If you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavor wrapped in pure comfort, Baked Chicken Burritos with Creamy Green Chile Sauce are exactly what your dinner table needs. These burritos are stuffed with seasoned chicken, wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, mildly spicy green chile sauce, and baked until hot, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy.
This dish combines everything people love about burritos—savory fillings, melty cheese, and warm tortillas—with the ease and crowd-pleasing appeal of a baked casserole-style meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or family gatherings, these baked burritos are guaranteed to disappear fast.
What Are Baked Chicken Burritos with Creamy Green Chile Sauce?
Baked chicken burritos are flour tortillas filled with cooked chicken and flavorful ingredients, arranged in a baking dish, covered with sauce and cheese, then baked until heated through and golden.
What sets this version apart is the creamy green chile sauce—a smooth, mildly tangy sauce made with green chiles, dairy, and seasonings that coats the burritos and keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful.
The result is:
- Soft, tender burritos
- Juicy, seasoned chicken filling
- A rich, creamy sauce with gentle heat
- A cheesy, comforting finish
It’s Tex-Mex comfort food at its finest.
Why This Dish Is So Popular
Baked burritos have become a favorite in home kitchens for good reason.
Why People Love Them
- Easy to prepare and bake
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Make-ahead friendly
- Customizable fillings
- Comforting and filling
- Mild heat that appeals to most palates
The creamy green chile sauce elevates the dish from ordinary burritos to something truly special.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
This dish strikes a perfect balance between bold and comforting.
- Savory, seasoned chicken
- Creamy, slightly tangy sauce
- Mild heat from green chiles
- Melty cheese throughout
- Soft, tender tortillas
It’s flavorful without being spicy, making it ideal for families.
What Makes Green Chile Sauce So Special?
Green chile sauce brings a unique flavor that red sauces can’t replicate.
Characteristics of Green Chile Sauce
- Mild to medium heat
- Slightly smoky and tangy
- Creamy rather than acidic
- Pairs beautifully with chicken and cheese
When baked, the sauce soaks into the tortillas, preventing dryness and adding depth to every bite.
Key Ingredients Explained
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best. Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time.
Flour Tortillas
Soft flour tortillas hold fillings well and bake without cracking.
Green Chiles
Canned diced green chiles provide mild heat and signature flavor.
Creamy Base
Often made from sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream for richness.
Cheese
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully.
Seasonings
Cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance flavor.
Choosing the Best Chicken for Burritos
Best Options
- Rotisserie chicken (quick and flavorful)
- Poached chicken breast
- Grilled chicken
- Leftover roasted chicken
Shredded chicken works best because it absorbs sauce evenly.
Flour Tortillas vs Corn Tortillas
For baked burritos, flour tortillas are strongly recommended.
| Feature | Flour Tortillas | Corn Tortillas |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Soft and pliable | Can crack |
| Size | Large | Smaller |
| Baking | Hold moisture well | Dry out faster |
Flour tortillas ensure burritos stay intact and tender.
The Creamy Green Chile Sauce: Texture & Balance
The sauce is the heart of this recipe.
Why Creamy Works Best
- Prevents burritos from drying out
- Balances chile heat
- Creates casserole-style comfort
- Enhances reheating quality
It should be pourable, smooth, and well-seasoned.
Step-by-Step Overview of How It’s Made
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Chicken is shredded and seasoned, often mixed with a small amount of sauce or cheese.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warming prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Chicken filling is placed in tortillas and rolled tightly.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Seam-side down to prevent opening.
Step 5: Pour Green Chile Sauce
Burritos are generously smothered.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake until heated through and lightly golden.
Tips for Perfect Baked Burritos
- Don’t overfill tortillas
- Roll tightly to keep filling inside
- Cover burritos fully with sauce
- Use freshly shredded cheese
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
These tips ensure burritos stay moist and slice cleanly.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is ideal for planning ahead.
Make Ahead
- Assemble burritos up to 24 hours in advance
- Cover and refrigerate
- Bake when ready
Meal Prep
- Bake fully
- Portion into containers
- Reheat as needed
The sauce keeps burritos moist even after reheating.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
- Store covered to retain moisture
Reheating
- Oven: best texture
- Microwave: fastest option
Add a spoon of sauce before reheating if needed.
Can You Freeze Baked Chicken Burritos?
Yes—this dish freezes very well.
Freezing Tips
- Freeze before or after baking
- Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
- Freeze up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Customization Ideas
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños or hot green chiles.
Extra Cheesy
Add cheese inside the burritos and on top.
Veggie-Loaded
Add sautéed peppers, onions, or corn.
Low-Carb Option
Use low-carb tortillas.
Protein Swap
Use turkey, beef, or shredded pork.
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly
- Mexican rice
- Cilantro lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Simple green salad
- Corn salad
These sides round out the meal beautifully.
Are Baked Chicken Burritos Healthy?
They can be balanced depending on ingredients.
Nutritional Highlights
- Good protein content
- Filling and satisfying
- Can be made lighter with reduced-fat dairy
- Portion-controlled
Serve with vegetables for a complete meal.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Freezer meals
- Weeknight comfort food
- Casual entertaining
It’s reliable, crowd-friendly, and always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought green chile sauce?
Yes, but creamy homemade versions offer better texture.
Will the tortillas get soggy?
No—proper baking keeps them tender, not soggy.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and check sauce ingredients.
Is it spicy?
Mild by default; spice level is adjustable.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Baked Chicken Burritos with Creamy Green Chile Sauce succeed because they combine bold Tex-Mex flavors with the comfort and convenience of baked casseroles. The sauce keeps everything moist, the chicken stays tender, and the cheese ties it all together.
It’s a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and practicality in one dish.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Burritos with Creamy Green Chile Sauce are cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a satisfying homemade meal. Easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and endlessly customizable, this dish deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.
Once you try them baked and smothered in creamy green chile sauce, you may never go back to regular burritos again.
Print
Baked Chicken Burritos with Creamy Green Chile Sauce: Cheesy, Comforting & Oven-Perfect
Ingredients
For the burritos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 6 large (10″) flour tortillas (or gluten-free if needed)
- Optional add-ins: black beans, corn, diced onions, cilantro
For the creamy green chile sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped mild green chiles
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For topping:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or avocado slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Make green chile sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic 30 sec.
- Add green chiles, chicken broth, cream, cream cheese, cumin, and oregano.
- Simmer 5–7 min, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble burritos:
- Warm tortillas briefly (microwave 20 sec or heat in dry skillet) for flexibility.
- Divide chicken, rice, cheese, and any optional fillings among tortillas. Roll tightly, tucking in ends.
- Place seam-side down in baking dish.
- Bake:
- Pour warm green chile sauce evenly over burritos. Sprinkle with extra cheese.
- Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes.
- Uncover; bake 5–10 more minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve garnished with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.
Prep Time & Nutrition (per burrito, serves 6):
Servings: 6 | Calories: 480 | Net Carbs: 32g | Fats: 24g | Protein: 32g