It worked! (Chicken Green Burrito Casserole)

As a SoCal Expat, I LOVE a good burrito. Nothing fancy - beans, cheese, salsa and maybe some seasoned meat. A bit of rice is OK, but not requires. All wrapped up in a large warm flour tortilla.  Maybe dollop of sour cream and guac on the side. Or smothered in sauce and melted cheese. 

Hot and bubbly, right out of the oven

These were the memories that I had in mind as I came up with my new favorite make ahead dish -- a Chicken Green Burrito Casserole. Not overly saucy, but filled with all the flavors I love -- chicken, green salsa, cilantro lime rice, refried beans and cheese. All melty. Sublime.

I made one for dinner last night, and got a

Packed up for next
week's workday lunches

big thumbs up from Steve. Then, just to be certain that my recipe was spot on, I sent it to my BFF's daughter, Madison, and asked her to follow the directions and then give me the verdict. Four more thumbs up -- two each -- from Maddie and her husband Eric, who packed up individual servings for next week's workday lunches. 

And now, I share this little ditty with you. 

Enjoy!

Garnished and ready for dinner

Chicken Green Burrito Casserole

Everything we love in a green burrito in a quick and easy casserole. Perfect with a green salad.

Serves 4-6 

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 3/4 of a chicken, dark and white meat)

1 16 oz can refried beans heated with 1/4 cup of water

1 1/2 cups cilantro lime rice (see below)

2 cups cheddar jack cheese, shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

3/4 cups diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced onion

1 1/2 cups salsa verde (green salsa)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbs olive oil

Sour cream and chopped green onions for garnish

Cilantro Lime Rice

1 cups water

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced and tested (about 1/4 cup juice)

1/2 tsp salt

Bring the water to to a boil in a medium sauce pan, add rice, cover and cook 15 minutes. When done stir in the lime zest, juice and cilantro.

Method

Preheat oven to 350

Spray a deep casserole dish with cooking spray - set aside

Heat a large sauce pan on medium high heat; add the olive oil and sauce the onions and peppers until soft. Add the cumin, coriander and chili powder, stir to combine. Then add the chicken, stir and heat through. Set aside.

Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish

1) Beans topped with 1/2 cup salsa and a layer of 1/3 of the cheese

2) Chicken mixture topped with 1/2 cup salsa and a layer of 1/3 of the cheese 

3) Cilantro Rice topped with 1/2 cup salsa and a layer of 1/3 of the cheese

Cover with foil without touching the cheese; bake 40 minutes in a 350 oven, then remove the foil and continue another 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and chopped green onions