Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos are a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex favorite that combines the comfort of baked chicken with the bold flavors of a traditional burrito. These mouthwatering burritos are smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, melted cheese, and wrapped in a warm tortilla, making them a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings. With this recipe, you'll learn how to create a delicious and authentic Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito that's bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the cooking process with ease.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 8-10 tortillas
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions
* 1 cup Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito Sauce (see below)
Smothered Baked Chicken Burrito Sauce:
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, sour cream, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to combine. Set aside.
5. In a large baking dish, arrange 2-3 tortillas on the bottom. Spoon the cooked chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheese, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
6. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and scallions over the top, then cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
* To make Spicy Burritos, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the chicken and sauce for an extra kick.
* For a Veggie-Packed Burrito, add cooked bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling.
* To make breakfast-inspired burritos, swap the black beans and tomatoes for scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or pepper jack, for unique flavor profiles.
* For a more intense flavor, add a sprinkle of cumin or chili powder to the sauce before serving.
Cooking Techniques:
* To achieve perfectly browned and cooked chicken, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or water to achieve the desired consistency.