Easy Fajita Chicken Casserole Recipe

A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines all the bold flavors of chicken fajitas in one convenient dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8 people
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Protein & Base

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large chicken breasts)
  • Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker with some broth
• 2 cups instant rice (uncooked)
  • Note: Instant rice cooks faster than regular rice and absorbs flavors well in casseroles

Creamy Elements

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • This creates the creamy base that binds everything together
• 1 cup sour cream
  • Adds tanginess and richness – use full-fat for best results

Vegetables & Flavor

• 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
  • No chopping required! These vegetables add the classic fajita crunch and flavor
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies (like RoTel), undrained
  • RoTel tomatoes add both tomato flavor and mild heat

Liquid & Seasoning

• 1½ cups chicken broth
  • This liquid cooks the rice and adds extra chicken flavor
• 1 packet (1.12 oz) fajita seasoning
  • Contains a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other Tex-Mex spices

Cheese

• 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)
  • A mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and other cheeses

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil
• Non-stick cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace (5 minutes)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Prepare the casserole dish by lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
   • This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier

Step 2: Create the Casserole Mixture (10 minutes)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Shredded cooked chicken
   • Uncooked instant rice (Don’t cook it first – it will cook in the oven)
   • Cream of chicken soup
   • Sour cream
   • Frozen onion and bell pepper blend (No need to thaw)
   • Undrained diced tomatoes with chilies
   • Chicken broth
   • Fajita seasoning packet
   • Half of the shredded cheese (save the rest for topping)
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined
   • Make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish
2. Spread evenly using a spoon or spatula
   • Ensure the mixture reaches all corners of the dish for even cooking

Step 4: First Baking Phase (35 minutes)

1. Cover tightly with aluminum foil
   • This traps steam to cook the rice properly
2. Bake for 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
   • The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed

Step 5: Final Cheese Layer (10 minutes)

1. Remove foil carefully (watch for hot steam!)
2. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top
3. Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes
   • Until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish Pairings

• Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas
• Add a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro
• Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad

Toppings Bar Ideas

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra sour cream
• Hot sauce or salsa

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days
• Reheat individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes

Freezer Storage

• Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating

Reheating Tips

• Cover with foil when reheating in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
• Add a splash of chicken broth if mixture seems dry

Recipe Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

• Mild: Use regular diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes with chilies
• Medium: Add 1 diced jalapeño to the mixture
• Hot: Use hot fajita seasoning and add diced serrano peppers

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice: Can substitute with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice
• Protein: Try shredded beef, turkey, or make it vegetarian with black beans
• Soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
• Cheese: Try pepper jack for extra heat or sharp cheddar

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty casserole provides a complete meal with protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. The bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C, while the onions provide antioxidants and flavor compounds that support heart health.

Why This Recipe Works

This one-dish meal is perfect for busy families because it requires minimal prep work and uses convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables. The instant rice cooks perfectly in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors while you focus on other tasks. It’s also ideal for meal prep, potluck dinners, or feeding a crowd.

Cook’s Tips for Success

1. Don’t skip the foil during the first baking phase – it’s essential for cooking the rice properly
2. Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor
3. Don’t drain the tomatoes – the liquid helps cook the rice
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving
5. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking if desired

This comforting Tex-Mex casserole brings all the flavors of chicken fajitas to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!