There’s something soul-soothing about Smothered Burritos—that golden, oven-crisped tortilla hugging juicy Mexican chicken, all blanketed in a cheesy green chili sour cream sauce that tastes like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is your new dinner BFF.
Seriously, these baked burritos are crispy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to throw together (even on a weeknight when your toddler is using Tupperware as drums and your inbox has 47 unread messages).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Smothered Burritos
If you’ve never had a Smothered Burrito, let me be the first to say—welcome to the club! This dish checks all the boxes:
- Flavor-packed: That Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken is already doing the heavy lifting, but the cheesy green chili sauce takes it to a whole new level.
- Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside: The burritos are baked to golden perfection, then topped with that dreamy sauce.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap in ingredients based on what you’ve got in your fridge.
And hey, if your family is anything like mine, the moment this comes out of the oven, all conversations stop and forks start flying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Baked Chicken Burritos:
- 1 recipe Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (you can find this linked in the full recipe)
- 6 burrito-sized tortillas (raw/uncooked tortillas work best for that crisp finish)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
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)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼–½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ of a 4 oz. can mild chopped green chilies (or more, if you’re feeling bold)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce to taste (optional—but encouraged if you like a little sass)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocados or guacamole
- Cilantro
- Salsa
- Tortilla strips or chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with the Chicken:
Prepare the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken as per the recipe directions (it’s a make-ahead dream!). Once it’s done, drain any extra liquid so your burritos don’t go soggy. - Build Your Burritos:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a baking rack on top.
Spoon a heaping ½ cup of the chicken into each tortilla. Add shredded cheese on top (don’t be shy), and roll them up burrito-style. - Bake Until Beautiful:
Place the burritos on the rack. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil or spray them with nonstick spray.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and crispy. Want them extra crispy? Broil for 1–2 minutes on each side—but don’t walk away! (Speaking from experience: burnt burritos are a buzzkill.) - Whip Up the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add flour, stir constantly for 3 minutes.
Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Add your seasonings and let it simmer, stirring until it thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
Remove from heat. Stir in green chilies, cheddar cheese until melted, and finally the sour cream. A dash of hot sauce? Yes, please. - Smother and Serve:
Pour that luscious sauce over the baked burritos and pile on your favorite toppings. Dinner. Is. Served.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Smothered Burritos
- Use raw tortillas if possible! They crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t skip the rack when baking—this keeps the burritos from getting soggy on the bottom.
- Got leftover chicken? This recipe is a life-saver for meal prepping.
- Want it vegetarian? Sub the chicken for seasoned black beans and rice—equally delicious.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
I made these Smothered Burritos for a family movie night once, thinking they’d just be a cozy meal while we rewatched The Princess Bride (again). But the burritos completely stole the show. My husband asked if we could have “burrito night” every week—and my kids gave me the rare and glorious “Mom, this is better than Chipotle” seal of approval.
Let’s just say, they’ve been on rotation ever since.
FAQs About Smothered Burritos
Can I freeze these Smothered Burritos?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen (add 10–15 minutes to the cook time). Add sauce after heating.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of slow cooker chicken?
You sure can. Just season it with a little taco seasoning or salsa to bump up the flavor.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Conclusion
Smothered Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, insanely delicious, and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the stress. The cheesy sauce alone might just earn you a standing ovation (or at least a “What’s for dinner tomorrow?”).
So go ahead, preheat that oven and let’s bring some burrito magic to your kitchen tonight!
Explore More Chicken Magic Recipes You’ll Love
If these Smothered Burritos hit the spot (and we know they did!), you’re going to love exploring more of our flavor-packed creations. From easy slow cooker favorites to zesty handhelds and creamy comfort food, Chicken Magic Recipes has something sizzling for every craving. Keep the magic going with these reader-favorite recipes:
- Try our Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken—the same tender and flavorful base used in today’s Smothered Burritos. Make extra and use it throughout the week!
- Craving another cheesy handheld? You’ll fall in love with these crispy Chicken Chimichangas—golden, gooey, and perfect for a family fiesta.
- For a bowl-style twist, check out the Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls—they’ve got all the bold flavors you love, minus the tortilla wrap.
- If you’re in the mood for smoky-sweet flavor with a twist, don’t miss these irresistible Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos—the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and totally satisfying.
These recipes pair beautifully with your weekly meal plan and keep your dinners exciting without added stress. Dive in, explore, and let your kitchen shine with Chicken Magic!
Print
Smothered Burritos
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Smothered Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—golden, crispy chicken burritos smothered in a cheesy green chili sour cream sauce. This crave-worthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Baked Chicken Burritos
1 recipe Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (link in notes)
6 burrito-sized tortillas (preferably raw/uncooked)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray
Cheesy Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups low sodium chicken broth, warmed
½ teaspoon cumin
¼–½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup sour cream
½ (4 oz) can mild chopped green chilies (or more to taste)
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Optional Toppings
Diced tomatoes
Avocado or guacamole
Chopped cilantro
Salsa
Tortilla strips or chips
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
Prepare the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken according to the linked recipe. Drain any excess liquid after cooking.Assemble Burritos:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and top with a baking rack. Add ½ cup of chicken to each tortilla, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and roll tightly.Bake Burritos:
Place burritos on the rack. Brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Broil both sides for extra crunch, if desired.Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium. Stir in flour and cook for 3 minutes. Lower heat and slowly whisk in warmed chicken broth. Add cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in green chilies, cheese, then sour cream. Add hot sauce if using.Smother and Serve:
Pour the cheesy sauce over the baked burritos and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Get the full Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken recipe here: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Raw tortillas bake crispier than pre-cooked ones—use them if available!
Leftover burritos can be frozen before baking and baked straight from the freezer.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg