Description

This Fajita Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining shredded chicken, instant rice, and a zesty blend of fajita seasonings with creamy soup and melted Mexican cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheese, this casserole is quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights, and serves six people.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts)
2 cups instant rice

Dairy and Cheese

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 (8-ounce) shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups), divided

Vegetables and Seasonings

1 cup frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Ro*Tel), undrained
1 (1.12-ounce) packet fajita seasoning

Liquids

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen diced onion and bell pepper blend, canned diced tomatoes with chilies (including the juice), chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to cook.
Add remaining cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese uniformly over the top, and return it to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking for easier slicing. Serve warm alongside a fresh green salad or warm tortillas to complete the meal.

Notes

Use leftover cooked chicken to save time or substitute with rotisserie chicken.
Instant rice cooks quickly, but ensure it is fully incorporated with the liquid for best texture.
For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: Fajita chicken, casserole, baked rice dish, Mexican blend cheese, quick dinner, one-dish meal