Fajita Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient and Quick: Utilizes pre-cooked shredded chicken and instant rice for a meal that comes together swiftly.

• Flavorful Fusion: Merges the savory taste of fajitas with the comforting texture of a casserole.

• Minimal Cleanup: Combines multiple components into a single baking dish, simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (approximately 3 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 (e.g., Ro*Tel), undrained

• 1½ cups chicken broth

• 1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning

• 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine Ingredients:

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

3. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

4. Initial Baking:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes.

5. Add Remaining Cheese:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.

6. Final Baking:

   • Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Fajita Chicken Casserole!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6–8 servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian Fajita Casserole:

   • Replace the shredded chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of both. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn to enhance the flavor and texture.

2. Low-Carb Fajita Casserole:

   • Substitute the instant rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Incorporate additional low-carb vegetables such as spinach and extra bell peppers.

3. Spicy Fajita Casserole:

   • Add finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick. Serve with a side of spicy salsa or hot sauce to elevate the heat.

4. Cheesy Fajita Casserole:

   • Increase the amount of cheese used, mixing different varieties like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a richer, cheesier experience.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration:

  • Allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing:

  • To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• Reheating:

  • Refrigerated Casserole: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until hot.

  • Frozen Casserole: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice. Ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole, and adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

3. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with a different type of soup?

Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of chicken soup, depending on your flavor preference.

4. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that all packaged ingredients, such as the cream of chicken soup and fajita seasoning, are certified gluten-free

Fajita Chicken Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that combines shredded chicken, fajita seasoning, rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce into a hearty, one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy, Tex-Mex-inspired casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
• 2 cups instant rice (or pre-cooked rice)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with chilies (e.g., Ro*Tel), undrained
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (1.12 oz) packet fajita seasoning
• 8 oz shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Uncooked instant rice
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Frozen onion & bell pepper mix
  • Diced tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
  • Chicken broth
  • Fajita seasoning
  • Half of the shredded cheese
• Stir until well mixed.

3. Assemble & Bake:

• Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

4. Add Cheese & Final Bake:

• Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Return to oven uncovered and bake for 5–7 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado slices.

Notes

• Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap instant rice for cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and mushrooms.