Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a one-dish meal packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. It combines tender shredded chicken with instant rice, a creamy base, and a spicy mix of fajita seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies. Baked with melted Mexican blend cheese, it makes for an effortless and delicious family dinner that always hits the spot.

I first made this casserole on a weeknight when I needed something comforting and quick. Now it’s a favorite in our house for gatherings or anytime we want that spicy cheesy goodness without standing over the stove for hours.

Ingredients

• Four cups shredded cooked chicken: which gives you lean protein and soaks up the flavors
• Two cups instant rice: to save time and add heartiness without fuss
• One can cream of chicken soup: creating a creamy base that binds everything together
• One cup sour cream: for richness and a slight tang that balances the spices
• One cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend: adds convenience and the classic fajita veggie flavor
• One can diced tomatoes with chilies: undrained for spice and moisture
• One and a half cups chicken broth: to keep the casserole moist as it bakes
• One packet fajita seasoning: choose a quality brand like McCormick for authentic flavor
• One package shredded Mexican blend cheese: divided to melt on top and inside the casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray so the casserole won’t stick after baking.

Mix Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, diced tomatoes with chilies including the juice, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Assemble Casserole:

Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to help the rice and ingredients cook uniformly.

Cover and Bake:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture inside. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Add Remaining Cheese:

Remove the foil carefully, don’t burn yourself with the steam. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the casserole surface. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Serve:

Take the casserole out and let it cool slightly so the flavors set and it’s easier to serve. This recipe makes enough to serve six people.

Pin it

My favorite ingredient here is the diced tomatoes with chilies. They add just the right amount of brightness and heat, transforming a simple casserole into a festive feast. This dish always brings me back to family dinners where everyone gathered around the table sharing stories and laughing while waiting for the cheese to melt.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If freezing, portion out into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to skip cooking chicken yourself. Fresh diced onions and bell peppers may add extra texture if you prefer instead of frozen. For a dairy-free version, switch sour cream and cheese with vegan alternatives and check soup and seasoning for allergens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess. Warm tortillas on the side make it easy to scoop up the cheesy filling fajita style.

Cultural Context

Pin it

This dish takes classic Mexican-American fajita flavors and turns them into a comforting casserole. It’s a great example of how Tex-Mex favorites can be adapted into easy, crowd-pleasing family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh diced onions and bell peppers can enhance texture and flavor compared to frozen. Simply sauté them slightly before mixing if desired.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when combining the ingredients before baking.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ Can rotisserie chicken be used?

Absolutely, using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor without changing the dish’s texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ensure the cream of chicken soup and fajita seasoning are labeled gluten-free to make the dish safe for gluten-free needs.