Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that hits all the right notes, this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe has you covered! It transforms classic Tex-Mex favorites into a creamy, cheesy, one-dish wonder, loaded with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and just enough spice to keep things exciting. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a weeknight hero that brings fajita flair to your table in the most comforting and satisfying way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe lies not just in big, bold flavors, but also in how each ingredient plays a part in building irresistible layers of texture and taste. Each component is chosen not only for convenience but also for the way it brings the whole fiesta together!
- Cooked chicken: Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken saves time and ensures every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
- Instant rice: Quick-cooking rice soaks up all the savory juices, making the casserole beautifully hearty without any hassle.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds extra creaminess for that classic comforting casserole texture.
- Sour cream: Delivers a tangy pop and luscious richness, tying all the flavors together.
- Frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend: The colorful veggies you expect in fajitas, without the extra chopping—plus, they add sweetness and crunch.
- Diced tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel): These bring a zesty, slightly spicy kick and keep everything moist.
- Chicken broth: Helps the rice cook perfectly and builds savory depth in every mouthful.
- Fajita seasoning: The all-in-one spice mix that makes this casserole sing—smoky, garlicky, a little citrusy.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts down to bubbly, golden perfection and ties the whole dish together.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13 inch baking dish a generous spritz of nonstick spray. This quick step means cleanup is a breeze, and nothing will stick as your casserole bakes to bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Mix Up the Magic
In a roomy bowl, pile in your 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 the cheese. Stir everything together—don’t worry if it looks a bit saucy at this stage, that’s exactly what you want! The rice will soak up all that flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam that cooks the rice to fluffy, tender perfection.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your dish into the oven and let it bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is fully cooked and everything smells absolutely delicious. (If your oven runs hot, start checking after 35 minutes.)
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish
Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle over the rest of that shredded cheese, and return the casserole to the oven for just a few more minutes. Watch closely—the cheese will get irresistible and melty, signaling it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Now for the fun part—topping off your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe! Scatter on some freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a few slices of creamy avocado or a dollop of extra sour cream for a colorful, Tex-Mex flourish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light sides—think crisp green salad, charred corn on the cob, or classic refried beans. Tortilla chips on the side are perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve hefty squares straight from the dish for a family-style comfort vibe, or scoop servings into soft tortillas for a casserole-taco mashup. It’s also fantastic spooned into warm bowls and topped with extra jalapeños or fresh pico de gallo for a customizable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe keeps like a dream. Simply transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even better overnight, making for truly crave-worthy lunches.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and pop in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes should do the trick. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick, satisfying meal on the fly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Brown rice takes significantly longer to cook and absorbs more liquid, so if you substitute it, par-cook the rice first or use quick-cooking brown rice for the best texture in your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for a can of drained black beans and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for a tasty meatless version.
Can I prepare Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What toppings go best with this casserole?
Some favorites include sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, extra shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Customize away to suit everyone at the table!
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add some extra chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicier fajita seasoning blend to turn up the heat in your Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe truly brings the best of comfort food and Tex-Mex excitement to your weeknight table. Give it a try—you’re going to love how laid-back, hearty, and flavorful it is. Invite friends or family, and watch this casserole disappear!
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Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Fajita Casserole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of fajitas in a comforting casserole form. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups shredded Cooked chicken (about 2 large breasts)
- 2 cups Instant rice
- 1 10.5-ounce Can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced Onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 10-ounce can diced Tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 1.12-ounce packet Fajita seasoning (I prefer McCormick)
- 1 8-ounce package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion and bell pepper, tomatoes with chilies, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and about half of the cheese.
- Prepare Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, top with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chicken Fajita Casserole, Fajita Casserole Recipe, Mexican Casserole
