Name: Fajita Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts); 2 cups instant rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies (like RoTel), undrained; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning; 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

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This Fajita Chicken Casserole is an irresistible dish that brings together tender chicken, zesty fajita spices, creamy rice, and gooey cheese all in one pan. It’s a Tex-Mex delight that is sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for a busy weeknight or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole is quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)

2 cups instant rice

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies (like RoTel), undrained

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning

1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with a combination of black beans, corn, and extra vegetables.

Spicy Kick: Add more diced chilies or a bit of hot sauce to the casserole mix for an extra spicy kick.

Rice Alternatives: If you prefer a healthier option, you could use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of instant rice for a lighter take.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an even more indulgent result.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, using leftover chicken is a great way to speed up the preparation. Just shred it up and add it to the casserole mixture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed.

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

You can, but keep in mind that you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Regular rice generally requires a longer cooking time and more liquid to cook properly.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! After assembling it, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

What can I serve with Fajita Chicken Casserole?

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but I like to serve it with a side of tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or some guacamole and sour cream to make it a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Conclusion

This Fajita Chicken Casserole has quickly become one of my go-to meals. The blend of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors is perfect for anyone who loves bold, satisfying Tex-Mex dishes. It’s easy to make, customizable, and makes for a great meal to share with family or enjoy as leftovers. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead option, this casserole has you covered.

Recipe:

Fajita Chicken Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is an irresistible Tex-Mex dish combining tender chicken, zesty fajita spices, creamy rice, and gooey cheese all in one pan. Perfect for a busy weeknight or as a make-ahead meal.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen onion and bell pepper blend, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.