Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of chicken fajitas but do not feel like standing over a hot skillet making them one batch at a time, this fajita chicken casserole recipe is a great answer. It brings tender chicken, rice, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, creamy sauce, fajita seasoning and plenty of melted cheese together in one satisfying dish. Everything goes into a casserole dish, bakes together, and comes out as an easy dinner that is filling enough for the whole family.

This is the kind of meal that works especially well on busy evenings. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, and there is no need to prepare several separate side dishes. The rice, vegetables and chicken are already part of the casserole, making this a simple all-in-one meal.

Fajita Chicken Casserole at a Glance

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced bell peppers and onions
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• Optional: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado or salsa for serving

Also Read: Chicken Marsala

Ingredient Notes

Cooked Chicken

Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe much faster, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work. Leftover baked chicken is also a good choice. Make sure the chicken is shredded or cut into small bite-sized pieces so every serving gets a good mix of ingredients.

Rice

Instant rice is useful here because it cooks quickly in the casserole. Regular uncooked rice needs a different amount of liquid and a longer cooking time, so it should not be swapped directly without adjusting the recipe.

Bell Peppers and Onions

You can use a frozen fajita vegetable blend for convenience. If you have a little extra time, fresh bell peppers and onions can be sautéed first. This gives them a slightly sweeter flavor and adds more of that classic fajita taste.

Cheese

A Mexican cheese blend works nicely, but cheddar, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can also be used. Pepper jack is a good option if you want a little more heat.

Also Read: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

How to Make Fajita Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes with chilies and fajita seasoning. Add about 1 cup of the shredded cheese and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Fill the Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer so the rice cooks evenly.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese has melted.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Add chopped cilantro, salsa, avocado or sliced jalapeños if desired.

Also Read: Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

What You Can Do Better

A few small changes can make this casserole even better. For a deeper fajita flavor, sauté fresh bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet before adding them to the casserole. Let them develop a little color around the edges rather than simply softening them. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the rich and cheesy filling.

If you like a stronger smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use a smoky fajita seasoning. For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies, pepper jack cheese or fresh jalapeños. Black beans or pinto beans can also be mixed in to make the casserole more filling and add extra fiber.

Easy Variations

What to Serve with Fajita Chicken Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a few simple toppings or sides can turn it into a larger meal. Try serving it with warm flour tortillas, tortilla chips, guacamole, fresh salsa, pico de gallo or a simple green salad. A spoonful of sour cream and a few slices of avocado also work particularly well with the spicy, cheesy filling.

Also Read: Parmesan Chicken Breast

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover fajita chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. Larger portions can be reheated in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until warmed through.

You can also freeze the casserole. For the best texture, freeze it before baking if possible. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, although the rice may become slightly softer after thawing and reheating.

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional information is an approximate estimate per serving and can vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates only and will change based on the type of chicken, soup, cheese, seasoning and other products used.