1. Introduction to the Recipe
If you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, these Smothered Chicken Burritos will hit all the right notes. These burritos feature tender slow-cooked Mexican chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla, smothered in a creamy, cheesy green chili sour cream sauce, and topped with all your favorite Mexican fixings. With a combination of gooey cheddar cheese, a tangy sour cream sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken, these burritos are a satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
The real magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooker Mexican chicken, which infuses the meat with tons of flavor and makes it incredibly tender. The cheesy green chili sauce adds a creamy richness, while the optional toppings, like fresh guacamole or salsa, bring in freshness and texture. Serve them up with a side of chips and salsa, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s taco night, a casual family dinner, or a fun weekend gathering.
For more ideas on how to use slow-cooked chicken, check out Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos or Mexican Chicken Quesadillas.
2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Smothered Chicken Burritos Recipe
Description
Try these Smothered Chicken Burritos with creamy green chili sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese for a comforting, delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Baked Chicken Burritos:
- 1 recipe Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (or 2–3 cups of shredded Mexican chicken)
- 6 burrito-sized tortillas (preferably raw or undercooked for a soft, chewy texture)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 (4 oz) can mild chopped green chilies (more to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Avocados or guacamole
- Cilantro (freshly chopped)
- Salsa
- Tortilla strips or chips (for crunch)
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker Chicken:
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, follow your favorite recipe for slow-cooker Mexican chicken. Once it’s done cooking, shred the chicken and set it aside.
Assemble the Burritos:
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken (about 1/2 cup per burrito) in the center of each tortilla.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
Roll up each burrito by folding in the sides and tightly rolling it from the bottom. Place each burrito seam side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
Make the Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and hot.
Add the flour to the pan and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually add the warmed chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper.
Once the sauce begins to thicken, remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.
Bake the Burritos:
Pour the cheesy green chili sauce over the assembled burritos in the baking dish, covering them generously.
Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the burritos are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, salsa, or tortilla chips for crunch.
Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.
Keywords: Smothered Chicken Burritos
3. Advanced Techniques
1. Customizing the Chicken
The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize the chicken to suit your preferences. Add a bit of smoky paprika or chipotle powder to the slow-cooked chicken for an added depth of flavor, or incorporate diced bell peppers and onions for extra texture.
2. Preparing the Sauce in Advance
You can prepare the green chili sour cream sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before smothering the burritos for an easier, quicker meal when you’re ready to assemble.
3. Adding More Vegetables
If you’d like to make the burritos more veggie-packed, add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to the chicken mixture before wrapping them in tortillas. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to the meal.
4. Making it Extra Cheesy
For the ultimate cheese lover, you can add extra cheese to the filling, layering shredded mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar. The more cheese, the creamier the burritos!
5. Crispy Burrito Bottom
If you enjoy a crispy burrito bottom, try pan-frying the assembled burritos in a little olive oil before baking them. This will give the bottom of the burritos a golden, crispy texture while still keeping the inside soft and creamy.
See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com
4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Storing Leftover Burritos
Leftover smothered chicken burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can also be wrapped tightly in foil and frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
2. Reheating Tips
To reheat leftover burritos, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the burritos are warmed through. If you prefer a crispier tortilla, uncover the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
3. Freezing the Burritos
To freeze the assembled burritos, roll them tightly and wrap each one in plastic wrap before placing them in a large zip-top freezer bag. You can reheat frozen burritos directly in the oven or microwave.
4. Keep the Sauce Fresh
The green chili sour cream sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens, you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth when reheating. It also makes a great topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled chicken.
5. Preventing Soggy Burritos
To avoid soggy burritos, make sure the chicken filling isn’t too watery before assembling. If using store-bought tortillas, opt for the raw or lightly cooked variety to ensure they don’t become too soft when baked.
5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian take on these burritos, swap out the chicken for black beans, roasted vegetables, or a combination of both. You can also use plant-based cheese for the sauce and filling to make it dairy-free.
2. Gluten-Free Option
If you’re gluten intolerant, simply use gluten-free tortillas in place of regular flour tortillas. Make sure the green chili sour cream sauce is made with a gluten-free flour substitute like rice flour or cornstarch.
3. Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas. This will significantly reduce the carb content while still providing the same great flavor.
4. Spicy Version
If you like heat, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the green chili sour cream sauce. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for an extra spicy kick.
5. Dairy-Free Version
To make this dish dairy-free, swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and replace the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream.
6. FAQs About the Recipe
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time. Just shred it and mix it with your favorite taco seasoning or salsa for added flavor.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To spice up the green chili sour cream sauce, add some chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use spicy green chilies or hot salsa to heat things up.
3. Can I make the burritos in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos in advance, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
4. Can I add beans to the burritos?
Yes! Black beans or pinto beans would work wonderfully in this recipe. You can add them to the chicken mixture before wrapping the tortillas.
5. How can I make the burritos less cheesy?
If you prefer a less cheesy version, simply reduce the amount of cheese used in both the burrito filling and the sauce. You can also try using a lower-fat cheese or a non-dairy cheese substitute.
7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
These Smothered Chicken Burritos are the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of Mexican flavors in one hearty dish. From the tender, flavorful chicken to the creamy, cheesy green chili sour cream sauce, every bite is packed with mouthwatering goodness. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these burritos are sure to impress. With customizable toppings and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make this dish your own while satisfying your cravings for a delicious, filling meal.