.png){kind=small}
Fajita Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful, Easy One-Dish Meal for Any Night
If you love the bold, smoky flavors of fajitas but want something simpler and faster to prepare, this Fajita Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution. Combining tender shredded chicken with vibrant bell peppers and onions, creamy soup and sour cream, zesty tomatoes with chilies, and cheesy goodness all baked into a hearty casserole, this dish captures the essence of classic fajitas in a comforting, family-friendly one-pan meal.
This casserole is easy to assemble, uses mostly pantry staples, and requires minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the use of instant rice speeds up cooking and makes this an efficient dinner choice.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through all the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, and variations so you can confidently make this dish your new favorite dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Fajita Chicken Casserole
- Bold Mexican-inspired flavors: The fajita seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies give this casserole a bright, savory, and mildly spicy flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: Uses cooked chicken and common pantry items like cream of chicken soup and instant rice.
- One-dish convenience: All ingredients combine in a single casserole dish, making assembly and cleanup easy.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (approximately 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 cups instant rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as RoTel), undrained
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (about 1.12 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups), divided
How to Make Fajita Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This prevents sticking and helps with easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked instant rice, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Next, add the frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend along with the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid). Pour in the chicken broth, which helps cook the rice and meld the flavors during baking.
Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly. Finally, fold in half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, reserving the other half for topping later. The cheese mixed into the casserole base adds creaminess and richness.
Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform cooking and even cheese coverage.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and allows the rice to cook properly while keeping the casserole moist.
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole thicken and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Tips for Making the Best Fajita Chicken Casserole
- Use shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs yourself. This step saves time and adds moisture.
- Instant rice speeds up cooking: Using instant rice means no pre-cooking, simplifying the process. Regular rice will require more liquid and longer baking.
- Don’t skip the liquid: Chicken broth is essential for cooking the rice inside the casserole and adding flavor.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of fajita seasoning or choose a mild version. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add fresh toppings: Once served, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the dish.
- Mix frozen veggies: If you want more vegetables, add corn, black beans, or zucchini to the mix for added texture and nutrition.
Variations to Try
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and substitute with cooked beans (black beans or pinto beans) and extra vegetables like corn and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use different cheeses: Swap Mexican blend cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier version.
- Make it gluten-free: Check that your cream of chicken soup and fajita seasoning are gluten-free or make your own seasoning blend. Use gluten-free instant rice if available.
- Add rice alternatives: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, though cooking times and liquid ratios may need adjustment.
Serving Suggestions
Fajita Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs well with:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping
- A side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Fresh guacamole and salsa
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt dolloped on top
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To avoid drying out, cover loosely with foil if reheating in the oven.
This casserole also freezes well. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you will need to pre-cook the rice separately as it will not fully cook during the baking time. Alternatively, increase the liquid and baking time, but results may vary.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
Fajita Chicken Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of fajitas with less effort and mess. It’s perfect for busy families, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy soup, and melted cheese baked to perfection makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
Give this recipe a try and customize it to your taste. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time and plenty of leftovers to enjoy later!