filling and add texture.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Burritos with Cheesy Green Chili Sauce are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal at home. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. With customizable fillings and toppings, this recipe is flexible enough to please any palate.