If you’ve ever craved that perfectly melty, saucy burrito that just hits all the right comfort food notes, you’re going to love this Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, delivers loads of flavor, and bakes up with such a satisfying gooey topping that every bite feels like a party in your mouth. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how my whole family went crazy for it — trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You’ll be amazed how quickly this comes together with basic ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Family Friendly: My kids (and picky eaters I’ve served) love the cheesy, saucy goodness without being overpowering.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or proteins to fit whatever you have or prefer.
- Deliciously Comforting: It combines warm, melty cheese, tender chicken, and that perfect enchilada sauce finish that keeps everyone coming back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient works together to create layers of flavor and texture — the beans and corn add a nice bite, the rice gives a little heartiness, and the enchilada sauce ties it all together with that signature saucy flair. I always recommend fresh or good-quality canned beans and corn for the best taste.
- Large burrito sized tortilla: Look for big, soft flour tortillas—they’re easier to roll and hold everything in without tearing.
- Shredded chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is my shortcut here, but you can also poach or roast chicken breasts for freshness.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained to keep the filling from getting too wet, plus they add lovely protein and fiber.
- Fiesta corn: I like to use frozen Mexican-style corn for a bit of sweetness and colorful texture.
- Cooked white rice: Use day-old rice if you have it; it holds up better and prevents sogginess.
- Enchilada sauce: This is the star for the “wet” part of the burrito—homemade or store-bought both work just fine.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided—half inside for gooey filling, half on top for that melty crusty finish.
- Sour cream: A dollop on top after baking adds creaminess and cools down the flavors beautifully.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this baked chicken wet burrito recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to make it vegetarian or spice it up, playing around with the fillings keeps things fresh and fun.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. I’ve made this swap a dozen times, and it never disappoints.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper with the filling if you like an extra punch—just the way my husband likes it!
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack or a blend of cheeses for a different melty vibe. I discovered that mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack creates an unbeatable combo.
- Gluten-Free Tortilla: Use a gluten-free burrito wrap if necessary; just be gentle rolling it to avoid cracks.
How to Make Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tortilla
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, lay your large tortilla flat on a clean surface. If you find your tortilla is a bit stiff, warm it for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave or on a dry skillet; this makes it much easier to roll later without tearing.
Step 2: Build Your Burrito Filling
Down the center of your tortilla, spread a layer of shredded chicken first. Next, add the cooked rice, black beans, and fiesta corn evenly on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything to lock in that melty, cheesy goodness as it bakes.
Step 3: Roll It Up Tight
Fold the ends of the tortilla in toward the center, then roll it up tightly to encase the filling. Rolling snugly helps keep everything inside while baking. Place your burrito seam side down on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet to help maintain its shape and avoid leaking during baking.
Step 4: Bake and Sauce It Up
Bake the burrito for 10 minutes to warm through and begin melting the cheese. Then, take it out carefully and spoon enchilada sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, and pop it back into the oven for 5 more minutes until bubbly and melty.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once baked, spoon some extra enchilada sauce on top and add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. I love how the cool sour cream contrasts with the warm, cheesy burrito—totally irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe
- Warm Your Tortilla First: This simple trick makes rolling much smoother and helps prevent cracks or tears—trust me, it saved me so many times when I first made this.
- Don’t Overfill: Leaving space at the edges of your filling keeps rolling neat and prevents your burrito from bursting open in the oven.
- Use Parchment or Foil: Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze and avoids sticking or sauce overflow mess.
- Sauce It Twice: Adding sauce before and after baking creates layers of flavor and ensures your burrito stays moist and delicious.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep my garnishes simple but fresh—think chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, sliced jalapeños for heat, and a sprinkle of green onions. These add brightness and balance the richness of the burrito beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this baked chicken wet burrito are a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some Mexican rice and refried beans if I want to keep things hearty. If you want something lighter, a simple cactus salad or mango salsa could be fun additions, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the burrito in half diagonally and fan the pieces on a colorful platter with a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce and scattered cheese. It makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked chicken wet burritos store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep the texture nice and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these burritos before by wrapping them tightly in foil and then placing them in freezer bags. They last up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes (foil-wrapped to keep moisture in) for the best texture. I avoid microwaving because it can make the tortilla chewy and the cheese separate.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this baked chicken wet burrito recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts for this recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor, making the whole process super easy without compromising taste.
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What kind of enchilada sauce works best?
You can use store-bought enchilada sauce for convenience, or make your own for more control over heat and flavor. I prefer a medium-heat red enchilada sauce because it complements the chicken without being too spicy.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken with additional beans, sautéed vegetables, or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version that still has plenty of protein and texture.
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How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart while baking?
Make sure to fold in the sides snugly and roll the burrito tightly around the filling. Placing it seam side down on the baking sheet helps it hold together during baking.
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Can I freeze this baked chicken wet burrito recipe?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the burritos tightly in foil and store them in freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something comforting, tasty, and fuss-free. I love how the sauce and cheese create a cozy, satisfying experience every time, and it’s always a hit when friends or family come over. If you want a dinner that’s both simple to prepare and packs a flavorful punch, you need to give this one a try. I promise, once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again—just like I do!
Print
Baked Chicken Wet Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 large wet burrito
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Wet Burrito recipe offers a deliciously saucy twist on the classic burrito, filled with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection and served with enchilada sauce and sour cream for a comforting Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons Fiesta corn
- ¼ cup cooked white rice
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other Ingredients
- 1 large burrito-sized tortilla
- ¼ cup enchilada sauce
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the burrito perfectly.
- Prepare the Tortilla: Lay the large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
- Add Filling: Spread the shredded chicken down the center of the tortilla, then top it evenly with cooked white rice, black beans, Fiesta corn, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the Burrito: Fold in the ends of the tortilla, then roll it tightly around the filling to encase everything securely.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Position the burrito seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and help maintain its shape.
- Bake the Burrito: Bake the burrito in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to warm through and slightly melt the cheese inside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the burrito, spoon the enchilada sauce generously over it, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the burrito to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Spoon extra enchilada sauce and a dollop of sour cream over the burrito before serving for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a large, soft flour tortilla. Warm it briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make it more pliable for easier rolling.
- Leave some space at the ends of the tortilla to allow you to fold them in before rolling tightly, which prevents filling from leaking out.
- Roll the burrito tightly and securely to maintain its shape during baking and eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large burrito
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg